Deutsche Dogge - Riesige Hunde mit Vielfältiger Herkunft

The Deutsche Dogge is a majestic breed with a rich history. They originated in Germany, specifically in the regions of Bavaria and Württemberg.

Their name translates to "German Mastiff" and they're also known as the "Giant German Dog". They're a massive breed, with males weighing up to 200 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches.

Despite their intimidating size, Deutsche Dogges are known for their gentle and even-tempered nature, making them a popular choice as family pets.

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The Deutsche Dogge has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. The breed's ancestors were massige Kampfhunde, or massive fighting dogs, that were kept in ancient Assyria over 4000 years ago.

These early dogs were highly valued by the Romans, who brought them to Europe and used them in circus performances. The dogs were so popular that they were taken on military campaigns to Britain and Ireland, where they were crossed with local breeds to create the first Deutsche Doggen.

The breed's popularity continued to grow in the 19th century, with the first Deutsche Doggen being exhibited in Germany in 1878. By the late 19th century, the breed had become a beloved companion animal, with many German aristocrats keeping them as pets.

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The 16th to 18th centuries were a time of significant change and upheaval in human history. This period saw the rise of new empires and the decline of old ones.

The Ottoman Empire, which had been a major power since the 14th century, began to weaken in the 16th century. Its decline led to a power vacuum that was filled by European powers.

The 17th century was marked by the Thirty Years War, a devastating conflict that ravaged Europe. This war was fought over issues of religion, politics, and territory.

The Enlightenment, a cultural and intellectual movement, emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasized reason, individualism, and the scientific method.

The Scientific Revolution, which began in the 16th century, led to major breakthroughs in fields such as astronomy and physics.

As the 19th century began, the traditional hunting practices of the past were slowly fading away, especially with the rise of firearms and the decline of organized boar hunts. The Dogge breed, once a valuable asset in these hunts, was no longer needed.

Many other breeds associated with hunting, such as the Saufinder and the Bärenbeißer, also began to disappear. The Dogge became a rare and mostly kept as a pet or show dog.

The breed was still found in rural Württemberg, where it was known as the Ulmer Hund or Ulmer Dogge. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that the Dogge gained popularity again, this time as a luxury pet and show dog.

The breed was initially known as the "German Boarhound" in English-speaking countries, but this name was later changed to "Great Dane" in England's breeding records.

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The Deutsche Dogge has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years.

The ancestors of the Deutsche Dogge were massive fighting dogs, kept in ancient Assyria over 4000 years ago. They were later brought to Europe by the Romans, where they initially gained popularity as circus performers.

The Deutsche Dogge's development as a breed is closely tied to its use in hunting and guarding. In the Middle Ages, hound-like dogs were used for hunting and were crossed with other breeds to create larger, more powerful dogs.

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The Deutsche Dogge's name is a nod to its German heritage, but its origins are more complex. The breed's development is attributed to the crossing of Mastiffs with Irish Wolfhounds in 16th-century England.

The Deutsche Dogge's popularity waned in the 19th century, as hunting styles changed and smaller breeds became more fashionable. However, the breed's fortunes changed with the rise of dog shows and the establishment of the Deutsche Doggen Club in Berlin in 1888.

The Deutsche Dogge was initially known by various names, including the "Ulmer Dogge" and the "Dänische Dogge". However, the breed's name was standardized as the "Deutsche Dogge" in 1880.

The Deutsche Dogge is an impressive breed, and its physical characteristics are just as impressive. Its body is harmoniously proportioned, with a sturdy build that exudes elegance.

Rüden, or male Deutsche Dogges, can grow up to 90 cm in height, while Hündinnen, or female Deutsche Dogges, typically reach 72-84 cm. This is a significant size difference, but both males and females are considered large dogs.

The breed's rudder is high and broad, reaching down to the dog's spranggelenken, or hock joints. This is a distinctive feature of the Deutsche Dogge, and it adds to the breed's overall athleticism and agility.

The Deutsche Dogge's coat is short, dense, and has a beautiful sheen to it. It comes in three main colors: gelb und gestromt, gefleckt (tigerdoggen), and schwarz, as well as blau.

The Deutsche Dogge's physical characteristics are truly impressive.

Their size is one of their most notable features, with males ranging from 80 to 90 centimeters in height at the withers.

Females are slightly shorter, measuring between 72 and 84 centimeters.

Their rudder is high and broad, reaching down to their hocks and hanging naturally when at rest.

When excited, it's carried slightly curved.

Their gait is harmonious, smooth, and expansive, with a light springiness to it.

Their coat is short, dense, and lies flat against their muscular body, giving it a beautiful sheen.

There are three recognized color varieties: yellow and brindle, spotted (Tigerdogge), and black, as well as blue.

A Deutsche Dogge can grow to be quite impressive in size. Their shoulder height starts at 72 centimeters, with males often reaching 80 centimeters or more.

Their weight is just as impressive, ranging from 50 to 95 kilograms, depending on their size and gender.

Despite their massive size, a Deutsche Dogge's body is well-proportioned and exudes a sense of proud elegance.

Due to their large size, they require a substantial amount of food per day, which can lead to weight gain if not managed properly.

Their metabolism is slower compared to smaller dog breeds, making them prone to obesity.

To keep your Deutsche Dogge healthy, it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise.

Young Deutsche Dogges, in particular, need to be fed a balanced diet that's not too protein-rich.

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The Deutsche Dogge is known for its friendly and loving personality, which makes it a great companion for families. They are very affectionate and loving to their family members.

Self-satisfaction and fearlessness are also characteristic traits of the Deutsche Dogge. They are not typically aggressive, but they do have a high pain threshold. If not properly socialized and trained, they can become frustrated and restless.

Deutsche Doggen are naturally wary of strangers, but they are not aggressive. They are actually very sensitive and gentle, and they thrive on being with their people. They are highly intuitive and can pick up on their owner's emotions and body language.

Here are some key personality traits of the Deutsche Dogge:

The Deutsche Dogge is known for its friendly and loving personality. They are big on affection and love to be around their people.

One of the key characteristics of the Deutsche Dogge is their loyalty and attachment to their family. They are often described as "anhänglich" or clingy, which means they love to be close to their loved ones.

They can be a bit reserved around strangers, but this doesn't mean they're unfriendly. In fact, they're quite gentle and sensitive, making them a great companion for families with children.

Self-confidence and bravery are also essential traits of the Deutsche Dogge. They're not easily intimidated and will stand up for themselves when necessary.

However, it's worth noting that they can be a bit of a handful if they don't receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They need to be kept active and engaged to prevent boredom and frustration.

Here's a summary of the Deutsche Dogge's personality traits:

Overall, the Deutsche Dogge is a wonderful companion for families who are willing to provide the love, attention, and exercise they need.

The German Dogge has had a long and varied history when it comes to its name. The breed has been known by many names over the years, including Saupacker, Hatzrüde, Fanghund, and Dänische Dogge.

In some parts of Germany, the breed was particularly popular in its white and black spotted form, earning it the name Ulmer Dogge.

The breed's name has been influenced by its history and local breeding practices.

In other regions of Germany, a different color pattern was preferred, with blue and yellow markings becoming a hallmark of the breed.

The name Tigerdogge is thought to have originated from the breed's association with big cats in zoos and circuses.

Despite efforts by Denmark to be recognized as the breed's country of origin, the FCI has consistently ruled against it.

There are currently ongoing discussions in Denmark about splitting the breed into two separate types: the Deutsche Dogge and the Great Dane.

The Deutsche Dogge is a sensitive companion that thrives on close contact with its owner. It's essential to establish a strong bond to ensure the dog's emotional well-being.

Raising a Deutsche Dogge requires finesse, and using force or pressure will only lead to frustration. Instead, focus on creating a collaborative learning environment with patience, love, and consistent boundaries.

Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but regular checks on their eyes and ears are crucial to prevent any potential issues.

The Deutsche Dogge's coat is relatively easy to care for, as it's short and doesn't require much maintenance.

Regular checks on their eyes and ears are necessary to ensure their health.

Trennungen, or separations, can affect the dog's mood, so it's essential to provide a stable and loving environment.

A gentle and patient approach is crucial when training a Deutsche Dogge, as they respond well to positive reinforcement.

Their large size can make them more challenging to care for, but with the right attention and care, they can thrive.

When feeding a Deutsche Dogge, it's essential to provide high-quality food that's specifically formulated for their needs. They eat large amounts of food, especially during their growth phase, which can last up to two years.

A high-quality food is crucial to prevent digestive issues. This food should be designed to meet their nutritional requirements.

You'll need to invest in a height-adjustable feeder to prevent stomach twisting. These feeders are available in pet stores.

Feeding time can get messy, so be prepared to clean up after your dog and the feeding area.

The ideal bed for your German Shepherd is crucial for their comfort and health. German Shepherds need a soft, cushioned lying surface due to their significant weight.

A good orthopedic bed should have a layer of foam and a viscoelastic surface, also known as Memory Foam. This type of surface conforms to the dog's shape, keeping their spine straight and relieving pressure on their bones.

To determine the ideal size of a lying place, measure your dog's withers height and length from nose to tail base. Add 20 centimeters to each measurement.

For example, if your dog has a withers height of 80 centimeters and is 110 centimeters long, the ideal bed size would be 100 x 130 centimeters.

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The health of a Deutsche Dogge can be a concern due to its relatively low life expectancy. On average, a Deutsche Dogge lives to be around 8 years old.

Their size makes them prone to joint problems, such as Ellbogen- und Hüftgelenkdysplasie, and wear and tear on the spine.

As a result, they often suffer from heart and circulation issues, allergies, and gastric problems like Magendrehung.

It's worth noting that their health issues can be linked to their breeding, which focuses on external characteristics rather than overall well-being.

A Deutsche Dogge's lifespan is a topic of interest, especially when considering their unique characteristics. They have a relatively short lifespan, with an average of 7 years, as reported by the British Kennel Club.

Their lifespan can be influenced by their size and coat color. The larger and more unusual the coat color, the shorter their lifespan tends to be. This is a crucial consideration for breeders and owners.

A Deutsche Dogge is considered an "oldie" at the age of 8 years. This is an official designation, highlighting the breed's relatively short lifespan. In contrast, a healthy, well-bred Deutsche Dogge without gigantism could live up to 10-12 years.

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The Deutsche Dogge's health is a serious concern, with a relatively short lifespan of around eight years. This is partly due to the breed's focus on external characteristics during breeding.

Their large size makes them prone to joint problems, such as Ellbogen- und Hüftgelenkdysplasie, and wear and tear on the spine.

Heart issues and allergies are also common issues for Deutsche Dogges.

Magendrehung, or stomach twisting, is another health problem that can affect this breed.

Their health issues often come with a hefty price tag, including high veterinary bills and medication costs.

The breed's genetic predispositions can also lead to idiopathic aggressiveness in some individuals, making training and socialization a significant challenge.

In the past, breeding two blue parent dogs resulted in a small gene pool for this beautiful color variety, leading to inbreeding problems.

The German Doggenzucht quickly reacted by making targeted yellow crossbreeds, which solved the inbreeding issues and brought a significant improvement in the blue color type.

In the early days of blue breeding, there were many slender dogs with delicate heads, but this is no longer the case.

Today, the distinctive head shape that prevails in yellow breeding has also become established in blue breeding.

Crossing blue dogs with yellow dogs produces black puppies in the first generation, which are specially marked on their pedigree because they can only be used for breeding blue dogs.

These black puppies are quite different from those bred from spotted dogs.

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Acquiring a Deutsche Dogge can be a significant investment, with prices ranging from 1000 to 1800 euros for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

You can also consider adopting an adult Deutsche Dogge from a shelter, which can be a more affordable option. The costs for an adult dog are generally lower, with a small adoption fee.

The Deutsche Dogge is a large breed that requires regular exercise, with a recommended 2-3 hours of walking and playtime per day. They also need opportunities to run freely and off-leash, which can be achieved through visits to designated dog parks or areas.

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You should only buy German Mastiff puppies from parents with a maximum shoulder height of 80 cm. This ensures you're getting a healthy puppy.

When looking for a breeder, make sure they're not breeding dogs that are too closely related. Check the age of the ancestors of the puppies to avoid inbreeding.

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You can find German Mastiffs through a reputable breeder or a no-kill animal initiative that specializes in German Mastiffs.

Expect to pay between 1000 and 1800 euros for a puppy from a responsible breeder. The puppy should have already had its initial vaccinations and be raised in a puppy-friendly environment.

If you're not set on buying from a breeder, consider visiting your local animal shelter. They often have adult German Mastiffs looking for a new home.

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The Deutsche Dogge is a gentle giant, but it's not a beginner's breed. They need experienced owners who can provide a consistent and responsible upbringing from an early age.

To raise a well-behaved Deutsche Dogge, you should start training from the moment they're a puppy. This breed requires a clear line of authority and verbal communication to control their immense strength.

Spending at least 2-3 hours a day on walks is essential for a Deutsche Dogge's physical and mental well-being. They also need time to run freely without a leash, so consider enrolling them in a dog park or off-leash area.

Their size can intimidate other dog owners or passersby, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on your Deutsche Dogge in public. A simple recall and leash check can go a long way in preventing any issues.

While they're generally laid-back, Deutsche Dogges are not suited for high-energy activities like agility training due to their stature. However, obedience training and scent work can be great ways to engage their minds and keep them active.

A Deutsche Dogge's joints will thank you if you incorporate regular exercises to build muscle and prevent injuries like arthritis or herniated discs.

Their impressive size means they need a spacious living arrangement, ideally a house with a garden in a rural area. Anything less might lead to feelings of confinement and stress.

The Deutsche Dogge comes in a variety of colors, with three main varieties: Gelb und Gestromt, Gefleckt und Schwarz, and Blau. Each variety has its own unique characteristics.

The Blau variety, for example, has a natural gray coat with a subtle blue tone. The Gelb und Gestromt variety, on the other hand, is a striking combination of yellow and striped fur.

But with great color comes great responsibility - breeding Deutsche Doggen is a complex process, especially when it comes to the Gefleckt und Schwarz variety. This variety is particularly prone to the Merle factor, a genetic mutation that can lead to hearing and vision problems in affected dogs.

The Deutsche Dogge comes in three recognized color varieties: Gelb und Gestromt, Gefleckt und Schwarz, and Blau. The Blau variety has a natural gray coat with a slight blue tone.

The Deutsche Doggen Club 1888 e.V. (DDC) is the oldest dog breeding club in Germany and adheres to strict standards for breeding, including DNA testing for all listed dogs and puppies. All recognized color varieties must meet these standards.

Gefleckte Deutsche Doggen, also known as Tiger-Doggen, have a black and white coat pattern. The DDC prohibits breeding white dogs and the pairing of spotted dogs, as it can lead to health problems.

The Merle factor, a genetic mutation, can cause hearing and vision problems in dogs with this trait. Breeding two spotted dogs together increases the risk of their offspring being born with the Merle factor.

The DDC recognizes five colors for Deutsche Doggen: weiß-schwarz gefleckt, schwarz, blau, gelb, and gelb gestromt. These colors are divided into three groups: Gelb und Gestromt, Gefleckt und Schwarz, and Blau.

Breeding spotted dogs is considered the most difficult and unpredictable aspect of Deutsche Dogge breeding. Even with careful pairing, there is no guarantee of producing healthy, spotted puppies.

In the early 19th century, the breeding of dog-like dogs followed a simple and practical guideline: a good hunting dog must have a strong, not too short head, a broad chest, and strong legs.

The first serious effort to standardize breeding was made in 1879, when the first breeder's meeting took place, marking the beginning of planned breeding.

A key characteristic of a good hunting dog was a strong, not too short head, which was considered essential for its functionality.

The modern standard for breeding was established in 1891 and was published by the German Dog Club, which was founded in 1888.

By 1897, the first volume of the German Dog Breed Register contained 538 entries.