Great Dane Breed Standard
Comparison Chart

History / Origin and Purpose:	CKC: (Not indicated in CKC Standard.) AKC: (Not indicated in AKC Standard.) UKC: The ancestors of the Great Dane include British mastiffs and possibly wolfhounds, brought to Europe, first by the Romans and later by German aristocrats seeking to improve their hunting dogs. Despite its name, the Great Dane is a German breed. During the 15th and 16th centuries, German forests were filled with game, and hunting wild boar with dogs was a favorite pastime of German nobility. Each lord kept large numbers of boarhounds, which they carefully bred to improve their size, power, and endurance. When game in the forests began to dwindle, the large breeding kennels disappeared but the Great Dane continued to be a favorite with German aristocrats. Great Danes were exhibited at the first German Dog show in 1863, and the first Danes were imported into the United States not long thereafter. In this country, Great Danes are popular family companions for people who admire their regal appearance and affectionate personalities. The Great Dane was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1923. KC: (Not indicated in KC Standard.) FCI: As forerunners of the present day Great Dane, one must look at the old "Bullenbeisser" (Bulldog) as well as the " Hatz-and Saurüden " (Hunting and wild boar hounds), which were midway between the strong Mastiff of English type and the fast, handy Greyhound. The term Dogge was at first understood to mean a large, powerful dog, not of any particular breed. Later, particular names such as Ulmer Dogge , English Dogge, Great Dane, Hatzrüde (Hunting Dog), Saupacker (boarfinder) and Grosse Dogge (Great Dogge), classified these dogs according to colour and size. In the year 1878 a Committee of seven was formed in Berlin, consisting of active breeders and judges with Dr. Bodinus in the chair, which made the decision to classify all the forenamed varieties as " Deutsche Doggen " (Great Danes). Thus the foundation was laid for the breeding of a separate German breed. In the year 1880, on the occasion of a show in Berlin, the first standard for the Deutsche Dogge was laid down. This standard has been taken care of since the year 1888 by the "Deutsche Doggen Club 1888 e.V." (German Doggen Club, registered Club 1888) and frequently been revised over the years. The present Standard meets the requirements of the F.C.I.
General Appearance:	CKC: The Great Dane combines in its distinguished appearance dignity, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well formed, smoothly muscled body. He is one of the giant breeds but is unique in that his general conformation must be so well balanced that he never appears clumsy and is always a unit — the Apollo of dogs. He must be spirited and courageous — never timid. He is friendly and dependable. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which give the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an impression of great masculinity in dogs as compared to an impression of femininity in bitches. The male should appear more massive throughout than the bitch, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should appear as square as possible. In bitches, a somewhat longer body is permissible. Faults: Lack of unity; timidity; bitchy dogs; poor musculature; poor bone development; out of condition; rickets; doggy bitches. AKC: The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body. It is one of the giant working breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move with a long reach and powerful drive. It is always a unit-the Apollo of dogs. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an impression of great masculinity in dogs, as compared to an impression of femininity in bitches. Lack of true Dane breed type, as defined in this standard, is a serious fault. UKC: The Great Dane is a very large, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. The body is square, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at the withers. The head is long, rectangular, and finely chiseled. Ears are medium in size, high set, and may be drop or cropped. The tail is a natural extension of the spine, thick at the base and tapering to a point. Gender differences are apparent in this breed. Typically the dog is proportionately taller and heavier than the female. The bitch appears feminine in comparison to the dog. The Great Dane combines great size with dignity and elegance, giving rise to its nickname, the Apollo of dogs. KC: Very muscular, strongly though elegantly built, with look of dash and daring, of being ready to go anywhere and do anything. Head and neck carried high, tail in line with back, or slightly upwards, but never curled over hindquarters. Elegance of outline and grace of form most essential. FCI: The Great Dane in his noble appearance combines a large, powerful well constructed body with pride, strength and elegance. By substance together with nobility, harmonious appearance, well proportioned outlines, as well as a specially expressive head, the Great Dane strikes the onlooker as a noble statue. He is the Appolo amongst all breeds.
Temperament / Characteristics:	CKC: (As indicated under "General Appearance" in the CKC Standard.) He must be spirited and courageous — never timid. He is friendly and dependable. AKC: The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. UKC: The Great Dane is spirited, courageous, friendly, and dependable. Great Danes are easygoing dogs, affectionate with family members and self-confident with strangers. The Great Dane has a stable, easy going nature, preferring to lounge on the couch near a loved one to almost any other pastime. They are good with children but their great size makes them more suitable for older children and teenagers. Great Danes are easily trained but need consistency. KC: Characteristics - Alert expression, powerful, majestic action displaying dignity. Temperament - Kindly without nervousness, friendly and outgoing. FCI: : Friendly, loving and devoted to his owners, specially to the children. Reserved towards strangers. Required is a confident, fearless, easily tractable, docile companion and family dog with high resistance to provocation and without aggression.
Size:	CKC: The male should not be less than 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches (81 cm) or more, providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female should not be less than 28 inches (71 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches (76 cm) or more, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Substance is that sufficiency of bone and muscle which rounds out a balance with the frame. Faults: Lightweight whippety Danes; coarse, ungainly proportioned Danes; there should be balance always. AKC: Size, Proportion, Substance The male should appear more massive throughout than the bitch, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should be square. In bitches, a somewhat longer body is permissible, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less than 30 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches or more, providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female shall not be less than 28 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Danes under minimum height must be disqualified. UKC: The Great Dane is a giant working breed and should always appear well proportioned for its size. A mature male may not be less than 30 inches at the shoulder. A mature female may not be less than 28 inches, although 30 inches or more is preferred. Disqualification: A mature male Great Dane under 30 inches at the shoulder; a mature female Great Dane under 28 inches at the shoulder. KC: Minimum height of an adult dog over eighteen months: 76 cms (30 ins); bitches: 71 cms (28 ins). Weight, minimum weight over eighteen months: dogs: 54 kgs (120 lbs); bitches: 46 kgs (100 lbs). FCI: Important Proportions: Almost square in build, this applies particularly to males. The length of the body (point of sternum to point of buttocks) should not exceed height at withers in dogs by more than 5%, in bitches by more than 10%. Height at withers : Dogs at least 80 cm, Bitches at least 72 cm.
Coat and Colour:	(Note that the Boston or Black-Mantled is not included in the Kennel Club U.K. or the FCI Breed Standards.) CKC: The coat should be very short and thick, smooth and glossy. Faults: Excessively long hair (stand-off coat); dull hair (indicating malnutrition, worms, and negligent care). Colour Brindle Danes Base colour ranging from light golden yellow to golden yellow always brindled with strong black cross stripes. The more intensive the base colour and the more intensive the brindling, the more attractive will be the colour. Small white marks at the chest and toes are not desirable. Faults: Brindle with too dark a base colour; silver-blue and greyish-blue base colour; dull (faded) brindling; white tail tip. Fawn Danes Golden yellow up to deep golden yellow colour with a deep black mask. The golden deep-yellow colour must always be given the preference. Small white spots at the chest and toes are not desirable. Faults: Yellowish-grey, bluish-yellow, greyish-blue, dirty-yellow colour (drab colour), lack of black mask. Blue Danes The colour must be pure steel blue as far as possible without any tinge of yellow, black, or mouse grey. Faults: Any deviation from a pure steel-blue colouration. Black Danes Glossy black. Faults: Yellow-black, brown-black or blue-black. White markings, such as stripes on the chest, speckled chest and markings on the paws are permitted but not desirable. Harlequin Danes Base colour: pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; pure white neck preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket or so small as to give a strippled or dappled effect. (Eligible but less desirable are a few small grey spots, also pointings where instead of a pure white base with black spots, there is a white base with single black hairs showing through which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect.) Faults: White base colour with a few large spots; bluish-grey pointed background. Boston or Black-Mantled Danes A black and white dog with a black mantle extending over the body; white blaze or muzzle or both; white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; part or whole white collar; white tipped tail; dark eyes; dark nose. Acceptable but less desirable--lack of collar. Faults: Any variation detracting from the general appearance. AKC: Coat: The coat shall be short, thick and clean with a smooth glossy appearance. Color, Markings and Patterns: Brindle - The base color shall be yellow gold and always brindled with strong black cross stripes in a chevron pattern. A black mask is preferred. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intensive the base color and the more distinct and even the brindling, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are equally undesirable. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted, dirty colored brindles are not desirable. Fawn - The color shall be yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The deep yellow gold must always be given the preference. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted dirty colored fawns are not desirable. Blue - The color shall be a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Black - The color shall be a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Harlequin - Base color shall be pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small gray patches, or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect. Mantle - The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar is preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar. Any variance in color or markings as described above shall be faulted to the extent of the deviation. Any Great Dane which does not fall within the above color classifications must be disqualified. UKC: Coat: The coat is short, close, and thick with a smooth, glossy appearance. Color : The following are the only allowed colors, markings, and color patterns: BRINDLE - Strong black stripes in a chevron pattern on a yellow gold background. Preference shall be given where the base color is more intense and the brindling is more distinct and even. A black mask is preferred. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrow, and may appear on the ears and tip of the tail. Faults: Too much or too little brindling; white markings on the chest and toes; black-fronted or dirty colored brindles. FAWN - Yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrow, and may appear on the ears and tip of the tail. Preference is given to a deep yellow gold. Faults: White markings on the chest and toes; black-fronted or dirty colored fawns. BLUE - Pure steel blue. Faults: White markings on the chest and toes. BLACK - Glossy black. Faults: White markings on the chest and toes. HARLEQUIN - Black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over a white background. The black patches should never be so large as to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a dappled effect. The presence of a few small gray patches or single black hairs showing through the white background, giving a dirty effect, are allowed but not preferred. BOSTON - A solid black blanket extending over the body and skull with the following white markings: white muzzle, white collar, white chest, white on part or on the whole of the fore and hind legs, white tip of the tail. A full white collar is preferred. A small white marking in the blanket or a break in the white collar is acceptable. This color pattern is sometimes known as "Mantle." Disqualification: Any color, marking, or color pattern not described above; albinism. KC: Coat - Short dense and sleek-looking, never inclined to roughness. Colour Brindles : must be striped, ground colour from lightest buff to deepest orange, stripes always black, eyes and nails preferably dark, dark shadings on head and ears acceptable. Fawns: colour varies from lightest buff to deepest orange, dark shadings on head and ears acceptable, eyes and nails preferably dark. Blues: colour varies from light grey to deep slate, the nose and eyes may be blue. Blacks: black is black. In all above colours white is only permissible on chest and feet, but it is not desirable even there. Nose always black, except in blues and harlequins. Eyes and nails perfectly dark. Harlequins: pure white underground with preferably all black patches or all blue patches, having appearance of being torn. Light nails permissible. In harlequins, wall eyes, pink noses, or butterfly noses permissible but not desirable. FCI: SKIN : Tight fitting. In solid colours, well pigmented. In harlequins, the distribution of pigment mainly corresponds to the markings. HAIR : Very short, dense, smooth and close lying, glossy. COLOUR : The Great Dane is bred in three separate colour varieties: Fawn and brindle, harlequin and black, and blue. Fawn : Light gold fawn to deep gold fawn. Black mask desired. Small white marks on chest and toes undesirable. Brindle : Basic colours, light to deep gold fawn with black stripes as regular and clearly defined as possible, running with the direction of the ribs. Black mask desired. Small white markings on chest and toes are undesirable. Harlequin (white with black splashed patches) : Basic colour pure white, preferably with no ticking. Pure black patches well distributed all over the body, having the appearance of being torn. Grey or brownish patches undesirable. Black : Jet black, white markings permitted. Included here are " Manteltiger " in which the black covers the body like a coat ("mantel") or blanket and muzzle, throat, chest, belly, legs and tip of tail may be white. Also dogs with basic white colour and large black patches so called "Plattenhunde". Blue : Pure steel blue, white markings on chest and feet permitted.
Head:	(Note that the AKC, CKC, and UKC Standards allow for natural or cropped Ears while the Kennel Club U.K. and the FCI Standard do not include cropped Ears as part of their Standards.) CKC: Head: Long, narrow, distinguished, expressive, finely chiselled, especially the part below the eyes (which means that the skull plane under and to the inner point of the eye must slope without any bony protuberance in a pleasing line to the full square jaw), with strongly pronounced stop. The masculinity of the male is very pronounced in the expression and structure of head (this subtle difference should be evident in the dog's head through massive skull and depth of muzzle); the bitch's head may be more delicately formed. Seen from the side, the forehead must be sharply set off from the bridge of the nose. The forehead and the bridge of the nose should be straight and parallel to one another. Seen from the front, the head should appear narrow, the bridge of the nose should be as broad as possible. The cheek muscles must show slightly but under no circumstances should they be too pronounced (cheeky). The muzzle part must have full flews and must be as blunt vertically as possible in front; the angles of the lip must be quite pronounced. The front part of the head, from the tip of the nose up to the centre of the stop should be as long as the rear part of the head from the centre of the stop to the only slightly developed occiput. The head should be angular from all sides and should have definite flat planes and its dimensions should be absolutely in proportion to the general appearance of the Dane. Faults: Any deviation from the parallel planes of skull and foreface; too small a stop; a poorly defined stop or none at all; too narrow a nose bridge; the rear of the head spreading laterally in a wedgelike manner (wedge head); an excessively round upper head (apple head); excessively pronounced cheek musculature; pointed muzzle; loose lips hanging over the lower jaw (fluttering lips) which create an illusion of a full deep muzzle. The head should be rather shorter and distinguished than long and expressionless. The nose must be large and in the case of brindled and ?single-coloured? Danes, it must always be black. In harlequins, the nose should be black; a black spotted nose is permitted; a pink-coloured nose is not desirable. Teeth strong, well developed and clean. The incisors of the lower jaw must touch very lightly the bottoms of the inner surface of the upper incisors (scissors bite). If the front teeth of both jaws bite on top of each other, they wear down too rapidly. Faults: Even bite; undershot and overshot; incisors out of line; black or brown teeth; missing teeth. Eyes of a medium size, as dark as possible, with lively intelligent expression; almond-shaped eyelids, well-developed eyebrows. Faults: Light-coloured, piercing, amber-coloured, light blue to a watery blue, red or bleary eyes; eyes of different colours; eyes too far apart; Mongolian eyes; eyes with pronounced haws; eyes with excessively drooping lower eyelids. In blue and black Danes, lighter eyes are permitted but are not desirable. In harlequins, the eyes should be dark. Light-coloured eyes, two eyes of different colour and walleyes are permitted but not desirable. Ears should be high, set not too far apart, medium in size, of moderate thickness, drooping forward close to the cheek. Top line of folded ear should be about level with the skull. Cropped ears; high set; not set too far apart, well pointed but always in proportion to the shape of the head and carried uniformly erect. Faults: Hanging on the side, as on a Foxhound. AKC: Head: The head shall be rectangular, long, distinguished, expressive, finely chiseled, especially below the eyes. Seen from the side, the Dane's forehead must be sharply set off from the bridge of the nose, (a strongly pronounced stop). The plane of the skull and the plane of the muzzle must be straight and parallel to one another. The skull plane under and to the inner point of the eye must slope without any bony protuberance in a smooth line to a full square jaw with a deep muzzle (fluttering lips are undesirable). The masculinity of the male is very pronounced in structural appearance of the head. The bitch's head is more delicately formed. Seen from the top, the skull should have parallel sides and the bridge of the nose should be as broad as possible. The cheek muscles should not be prominent. The length from the tip of the nose to the center of the stop should be equal to the length from the center of the stop to the rear of the slightly developed occiput. The head should be angular from all sides and should have flat planes with dimensions in proportion to the size of the Dane. Whiskers may be trimmed or left natural. Eyes shall be medium size, deep set, and dark, with a lively intelligent expression. The eyelids are almond-shaped and relatively tight, with well developed brows. Haws and mongolian eyes are serious faults. In harlequins, the eyes should be dark; light colored eyes, eyes of different colors and walleyes are permitted but not desirable. Ears shall be high set, medium in size and of moderate thickness, folded forward close to the cheek. The top line of the folded ear should be level with the skull. If cropped, the ear length is in proportion to the size of the head and the ears are carried uniformly erect. Nose shall be black, except in the blue Dane, where it is a dark blue-black. A black spotted nose is permitted on the harlequin; a pink colored nose is not desirable. A split nose is a disqualification. Teeth shall be strong, well developed, clean and with full dentition. The incisors of the lower jaw touch very lightly the bottoms of the inner surface of the upper incisors (scissors bite). An undershot jaw is a very serious fault. Overshot or wry bites are serious faults. Even bites, misaligned or crowded incisors are minor faults. UKC: The Great Dane head is proportionate to the size of the dog, long, rectangular, and finely chiseled, especially below the eyes. Viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are of equal length, straight, parallel to one another, and joined by a strongly pronounced stop. Viewed from above, the planes of the skull and foreface are parallel and the bridge of the nose is very broad. Gender difference is readily apparent. A correct head is essential to Great Dane breed type. SKULL -- The skull is broad, long and nearly flat, with parallel sides. Cheeks are clean and cheek muscles are not prominent. Supraorbital ridges are well developed. Faults: Narrow or short skull. MUZZLE -- In profile, the muzzle is long, equal in length to the skull, and deep. The underline of the lower jaw is nearly parallel to the bridge of the muzzle. The end of the muzzle is blunt, and almost perpendicular to the upper and lower lines of the jaw, forming a distinctly rectangular muzzle. The bridge of the muzzle is very broad, so that the end of the muzzle, viewed from the front, appears almost square. Mouth is dry. Removal of whiskers is permitted but not preferred. Faults: Muzzle too long or too short; loose, fluttering lips. TEETH -- The Great Dane has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Minor faults: Crowded lower incisors; level bite. Serious faults: Overshot; wry mouth. Very serious fault: Undershot. NOSE -- The nose is black, except for blue Danes where the nose is a dark blue-black. A black spotted nose is acceptable, but not preferred, on a harlequin Dane. Fault: Pink nose Disqualification: Split nose. EYES -- Eyes are medium in size, almond-shaped, tight, and dark brown. A slightly lighter shade of brown is acceptable, but not preferred, in the blue Danes. Light-colored eyes, eyes of different colors, and walleyes are permitted in the harlequin Dane but not preferred. Faults: Round or protruding eyes; yellow eyes; eyes too close together. Serious faults: Visible haw; obliquely set Mongolian eyes; functional abnormality of eyelids or eyelashes. EARS -- Ears may be cropped or natural, with no preference. Ears are high set and of moderate thickness. Natural ears are medium in size and fold forward close to the cheek. The top line of the ear fold is level with the skull. Cropped ears should be in proportion to the size of the head and stand erect, but a dog with properly set ears must not be penalized for an imperfect ear crop. Faults: Any deviation from the standard that contributes to a hound-like appearance. KC: Head and Skull - Head, taken altogether, gives idea of great length and strength of jaw. Muzzle broad, skull proportionately narrow, so that whole head when viewed from above and in front, has appearance of equal breadth throughout. Length of head in proportion to height of dog. Length from nose to point between eyes about equal or preferably of greater length than from this point to back of occiput. Skull flat, slight indentation running up centre, occipital peak not prominent. Decided rise or brow over the eyes but not abrupt stop between them; face well chiselled, well filled in below eyes with no appearance of being pinched: foreface long, of equal depth throughout. Cheeks showing as little lumpiness as possible, compatible with strength. Underline of head, viewed in profile, runs almost in a straight line from corner of lip to corner of jawbone, allowing for fold of lip, but with no loose skin hanging down. Bridge of nose very wide, with slight ridge where cartilage joins bone (this is a characteristic of breed). Nostrils large, wide and open, giving blunt look to nose. Lips hang squarely in front, forming right angle with upper line of foreface. Eyes Fairly deep set, not giving the appearance of being round, of medium size and preferably dark. Wall, or odd eyes permissible in harlequins. Ears Triangular, medium size, set high on skull and folded forward, not pendulous. Mouth Teeth level. Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. FCI: CRANIAL REGION : Skull : In harmony with the general appearance. Long, narrow, distinct, full of expression. Finely chiselled, specially under the eyes. Superciliary ridges well developed but not protruding. The distance from tip of nose to stop and from stop to the lightly defined occipital bone should be as equal as possible. The upper lines of muzzle and skull should run parallel. The head must appear narrow seen from the front with bridge of nose as broad as possible. Cheek muscles only slightly defined and in no way protruding. Stop : Clearly defined. FACIAL REGION : Nose : Well developeded, rather broad than round with large nostrils. Must be black with the exception of harlequins (white with black patches). In these a black nose is desired but a butterfly nose (black with pink patches) or flesh coloured nose is tolerated. In blue dogs the colour of the nose is anthracite (diluted black). Muzzle : Deep and as rectangular as possible. Well defined corners of lips. Dark pigmented lips. In harlequins not totally pigmented or flesh coloured lips are tolerated. Jaws/Teeth : Well developed broad jaws. Strong sound and complete scissor bite (42 teeth according to the dentition formula). Eyes : Of medium size with lively friendly intelligent expression. As dark as possible, almond shaped with close fitting lids. In blue dogs slightly lighter eyes are tolerated. In harlequins light eyes or two differently coloured eyes are to be tolerated. Ears : Naturally pendant, set on high, of medium size, front edges lying close to cheeks.
Neck:	CKC: The neck should be firm and clean, high set, well arched, long, muscular and sinewy. From the chest to the head, it should be slightly tapering, beautifully formed, with well-developed nape. Faults: Short, heavy neck, pendulous throat folds (dewlaps). AKC: The neck shall be firm, high set, well arched, long and muscular. From the nape, it should gradually broaden and flow smoothly into the withers. The neck underline should be clean. UKC: The neck is long, well arched, and muscular. From the nape, the neck gradually broadens and flows smoothly into the shoulders. The underline of the neck is clean. Faults: Short, thick neck; ewe neck, goose neck. KC: Neck long, well arched, quite clean and free from loose skin, held well up, well set in shoulders, junction of head and neck well defined. FCI: Long, clean, muscular. Well formed set on, tapering slightly towards the head, with arched neckline. Carried upright but inclined slightly forward.
Body:	CKC: The withers form the highest part of the back which slopes downward slightly toward the loins, which are imperceptibly arched and strong. The back should be short and tensely set. Chest deals with that part of the thorax (rib cage) in front of the shoulders and front legs. The chest should be quite broad, deep and well muscled. Ribs and brisket deals with that part of the thorax back of the shoulders and front legs. Should be broad, with the ribs sprung well out from the spine and flattened at the side to allow proper movement of the shoulders extending down to the elbow joint. The belly should be well shaped and tightly muscled, and with the rear part of the thorax, should wing in a pleasing curve (tuck-up). Faults: Receding back; swayback; camel or roach back; a back line which is too high at the rear; an excessively long back. A narrow and poorly muscled chest; strong protruding sternum (pigeon breast). Narrow (slab-sided) rib cage; round (barrel) rib cage; shallow rib cage not reaching the elbow joint. Poor tuck-up. AKC: Withers shall slope smoothly into a short level back with a broad loin. The chest shall be broad, deep and well muscled. The forechest should be well developed without a pronounced sternum. The brisket extends to the elbow, with well sprung ribs. The body underline should be tightly muscled with a well-defined tuck-up. The croup should be broad and very slightly sloping. UKC: The Great Dane is a square dog. Its height, measured from the withers to the ground, should equal its length of body, measured from prosternum to point of buttocks. The length of the forelegs (measured from point of elbow to the ground) should approximately equal one-half of the dog's height. The topline of the Great Dane flows smoothly from the withers to a short, level back. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung out from the spine. The loin is short and broad, with a well-defined tuck-up. The chest is broad, well muscled, and deep, extending to the elbows. The forechest is well developed but without a pronounced sternum. The body underline is tightly muscled. KC: Very deep, brisket reaching elbow, ribs well sprung, belly well drawn up. Back and loins strong, latter slightly arched. FCI: Withers : The highest point of the strong body. It is formed by the points of the shoulder blades which extend beyond the spinal processes. Back : Short and firm, in almost straight line falling away imperceptibly to the rear. Loins : Slightly arched, broad, strongly muscled. Croup : Broad, well muscled. Sloping slightly from hipbone to tail set, imperceptibly merging into the tailset. Chest : Reaching to the elbows. Well sprung ribs, reaching far back. Chest of good width with marked forechest. Underline and belly : Belly well tucked up towards rear, forming a nicely curved line with the underside of the brisket.
Forequarters:	CKC: The shoulder blade must be strong and sloping and seen from the side, must form as nearly as possible a right angle in its articulation with the humerus (upper arm) to give a long stride. A line from the upper tip of the shoulder to the back of the elbow joint should be as nearly perpendicular as possible. Since all dogs lack a clavicle (collar bone) the ligaments and muscles holding the shoulder blades to the rib cage must be well developed, firm and secure to prevent loose shoulders. The upper arm should be strong and muscular. Seen from the side or front the strong lower arms run absolutely straight to the pastern joints. Seen from the front, the forelegs and the pastern roots should form perpendicular lines to the ground. Seen from the side, the pastern root should slope only very slightly forward. Paws round and turned neither toward the inside nor toward the outside. Toes short, highly arched and well closed. Nails short, strong and as dark as possible. Faults: Steep shoulders, which occur if the shoulder blade does not slope sufficiently; over-angulation; loose shoulders which occur if the Dane is flabbily muscled, or if the elbow is turned towards the outside; loaded shoulders. Elbows turned towards the inside or towards the outside, the former position caused mostly by too narrow or too shallow a chest, bringing the front legs too closely together and at the same time turning the entire lower part of the leg outward; the latter position causes the front legs to spread too far apart, with the pastern roots and paws usually turned inward. Seen from the side, a considerable bend in the pastern toward the front indicates weakness and is in most cases connected with stretched and spread toes (splay foot); seen from the side a forward bow in the forearm (chair leg); an excessively knotty bulge in the front of the pastern joint. Spreading toes (splay foot), bent, long toes (rabbit paws); toes turned toward the outside or towards the inside; light-coloured nails. AKC: The forequarters, viewed from the side, shall be strong and muscular. The shoulder blade must be strong and sloping, forming, as near as possible, a right angle in its articulation with the upper arm. A line from the upper tip of the shoulder to the back of the elbow joint should be perpendicular. The ligaments and muscles holding the shoulder blade to the rib cage must be well developed, firm and securely attached to prevent loose shoulders. The shoulder blade and the upper arm should be the same length. The elbow should be one-half the distance from the withers to the ground. The strong pasterns should slope slightly. The feet should be round and compact with well-arched toes, neither toeing in, toeing out, nor rolling to the inside or outside. The nails should be short, strong and as dark as possible, except that they may be lighter in harlequins. Dewclaws may or may not be removed. UKC: Shoulders are strong, smoothly muscled, and securely attached to the rib cage. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back. The upper arm appears to be equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. The elbows are close to the body. A line drawn from the upper tip of the shoulder blade to the back of the elbow joint will be perpendicular to the ground. The forelegs are straight with strong, slightly sloping pasterns. Faults: Toeing in or out; down in pasterns. KC: Shoulders muscular, not loaded, well sloped back, with elbows well under body. Forelegs perfectly straight with big flat bone. FCI: Shoulders : Strongly muscled. The long, slanting shoulder blade forms an angle of 100 to 110 degrees with the upper arm. Upper arm : Strong and muscular, close fitting, should be slightly longer than the shoulder blade. Elbows : Turned neither in nor out. Forearm : Strong, muscular. Seen from front and side, completely straight. Carpus : Strong, firm, only slightly standing out from the structure of the forearm. Pastern : Strong, straight when seen from the front, seen from the side, barely slanting forwards. Front feet : Rounded, well arched, well-knit toes (cat feet). Nails short, strong and as dark as possible.
Hindquarters:	CKC: The croup must be full, slightly drooping and must continue imperceptibly to the tail root. Hind legs, the first thighs (from hip joint to knee) are broad and muscular. The second thighs (from knee to hock joint) are strong and long. Seen from the side, the angulation of the first thigh with the body, of the second thigh with the first thigh, and the pastern root with the second thigh should be very moderate, neither too straight nor too exaggerated. Seen from the rear, the hock joints appear to be perfectly straight, turned neither towards the inside nor towards the outside. Paws, round and turned neither towards the inside nor towards the outside. Toes short, highly arched and well closed. Nails short, strong and as dark as possible. Faults: A croup which is too straight; a croup which slopes downward too steeply; and too narrow a croup. Hind legs: soft, flabby, poorly muscled thighs; cow-hocks which are the result of the hock joint turning inward and the hock and rear paws turning outward; barrel legs, the result of the hock joints being too far apart; steep rear. As seen from the side, a steep rear is the result of the angles of the rear legs forming almost a straight line; overangulation is the result of exaggerated angles between the first and second thighs and the hocks and is very conducive to weakness. The rear legs should never be too long in proportion to the front legs. Spreading toes (splay foot); bent, long toes (rabbit paws); toes turned towards the outside or towards the inside. Furthermore, the fifth toe on the hind legs appearing at a higher position and with wolf?s claw or spur; excessively long nails; light-coloured nails. AKC: The hindquarters shall be strong, broad, muscular and well angulated, with well let down hocks. Seen from the rear, the hock joints appear to be perfectly straight, turned neither toward the inside nor toward the outside. The rear feet should be round and compact, with well-arched toes, neither toeing in nor out. The nails should be short, strong and as dark as possible, except they may be lighter in harlequins. Wolf claws are a serious fault. UKC: The hindquarters are strong, broad, and muscular, with hocks well let down. The croup is broad and very slightly sloping. The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. When the dog is standing, the short, strong rear pasterns are perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to one another. Faults: Steep croup; lack of rear angulation; over-angulation; cow hocks; open hocks. Feet are round, tight, and well arched. Nails are strong and as dark as possible, except that they may be lighter in harlequins. Front dewclaws may be removed. Faults: Hare foot; splay foot. Serious fault: Rear dew claws. KC: Extremely muscular, giving strength and galloping power. Second thigh long and well developed, good turn of stifle, hocks set low, turning neither in nor out. Feet - Cat-like, turning neither in nor out. Toes well arched and close, nails strong and curved. Nails preferably dark in all coat colours, except harlequins, where light are permissible. FCI: The whole skeleton is covered by strong muscles which make the croup, hips and upper thighs appear broad and rounded. The strong well angulated hind legs, seen from behind, are set parallel to the front legs. Upper thigh : Long, broad, very muscular. Stifles : Strong, positioned almost vertically under the hip joint. Lower thigh : Long, of approximately the same length as the upper thigh. Well muscled. Hocks : Strong, firm, turning neither in nor out. Metatarsus : Short, strong, standing almost vertical to the ground. Hind feet : Rounded, well arched, well-knit (cat feet). Nails short, strong and as dark as possible.
Tail:	CKC: Should start high and fairly broad, terminating slender and thin at the hock joint. At rest, the tail should fall straight. When excited or running, slightly curved (sabre-like). Faults: A too high, or too low-set tail (the tail-set is governed by the slope of the croup); too long or too short a tail; tail bent too far over the back (ring tail); a tail which is curled; a twisted tail (sideways); a tail carried too high over the back (gay tail); a brush tail (hair too long on lower side). Cropping tail to desired length is forbidden. AKC: The tail should be set high and smoothly into the croup, but not quite level with the back, a continuation of the spine. The tail should be broad at the base, tapering uniformly down to the hock joint. At rest, the tail should fall straight. When excited or running, it may curve slightly, but never above the level of the back. A ring or hooked tail is a serious fault. A docked tail is a disqualification. UKC: The tail is a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapers to the tip. A tail of the correct length extends to the hock but never below. When the dog is relaxed, the tail hangs down naturally. When the dog is moving or alert, the tail may curve slightly upward but never above the level of the back. Serious faults: Ring or hooked tail. Disqualification: Docked tail. KC: Thick at the root, tapering towards end, reaching to or just below hocks. Carried in straight line level with back, when dog is moving, slightly curved towards end, but never curling or carried over back. FCI: Reaching to the hocks. Set on high and broad, tapering evenly towards tip. In repose hanging down with natural curve. When dog is alert or moving, carried slightly sabre-like but not markedly above the backline. Bristle hair on tail undesirable.
Gait:	CKC: Long, easy, springy stride with no tossing or rolling of body. The back line should move smoothly, parallel to the ground. The gait of the Great Dane should denote strength and power. The rear legs should have drive. The forelegs should track smoothly and straight. The Dane should track in two parallel straight lines. Faults: Short steps. The rear quarters should not pitch. The forelegs should not have a hackney gait (forced or choppy stride). When moving rapidly the Great Dane should not pace for the reason that it causes excessive side-to-side rolling of the body and thus reduces endurance. AKC: The gait denotes strength and power with long, easy strides resulting in no tossing, rolling or bouncing of the topline or body. The backline shall appear level and parallel to the ground. The long reach should strike the ground below the nose while the head is carried forward. The powerful rear drive should be balanced to the reach. As speed increases, there is a natural tendency for the legs to converge toward the centerline of balance beneath the body. There should be no twisting in or out at the elbow or hock joints. UKC: When trotting, the gait is effortless, with long, easy strides, and showing good but not exaggerated reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward centerline of balance. KC: Action lithe, springy and free, covering ground well. Hocks move freely with driving action, head carried high. FCI: Harmonious, lithe, ground covering, slightly springy. Legs must be parallel in movement coming and going.
Faults:	CKC: The faults below are important according to their grouping (very serious, serious, minor) and not according to their sequence as placed in each grouping: Very Serious: Lack of unity. Poor bone development. Poor musculature. Lightweight whippety Danes. Rickets. Timidity. Bitch dog. Sway back. Roach back. Cow-hocks. Pitching gait. Short steps. Undershot teeth. Serious: Out of condition. Coarseness. Any deviation from the standard on all colouration. Deviation from parallel planes of skull and foreface. Wedge head. Poorly defined stop. Narrow nose bridge. Snipey muzzle. Any colour but dark eyes in fawns and brindles. Mongolian eyes. Missing teeth. Overshot teeth. Heavy neck. Short neck. Dewlaps. Narrow chest. Narrow rib cage; round rib cage; shallow rib cage. Loose shoulders; steep shoulders. Elbows turned inward. Chair legs (front). Knotty bulge in pastern joint (adult dog). Weak pastern roots. Receeding back. Too long a back. Back high in rear. In harlequins, a pink nose. Poor tuck-up (except in bitches that have been bred). Too straight croup; too sloping croup; too narrow croup. Over-angulation. Steep rear. Too long rear legs. Poorly muscled thighs. Barrel legs. Paws turned outward; rabbit paws. Wolf's claw. Hackney gait. Minor: Doggy bitches. Small white marks on chest and toes--blues, blacks, brindles, and fawns. Few grey spots and pointings on harlequins. Excessively long hair. Excessively dull hair. Apple head. Small stop. Fluttering lips. Eyes too far apart. Drooping lower eyelids. Haws. Any colour but dark eyes in blacks, blues and harlequins. Discoloured teeth. Even bite. Pigeon breast. Loaded shoulders. Elbows turned outward. Paws turned inward. Splay foot. Excessively long toenails. Light nails (except in harlequins). Low set tail. Too long a tail. Too short a tail. Gay tail. Curled tail. Twisted tail. Brush tail. AKC: Lack of true Dane breed type, as defined in this standard, is a serious fault. Haws and mongolian eyes are serious faults. An undershot jaw is a very serious fault. Overshot or wry bites are serious faults. Even bites, misaligned or crowded incisors are minor faults. A ring or hooked tail is a serious fault. Wolf claws are a serious fault. Any variance in color or markings as described above shall be faulted to the extent of the deviation. UKC: Narrow or short skull. Muzzle too long or too short; loose, fluttering lips. Teeth: — Minor faults: Crowded lower incisors; level bite. Serious faults: Overshot; wry mouth. Very serious fault: Undershot. Pink nose Round or protruding eyes; yellow eyes; eyes too close together. Serious faults: Visible haw; obliquely set Mongolian eyes; functional abnormality of eyelids or eyelashes. Ears: Any deviation from the standard that contributes to a hound-like appearance. Short, thick neck; ewe neck, goose neck. Forequarters: Toeing in or out; down in pasterns. Hindquarters: Steep croup; lack of rear angulation; over-angulation; cow hocks; open hocks. Hare foot; splay foot. Serious fault: Rear dew claws. Serious faults: Ring or hooked tail. Brindles: Too much or too little brindling; white markings on the chest and toes; black-fronted or dirty colored brindles. Fawns: White markings on the chest and toes; black-fronted or dirty colored fawns. Blues: White markings on the chest and toes. Blacks: White markings on the chest and toes. KC: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. FCI: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree. General appearance : Lack of male or female characteristics, lack of balance, too light, too coarse in built. Temperament : Lacking self-confidence, nervous, easily provoked. Head : Lines of head not parallel, apple head, wedge shaped head, too little stop; too prominent cheek muscles. Muzzle : Pointed, lacking flews, lips too pendulous. Bridge of nose concave (dish shaped), convex (roman nose), falling away in front part (eagle nose). Jaws/Teeth : Any deviation from a complete set of teeth (only the missing of both PM1 in the lower jaw may be tolerated). Irregular position of individual incisors as long as the bite remains otherwise correct), teeth too small. Eyes : Slack lids, haw too red. Light, piercing, amber coloured eyes. Wall eyes or differently coloured eyes in all solid coat colours. Eyes too wide apart or slit eyes. Eyes protruding or too deeply set. Ears : Set on too high or too low. Standing off from the sides of the head or flat lying. Neck : Short thick neck, ewe neck, throatiness or excess of dewlap. Back : Sway back, roach back. Too long in back. Topline rising towards rear. Croup : Falling away steeply or completely flat. Tail : Too thick, too long or too short, set on too low or too highly carried above the back line. Hook tail or curled tail as well as tail carried sideways. Tail which is damaged, thickened at the tip or has been docked. Ribcage : Flat or barrel-shaped ribs. Lack of width or depth of chest. Too strongly protruding breastbone. Lower line : Belly line not sufficiently tucked up. Teats not sufficiently retracted. Forelegs : Insufficient angulation. Light bone, weak muscles. Stance not vertical. Shoulders : Loose or loaded. Upright shoulder blade. Elbows : Loose, turning in or out. Forearm : Bent, enlarged above pastern. Pastern : Enlarged, markedly weak or knuckling over. Metacarpus : Too sloping or too upright. Hindquarters : Too much or too little angulation. Cow hocked, close together or open hocked when standing. Hocks : Exaggerated large or unstable. Feet : Flat, splayed, long. Dewclaws. Gait/Movement : Covering too little ground, lack of freedom in action. Frequent or constant pacing. Lack of co-ordination between front and hind movement. Coat : Double coat (coarse, short coat), dull coat. Colour : - In fawn : Grey fawn, blue fawn, isabella (cream) or sooty fawn colour. - In brindles : Basic colour silver blue or isabella. Washed-out streaks. - In harlequins : Blue-grey ticked basic colour. Large fawn-grey or blue-grey parts in the patches. - In blacks : Fawn, brown or blue-black colour. - In blues: Fawn or black-blue colour. SERIOUS FAULTS : Temperament : Shyness. Jaws/Teeth : Pincer bite. Eyes : Ectropion, entropion. Tail : Kinky tail.
Disqualifications:	CKC: Danes under minimum height. White Danes without any black marks (albinos). Merles, a solid mouse-grey colour or a mouse-grey base with black or white or both colour spots or white base with mouse-grey spots. Harlequins and solid-coloured Danes in which a large spot extends coatlike over the entire body so that only the legs, neck and the point of the tail are white. Brindle, fawn, and blue Danes with white forehead line, white collars, high white stockings and white bellies. Danes with predominantly blue, grey, yellow or also brindled spots. Docked tails. Split noses. AKC: Danes under minimum height. Split nose. Docked Tail. Any color other than those described under "Color, Markings and Patterns." UKC: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Split nose. Docked tail. Under minimum height. Color other than those described in "Color" paragraph. Albinism. KC: FCI: Temperament : Aggressiveness, fear-biting. Nose : Liver coloured; split nose. Jaws/Teeth : Overshot, undershot, wry mouth. Colour : Fawn or brindle dogs with white blaze, white collar, white feet or socks and white tip of tail. Blue dogs with white blaze, white collar, white feet or socks or white tip of tail. Harlequin dogs : White without any black (albinos), deaf. So called Porcelain tigers (dogs that show predominantly blue, grey, fawn or brindle patches), so called "Grautiger" (dogs that have a basic grey colour with black patches). Height : Below minimum height. N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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