Description:
I think I'm in love - don't tell Ralph, my Bassett/Lab, but I soooooo want this dog! Riley is precious, easy going, and won't eat my cat (as long as he doesn't run, and Baranov NEVER runs from dogs - he rules this house!). Oh, wait, I forget - I'm supposed to be convincing YOU to adopt Riley, not my husband (the convincing part, not adopting....I get confused easily). Back to Riley - he likes kids and dogs and lazy cats, weighs a mere 132 pounds but we're trying to fatten him up to 140. Currently he is being fostered with two other Danes and a Greyhound (no room for furniture in that house!) and is doing great. Riley loves to cuddle, sleep on the sofa or bed, and is so well-behaved that he goes and lays down when told to do so (hear that, Ralph!). This is a very special dog and we're going to find him a very special home!

*** According to dogbreedinfo.com, the history of Great Danes go way back. Incised on some Greek money dating back to 36 B.C. is the image of a dog very similar to the Great Dane of today. The Great Dane is known as the "Apollo of all dogs." In 407 A.D. German Gaul and part of Italy and Spain were invaded by an Asiatic people (the Alans) who brought with them powerful mastiff-like dogs. In Germany especially, where these magnificent animals capable of overcoming bears and wild boars were much admired, a process of selective breeding was begun. The dogs were crossed with Irish Greyhounds, and the issue was the beautiful, large, thin, agile dog known today as the Great Dane. Despite the fact that they are called Danes in English, these dogs have nothing to do with Denmark. The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. They need plenty of exercise - at least a good walk a day. The expected life-span is about 10 years, although some live 12-13.