All Dog Breeds >>History of Great Dane
The Great Dane (18th Cent. French: Grand Danois), also known as German Mastiff (German: Deutsche Dogge) or Danish Hound (German: Dänischer Hund), is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) known for its giant size. The breed is commonly referred to as the "Apollo of all breeds". The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest dog breeds. The current world record holder, measuring 109 cm (43 in) from paw to shoulder; 220 cm (7.2 ft) from head to tail, is George. The previous Great Dane to hold the world record as tallest living dog was Gibson, who was 3+1⁄2 ft (106.7 cm) tall at the withers and 7 ft 1 in (215.9 cm) on his hind legs.