The Great Dane was originally known as the Boar Hound. A fearsome hunter, he can trace his origins back to a large dog found in Tibet. History says the Assyrians traded the giant canines to Greeks and Romans, who then bred them with other dogs. Some believe that Mastiffs or Irish Wolfhounds are related. Once their hunting days were over, they were then kept as companions. Further name changes were to English Dogge and then Kammerhunde (German for chamber hound), and as well, the Grand Danois, the final name to be used. The Great Dane was once more of an aggressive type dog but once he became a companion as opposed to a hunter, breeders developed a calmer personality. He was registered in the American Kennel Club in the Working Group in 1887. The Mastiff is a descendent of the molosser which is believed to originate in the mountains of Asia. Mastiffs are depicted in ancient Greek and Egyptian artwork. The Mastiff has been a herding dog and was also used during warfare by Kubla Khan. Unfortunately, the Mastiff has also been used as a fighting dog against foe such as the lion and gladiators. However, the Mastiff of today is quite gentle and still has his protective nature. He is a member of the American Kennel Club, also in the Working Group, and was registered in 1885. This makes the Daniff a great companion, watchdog, and all-around family dog.
