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National Great Dane Day

Animal · June 12

A day for Great Danes, the giant, gentle dog breed known for its long legs, calm manner and habit of leaning on the people it loves.

National Great Dane Day falls on Saturday, June 12, 2027. That is 228 days away.

Great Danes are among the tallest dogs there are. A grown one standing on its hind legs can look a tall person in the eye, and many can rest a chin on a kitchen counter without trying.

For all that size, the breed is known for being calm and affectionate. Danes were originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar, but the modern dog is far more likely to spend the afternoon stretched across a sofa. Many owners describe the Dane lean, where the dog lets its whole weight settle against your legs as a kind of greeting. It is friendly, and it can also move you a step sideways.

The coats are short and come in several patterns, including fawn, brindle, black, blue, and harlequin, which is white with irregular black patches. The ears may be left natural and floppy. Big dogs tend to grow quickly and age sooner than small ones, so a Dane's puppy stage is brief and clumsy, all paws and elbows.

People mark the day by giving their own Danes a little extra attention, a longer walk or a new chew. Others visit breed rescues, which often have adult Danes looking for homes with room for a very long tail. That tail, by the way, is at exactly coffee table height.

Ways to celebrate

• Take a Great Dane on an extra unhurried walk.
• Share a photo of a Dane mid lean.
• Look up a local Great Dane rescue and read about their dogs.
• Donate a sturdy blanket or bed to a nearby shelter.
• Learn to tell fawn, brindle, blue and harlequin coats apart.

Dates

All national days on June 12

Also on June 12

• National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
• National Rosé Day
• National Jerky Day
• World Gin Day
• National Red Rose Day

Categories: Animal days