AKC Issues Warning Over "Marmaduke" Movie
The new Twentieth Century Fox movie "Marmaduke" follows the story of a loveable, but accident-prone, Great Dane whose family moves from a small town in Kansas to the big city of Los Angeles. The AKC says that while Great Danes have gentle and loving dispositions, puppies can be more clumsy and rambunctious and they need early obedience training because of their size and strength. The breed’s most recent claim to fame comes from Giant George, a blue Great Dane from Arizona. Weighing in at 245 lbs. and measuring 7’3" from his nose to the end of his tail, The Guinness Book of World Records named Giant George the world’s tallest dog ever.
"The Great Dane Club of America hopes that anyone who sees this movie and becomes interested in having a Great Dane as a pet does their research to make sure it’s the right breed for their lifestyle," said Dave Miller, President of the Great Dane Club of America. "Everything is bigger when you own a Great Dane. They eat a lot of food and take up a lot of space in your home and car. We recommend that families meet several full grown adult Great Danes to make sure they understand how large this breed really is."
According to 2009 American Kennel Club registration statistics, the Great Dane is the 21st most popular breed in the United States. The breed was originally bred at least 400 years ago to hunt boar and it’s name is the English translation of the French name "grand Danois". For those looking to add a Great Dane to their home, the AKC recommends that potential dog owners contact to obtain information about responsible breeders in their area.
