Pet owners condescend to their pets sometimes. Even the most understanding of us have been guilty of underestimating our pets' intelligence. I'm confident that you're seeing it happen in this video. This Great Dane's owner first tries to cajole him into getting out of the tub. Then she tries to to trick him by offering a car ride. "You're pathetic," she finally says. "You're huge; you can just step right out of there."
What makes her think he doesn't realize that? He doesn't look distressed. He's not whining for help. Maybe he likes it in that tub. Did she ever think of that? Maybe he's just being stubborn. Maybe that's the look a Great Dane gets on its face when what it means is, "I'm chillin'."
Yesterday, spectators in New York's Central Park got to see something completely unprecedented in canine history: The world's tallest dog making friends with the smallest pup on the planet! According to AOL News, the meeting of these polar opposites was arranged by Guinness to celebrate the launch of the 2011 Guinness Book of World Records, and specifically to highlight the new section on amazing animals (hooray!).
Measuring 7-foot-3 from snout to tail, George the Great Dane took up an entire row of first-class seats on his flight from his home in Tucson, Arizona. According to his owner David Nasser, the world's tallest living dog eats about 110lbs of dog food per month and enjoys luxuries like his very own queen size bed. He was featured on Oprah's "That's Incredible" episode, after all. (To read more about George go to this earlier Paw Nation article about the gentle giant.)
At only 4 inches tall, don't tell Boo Boo the long-haired Chihuahua she's not top dog. The "world's smallest living dog" and her owner Lana Elswick also flew first class from their home in Raceway, Kentucky -- though we doubt they got their own row of seats. This 24-ounce pup literally drinks water from a teaspoon.
Despite their vastly different sizes, both celebrity pups made a big splash during their stay in New York City. Each pooch was treated to first-class travel accommodations, including their own rooms at the swanky $400-a-night Warwick hotel -- all so these two opposite specimens could come face-to-face.
So, was Boo Boo's owner nervous about her pint-sized pup's encounter with George the Giant? "I was a little scared," Elswick tells AOL News. "I was a little afraid George would mistake my little Boo Boo for a snack. But he is, truly, a gentle giant."
In front of a legion of reporters from all over the world, these two glory hounds sniffed, licked, and reportedly bonded. How sweet. "He loves the attention," Nasser tells Aol News. "When the cameras are going and the flashes are going off he kind of perks up a little bit. It's pretty interesting."
Grooming: Despite the Great Dane's enormous size, the AKC states that "Their short coats require minimal grooming." The breed standard calls for a coat that's "short, thick and clean with a smooth glossy appearance." According to the GDCA, "The coat lies flat. Trimming of stray hairs is acceptable," should you plan to show your Dane.
Common Health Issues: Health issues for Great Danes include: "Bloat, osteosarcoma, Wobbler's Disease, heart issues, autoimmune issues, cherry eye and HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy or swollen joints)," Coval tells Paw Nation. In addition, the GDCA lists cataracts, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism as other common Great Dane ailments.
Remember the story about the goat and the Great Dane who had fallen in love after being rescued together at a downtown wedding venue in the Dallas area? Now the two inter-species soul mates -- Minelli the goat and Judy the Great Dane -- have been separated thanks to a state law that differentiates between pets and livestock.
Shortly thereafter, the livestock deputy arrived at the East Lake Pet Orphanage with a trailer and hauled heartbroken Minelli away. Apparently, both Minelli and Judy had a rough go of it for awhile, but both are bouncing back.
According to Dr. Fling, Judy is back in "good spirits," while Minelli the friendly goat has reportedly made a few new friends.
The live-action movie tells the story of Marmaduke as an awkward teenager who has trouble fitting in when the family moves from the Midwest to Southern California. (One of the plot points naturally involves a surfing competition.) Actor Owen Wilson voices the dog and Lee Pace, Judy Greer and William H. Macy star as several of the humans.
Even though the original comic strip and the new movie show the trouble the big dog gets into, breeders and rescuers expect that the film will spark a huge interest in Great Danes. The concern is that while at first, people will adore these amazing animals, once the new owners realize how large the dogs can get and how expensive they can be, they'll dump the unwanted pets in shelters. Serious breeders also fear that opportunists with little knowledge of the dog will race to breed the next hot commodity.
"Everything is bigger when you own a Great Dane," says Dave Miller, President of the Great Dane Club of America. "They eat a lot of food and take up a lot of space in your home and car," he adds. Families interested in adopting one of the dogs should spend time with several grown adult Great Danes "to make sure they understand how large the breed is," Miller says.
What else should you think about before getting your own Marmaduke?
Arlene Scarbrough, a longtime Great Dane breeder in Atlanta, recommends you consider that:
1) Great Danes generally weigh 150 to 200 pounds at adulthood.
2) At 6 months old, a Great Dane can knock you down the stairs if it jumps on you.
3) The dogs can be destructive. They'll chew on furniture, clothing and even sheet-rock. "We call them termites," Scarbrough says. If they aren't properly trained, she notes, "They can eat your house."
With so many puppy videos and so little time, we've gone the extra mile and begun cataloging some of the finest YouTube offerings, separating each collection by breed in a feature called Puppy Party!
Today's round-up features the gregarious Great Dane!
The world has a new tallest dog! At four years old, George the Great Dane stands 43 inches high from paw to shoulder, which is the method Guinness World Records uses to determine a dog's official height.
The announcement settles a hotly-contested debate that had been brewing since last November when Guinness proclaimed Titan, a Great Dane from San Diego, Calif. who measures 42.25 inches high at the shoulders, the World's Tallest Dog. George's owner, David Nasser of Tucson, Ariz., claimed that his Great Dane was taller, but there were conflicting reports about the dog's actual height. To settle the controversy, Guinness sent a representative to preside over an in-person measurement. The outcome? George had edged out Titan by three-quarters of an inch. (Prior to Titan and George, the previous holder of the World's Tallest Dog title was Gibson, a Great Dane who passed away in 2009.)
At 43 inches tall, "Giant George," as Nasser likes to call him, is the tallest dog ever recorded by Guinness World Records. He's already appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and has over 21,000 fans from all over the world on his Facebook page. "It's been amazing," says Nasser. "Fans have written in from the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea and South America."
The sable-colored Great Dane weighs a whopping 245 pounds and measures seven feet and three inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail -- though he doesn't raise up on his hind legs, he's too big for that. "When George is standing on all fours and lifts his head, the tip of his snout measures 55 inches, or more, off the ground," Nasser tells Paw Nation. "You have to be careful. Nothing is off-limits to him."
In response to the American Kennel Club's recent announcement of the Top 10 Most Popular Dogs of 2009 (based on registration statistics), we decided to unleash our own list (based on pure, unadulterated puppy love). And since we go nuts for just about every type of pooch at Paw Nation, it wasn't easy to narrow it down to ten. But thanks to your comments and our Facebook fans' input, we've come up with ten dogs who didn't make it on to AKC's list but are nonetheless tops with pet lovers across the country.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its bat ears and stub tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands out from the crowd. More sociable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (which we also love!), the Pembroke is a fantastic family dog that thrives when playing and training. They're highly intelligent, steadfastly loyal, and brave to boot.
Border Collie
Brains and beauty? Border Collies have it all! These intelligent pooches are highly energetic and love to herd objects -- and people! -- thanks to their history working alongside shepherds. Sandy, a Paw Nation reader and owner of three Collies, says her dogs are "protective and downright beautiful."
Pugs
Who could resist that cute little face? We love pugs for their playfulness and ability to adapt to any situation. Our Facebook fan Teresa shares our love for pugs. "Pugs are perfect! The best breed of dog that I have had... they have the sweetest disposition!"
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its bat ears and stub tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands out from the crowd. More sociable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (which we also love!), the Pembroke is a fantastic family dog that thrives when playing and training. They're highly intelligent, steadfastly loyal, and brave to boot.
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Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its bat ears and stub tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands out from the crowd. More sociable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (which we also love!), the Pembroke is a fantastic family dog that thrives when playing and training. They're highly intelligent, steadfastly loyal, and brave to boot.
2. Border Collie
Brains and beauty? Border Collies have it all! These intelligent pooches are highly energetic and love to herd objects -- and people! -- thanks to their history working alongside shepherds. Sandy, a Paw Nation reader and owner of three Collies, says her dogs are "protective and downright beautiful."
3. Pugs
Who could resist that cute little face? We love pugs for their playfulness and ability to adapt to any situation. Our Facebook fan Teresa shares our love for pugs. "Pugs are perfect! The best breed of dog that I have had... they have the sweetest disposition!"
4. West Highland White Terrier
The adorable Westie is a spunky, self-assured dog, and we love that they look like delicious furry marshmallows. Paw Nation reader Lorna, who owns three Westies says, "Westies are the bestie! I wouldn't be without a Westie at any time."
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Like an oversized Beanie Baby, the Cavalier is a friendly toy breed that can adapt to both city and country environments. Paw Nation reader Lana said her Cavalier Nellie, "is the sweetest, most loving dog imaginable... everyone else I have spoken to who has one says the same thing about their Cavalier. Their happy-go-lucky disposition rubs off on all who meets them!"
6. Great Dane
The Great Dane may be large and muscular, but it's also a gentle and elegant breed. This family favorite is a trustworthy and spirited pooch. Paw Nation reader polovette96 said "We have our first large dog, a Great Dane. What a wonderful dog, loving and just wants to please!"
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Sure, they've been used to hunt lions, but the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also an amazing family dog. They're large and very athletic, which make them ideal for active families. Ridgebacks also like to snuggle and tend to be wonderful with children despite their intimidating size. One look at their sweet faces tells you everything you need to know!
8. Shetland Sheepdog
One of the most successful obedience breeds, the Sheltie is one loyal pooch. Paw Nation reader Helena adores her intelligent Sheltie: "We have had a lot of dogs in our life but this is the smartest, most loving dog we have ever had. Sometimes I think he really understands what we are saying,"
9. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a true renaissance pooch -- both a great companion and a wonderful show dog. The compact pup is energetic and outgoing. Our Facebook fan Janet says Pomeranians are the "cutest ankle biters ever." Feel free to bite us anytime, Poms!
10. Puli
Don't let its adorable appearance fool you! The Puli is both an intelligent and alert breed. With its curly, naturally clumped coat, these pooches can withstand the worst weather.
As the owner of a three-legged pup we know how tough it can be seeing your four-legged friend turn into a tripod. Balancing on three legs can be transitionally tough for newly amputated dogs, but we can't begin to imagine how hard it is when you weigh in at 180 lbs.
Gibson, a seven-year-old Harlequin Great Dane and five year Guinness World Record holder for tallest dog (he stands 7-feet tall on his hind legs) was diagnosed earlier this year with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects between 6,000 and 8,000 dogs annually. Seven weeks post-surgery he's doing great, though he's still adjusting to balancing on just one front leg. We wish Gibson many more years defending his record title!
Time-Lapse Tortoise Noms Salad
