Читать книгу Great Danes - Rachel Cawley - Страница 12

The Great Dane is often referred to as the Apollo of dogs. Apollo, a son of Zeus (king of the gods), was sometimes referred to as the god of the sun or light. He also was linked to truth, prophecy, medicine, and poetry. The breed’s majesty and noble stature certainly gives it the statuesque appearance of the Greek gods.

In fact, throughout history, mankind seemed fascinated with dogs of great size and strength. Paintings of giant dogs resembling Great Danes have been found on Egyptian monuments dating as far back as 3000 B.C. Artifacts found around Babylonian temples dated to 2000 B.C. have shown men walking a massive dog that resembles a Great Dane. Chinese literature dated 1121 B.C. mentions canines similar in appearance to Great Danes. A painting dated approximately 1200 B.C. shows Egyptians using Harlequin-colored dogs (white with black patches) that resemble Great Danes. An image similar to a Great Dane even appears on Greek money dated from 36 B.C.