The Responsible Great Dane Breeder
By Jen Carter
Tip! A few years ago a controversy arose on the breed's proper designation, when the Germans claimed for it the title 'Deutsche Dogge.' Germany had several varieties of big dogs, such as the Hatzrude, Saufanger, Ulmer Dogge, and Rottweiler Metzgerhund; but contemporaneously with these there existed, as in other countries in Europe, another very big breed, but much nobler and more thoroughbred, known as Great Danes.
Have you ever wondered why over 30% of in shelters are purebreds? Most animal behavior specialists and animal advocates blame puppy bills and commercialized breeders for this negligence. In order to become a responsible Great Dane breeder, there are certain responsibilities that you must accept. These responsibilities will protect your Great Danes and his/her puppies, as well as identify you as a reputable breeder.
Excellent Great Dane Dog Breeders DO:
Carefully screen each person and their household who wish to purchase a puppy.
Advise and suggest different methods of caring for the Great Dane puppy in every aspect, including: diet, exercise, documentation of lineage, health, knowledge of genetics, any history of illness (genetic or non-genetic).
Tip! Your Great Dane puppy has emotions just like you! When your great dane does something good (like urinate or make a bowel movement outside) praise him/her.
Not sell their Great Dane puppies in a pet shop or pet-auction
Do not sell multiple breeds of dogs. If you are a Great Dane breeder, stick to Great Danes.
Involve themselves in the showing of purebred Great Danes and are very knowledgeable about the breed.
Keep the puppies as house pets until they are ready for their homes. This ensures that your Great Dane's offspring will make wonderful pets too.
Test for all diseases and proper examination prior to breeding, such as: Brucellosis, CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation), OFA (Hip X-Ray Certification), PENN-HIP (hip-joint laxity).
Provide full, lifetime guarantees covering genetic disease and temperament problems. This should be a written contract.
Tip! On very hot days in particular, try not to take long car rides with your Great Dane. While you're behind the wheel, consider your Great Dane's feelings.
Agree to take the Great Dane back at any point of his life for whatever reason, should the new owner not wish to keep it.
Place the Great Dane with the new family ONLY if the new owners agree to spay/neuter.
Only breed Great Danes over the age of two years old.
Hold the value of your dog's (and its puppies) health to highest esteem.
De-worm and vaccinate your Great Dane puppies prior to placing them.
Excellent Great Dane Dog Breeders NEVER:
Take a great Dane pup from it's mother prior to eight weeks of age.
Tip! Designate eating and sleeping areas for your great dane. Do not switch these areas around, as it will only confuse the puppy.
Breed puppies in a puppy-mill atmosphere.
Sell their Great Dane puppies to the local pet shop.
Hide or withdraw information on genetic diseases or the Great Dane's lineage.
Keep their puppies in inhumane conditions, such as an outdoor shed or a room covered in feces.
Put unnecessary stress on their puppies, such as transporting them to different locations outside of their home.
Pick a Great Dane at random to breed their bitch with
Allow their bitches to breed every year
Decline on accepting their puppies back, should the new owner not be able to care for them
Tip! Your great dane does not require any ‘out of the ordinary' special maintenance. But you should pay close attention to your dane's diet.
Breed their Great Dane prior to two years of age
Let their Great Dane run the neighborhood
Sell faux purebred Great Danes (which are crossed with God knows what)
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