OFA health testing isn’t perfect, but it is really, really important.
If you are looking to purchase a Great Dane puppy, you need to read this post!
OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. It is a professional organization that was founded over 50 years ago and their mission is “To improve the health and well-being of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease,”
One of the most common disorders that can be passed on from parents to puppies is Hip Dysplasia.
Hip Dysplasia is painful, debilitating and expensive to treat. It’s also largely preventable through ethical breeding practices and OFA Health Testing.
This is where the OFA comes in.
Every breeder should OFA Health test their dogs, though many unfortunately skip this step or only do some of it!
OFA HEALTH TESTING FOR GREAT DANES
To be fully OFA Health Tested and receive a CHIC # (more on this below), a Great Dane must be age 2+ and pass the following exams before being bred:
HIP DYSPLASIA:
OFA Exam or PENNHIP (these are x-rays, usually done under sedation and reviewed by multiple veterinarians).
EYE EXAM:
Performed by an ACVO board certified Ophthalmologist.
AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS
OFA Evaluation from an approved laboratory (Blood Test)
CARDIAC EVALUATION
Advanced, congenital or basic Cardiac Exam. Exam must include an echocardiogram.
Both the DAM & the SIRE must complete and pass these tests to be considered ‘fully health tested’.
As you can imagine, this process is lengthy, expensive, and may provide results that a breeder doesn’t want to hear.
Many breeders skip OFA health testing, or worse: only do the bare minimum (just the eye exam or blood work for example) so they can use the word “OFA” as a buzzword in their marketing.
Some breeders will say they ‘health test’ their dogs and hope that you aren’t savvy enough to know the big difference between a vet-check and full breeder OFA health testing.
FACT: We do NOT support breeders who breed or stud out their Great Danes without completing FULL OFA Health Testing on both Dam & Sire.
THE ELUSIVE OFA CHIC #
Once a breeder has taken their dog for all of these tests, the dog has passed all of the tests, and the paperwork has been completed the OFA gives them a CHIC # and certificate for that dog.
Both the DAM and SIRE dogs should have these tests complete before any breeding happens.
A CHIC # is a badge of honor for a dog and for the breeder, and something they are immensely proud of!
Ask your breeder for the CHIC# of both the DAM and the SIRE of the dogs they are breeding.
You will be able to take this CHIC # and verify it at www.OFA.org.
Dogs that are fully OFA Health tested before breeding are MUCH less likely to pass on the following painful, sometimes deadly and expensive conditions:
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia (if tested)
Cardiac disease and disorders
Thyroid disease and disorders
Eye disease and disorders
You will likely have to pay more for a puppy from fully OFA Health tested parents, but you’ll be receiving a dog that will be much less likely to cost you later in veterinary bills!
Choosing ethical, thorough, thoughtful breeders really makes a difference.
They are seriously so special. Great Dane puppies change every single day. They grow so quickly and their giant feet make them extra sweet and clumsy.
Our quick post today is all about those cute little tiny puppy toenails!
It is SO important to start nail trims early and do them often.
PRO TIP: Your dog’s nails should never, ever grow so long that they touch the ground. This can cause swelling, irritation, pain, and worse: joint damage.
Supplies for Trimming Great Dane Puppy Nails
Miller’s Forge Clippers (Red Handle). These inexpensive clippers (see on Amazon) last forever, are easy to use and stay crazy sharp.
Dremel Tool. There are several models, including knock off versions at Walmart and even a pet-specific name brand version. You need the Dremel tool and a sander drum OR a Diamagroove.
High Value Treats. Lots of tiny bites of something really good. Kibble isn’t going to cut it. Think Ziwi Peak, Zukes, diced chicken and freeze-dried organ meats.
I like to trim nailsevery weekend. Some dogs barely need this much, other dogs need a little more. The dog in the photo above is past-due for a nail trim!
For puppies, especially if they are under 4 months, nail trims should be a simple matter of routine. Plan to spend a few quick minutes each day introducing the concept and making it a positive experience.
Show your puppy the Dremel and toss treats on the ground. Do this often and at random. Turn it on and toss another few treats. Keep practicing this so that the Dremel ALWAYS predicts good things.
Make sure you give your puppy lots of praise, but don’t make a big fuss either.
Too much fussing and excitement can make your dog resistant to the process! They don’t always understand why you are so crazy and high energy all of a sudden and may find it alarming. Be calm, patient and confident.
If all you get is one nail trimmed, that’s progress!
Trim the nail as close to the quick as you possibly can but avoid cutting into it.
Make sure to round off the top, bottom and sides as well by taking tiny slivers off with the clippers or by introducing a quick buzz from the Dremel.
As above, stay calm and follow that with praise and a treat!
Why is Nail Maintenance Important for Dogs?
PRO TIP: If the nails are black or if you are scared of trimming, read the files in the Facebook group called ‘Nail Maintenance for Dogs‘ so that you can learn how to ‘read’ the nail.
Well maintained nails help keep paws neat and destruction to your home, hardwood, and skin to a minimum.
Overgrown nails actually change the shape of the paw. This can be extremely painful and frustrating to your dog, who doesn’t have much of a voice on this topic.
Keep the nails trimmed so they never touch the ground.
How to Teach Your Puppy to Hate Nail trims
Ok we joke. You do NOT want your Great Dane to hate nail trims, but here are some common mistakes people make that can actually make nail trims and other care behaviors extremely difficult:
Teaching the puppy that human hands = bad things (examples: hitting, shoving, pinching, ‘alpha’ rolling, tapping on the nose). This kind of training breeds distrust and shyness of hands.
Playing with the paws and annoying the puppy about it (old advice that can actually make things worse).
Asking the puppy to recall/COME and then forcing the puppy into a nail trim (quick way to ruin BOTH recall and nail trims!).
Not properly socializing the puppy to a variety of sights, sounds and experiences and helping it build confidence. Calm, mature dogs are built in confidence.
Believing that training is a war for power and respect, not a teacher-student relationship.
This paw is from a five month old puppy who is being conditioned to accept weekly maintenance with the Dremel.
There is no sharp point and the nails do not touch the ground when the puppy is standing or walking and moving.
Over time they will be made neater, but perfection at this stage is not the goal. Keeping the nails from developing long, sharp points, and teaching the puppy to expect and accept routine maintenance is.
Make Nail Trims a Positive Experience
When you finish the nail trim, even if you only got one nail done, do something FUN! Play a game, offer a really good chew in the crate, do a quick 1 minute training session with the treats you have left.
Teach your puppy early that nail maintenance is FUN, not-negotiable, and doesn’t result in pain or fear.
If you are really nervous about trimming the dog yourself, find a groomer. Some will come to your house, or you may have a neighbor willing to do it that will love the extra cash.
You will still need to keep sharp points off the ground, so develop a schedule of maintenance and make sure that routine trips to the veterinarian or groomer for nail trims are part of life.
We highly recommend the group Nail Maintenance for Dogs on Facebook for resources, tips, and learning. This group is especially amazing if you have a dog that is afraid of nail trims.
It’s happening! The Holidays are upon us, and once again I’m dredging up this post so we can have an honest discussion about getting a puppy for Christmas.
Beautiful memories, kids, gifts, and…giant puppy feet come to mind!!! We’ve all seen the tear-filled videos of children learning that their big present that year was a dog. It’s beautiful and warms the heart.
For the solid majority of people, this is a really bad decision. Sorry, I’m going to be that person. I have to be Frank. Not Frank Abignail, but “frank” as in…we need to have a serious chat.
How do I convince my spouse to get a puppy?
Should I give a puppy as a Christmas gift?
Are my kids ready to have a puppy?
How can I surprise my kids with a puppy on Christmas?
We have so many things to discuss. I promise to make it fun, though!
Is Getting a Puppy for Christmas a Good Idea?
I could write an entire blog on all the amazing and beautiful things that happen when you bring a cute Dane puppy into your home. Of course, at Hello Danes we focus on giant breed dogs, but ALL puppies are cute. So this blog is for everybody!
If you haven’t caught wind yet of my opinion on this one, here goes.
If you think you want or need a Christmas puppy, chances are that you probably don’t need one.
Hold the FORT! What are we saying here?
Sorry, not sorry, this stuff just has to be said. If you think it’s a good idea to stuff a brand-new puppy into a box and let children squeal and scream at it with excitement, think again.
If you are considering getting a new pet for Christmas, ask yourself the following questions:
After Christmas/New Years is over, do you still have time for this dog?
How angry will you be if the heirloom rug in your living room is peed on?
How much drool are you willing to wipe off of your clothes and walls?
Can you afford a veterinary emergency of $2500 or more, immediately?
Do you know how to train a puppy? Train it, properly and thoroughly?
Are you willing to accept that even at 45 lbs a giant breed puppy is still VERY MUCH a baby and will get up in the middle of the night?
Do you have other dogs in the home who are well cared for, well trained, and accepting of a new dog?
If the puppy chews on the remote and shreds up the couch, could that lead to divorce?
Can you pay for the vet bills, including emergent ones?
Is your partner on board?
I say all of this with a bit of humor, but so much of it is true.
Christmas puppies are traditionally a HUGE problem.
Once you have your moment and get your viral video of the kids squealing and hugging your now terrified puppy in a box, are you prepared for what happens next?
(Hint: you’ll have a hefty, confused, full-of-poop over-tired gremlin with needles for teeth terrorizing your peaceful Christmas house).
How Shelters & Rescues are Affected by Christmas Puppies
Every year rescues, shelters and breeders notice an increase in demand for puppies and dogs during the Holidays. People adopt and shop during this time more than any other.
This is not a coincidence; you aren’t the only person ever to have the brilliant idea of giving a dog as a gift.
The problem? MANY of those dogs end up returned or worse, surrendered. Many rescues suspend adoptions until the New Year, as a means to prevent people from making poor gifting decisions.
To meet demand, unethical breeders ramp up ‘production’ and create litters full of puppies from parents with questionable genetics. These dogs often end up with health and temperament problems that make them difficult if not impossible for the average dog owner to handle.
Know that you may have to be on a waitlist to get a quality Dane and that any breeder with Danes magically available and ready to go at Christmas may actually be a scam or at best, unethical (Read our Breeder Scams Blog Here).
Puppy-proof the house. The last thing you’ll want to do is to haul your new Christmas puppy into the ER on day one because he found and swallowed a glass ornament, three legos, and a cooked turkey bone.
If you plan to give a Great Dane puppy as a gift, do you really, truly think it’s the best idea?
Great Dane puppies are adorable and can turn into amazing dogs, but not without a lot of work. Socializing and training a puppy properly takes time, dedication, and desire.
Lacking that desire, it can be very difficult for a new Dane owner to get past some of the more common and frustrating Dane puppy behaviors (biting comes to mind…oh the biting!!!).
Try these ideas instead of getting a Christmas Puppy:
Place your deposit with an ethical breeder and then have your people unwrap a photo, a leash & collar, a t-shirt, or a camera with a video of the puppy on it.
Give a coupon that says ‘this coupon is good for one Great Dane‘. After they open it, share with your people how you will shop for an ethical breeder or find a rescue dog to bring into your home, and do the whole thing as a family.
Have your family make a donation or volunteer for a Great Dane rescue. Be a ‘secret Santa’ to a rescue Dane. Volunteer to foster and bring one home that way!
Decorate the house with all of the things needed for a Great Dane: a huge bag of food, a large bed, and some big Dane-sized toys, and see how long it takes your family to notice. Once they do, show them a photo of the puppies from the ethical breeder you are working with, or the rescue Dane that you think would be a wonderful fit.
Basic idea here, DON’T GET SCAMMED, and don’t be ‘that person’ that realizes somewhere in the Spring that the Christmas puppy was a huge mistake.
We are here for you and we are here for the Danes!
If you’re in the market for a Great Dane puppy, it’s crucial to be informed about the Great Dane breeder scam! Every week, we hear from people who have fallen victim to these scams or are worried they have been targeted. We know a LOT about this topic and we’re here to equip you with the information you need to safeguard yourself.
Bringing home a new puppy should be a positive experience, not one resulting in financial loss and no puppy at all.
Here is how the puppy scam works:
There are hundreds of people out there who arepretending to be Great Dane breeders. In this common and extremely fraudulent ploy, they will show you cute photos of Great Dane puppies that are for sale.
These scammers will say anything they have to convince you that they have an adorable puppy for you.
They will take your deposit and then you’ll never hear from them again.
If you want to avoid falling victim to this, read on. I’ve updated this post in December 2023 with more information!
In this post:
How common the Great Dane breeder scam is
How to spot scam breeders and fake puppy brokers
What to do if a fake breeder took your money
How to find a real Great Dane breeder
How Puppy Scams Work
Puppy scams typically operate by preying on the emotions and desires of prospective pet owners.
Scammers create fake online advertisements or entire websites featuring adorable puppies, often popular or sought-after breeds like Great Danes, at unbelievably low prices. These fraudulent breeders may use stolen photos from legitimate breeders or other sources to create an illusion of credibility.
Once a potential buyer expresses interest, the scammer establishes contact, often through email or social messaging platforms. They may employ persuasive and urgent language to encourage quick decisions, emphasizing limited availability or exceptional discounts.
Unfortunately, once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the unsuspecting buyer without a puppy or any means of recourse.
How to Spot a Great Dane Breeder Scam
Here are common signs that a breeder is a scam. We will cover this more in-depth below:
Spotting a Great Dane breeder scam is crucial to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable source. Here’s a short list of signs that may indicate a potential scam:
Unrealistic Prices:
Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers attract buyers by setting a low price point, usually around $600-$800.
Lack of Communication:
A legitimate breeder will be open to communication and willing to provide information about the breeding process, health records, and more. If the breeder avoids answering questions or is combative or unresponsive, it could be a red flag. Good breeders will be willing to meet with you in person or on video chat.
No References or Reviews:
Reputable breeders often have references from previous customers or positive reviews online. If you can’t find any information about the breeder or their past transactions, be very cautious.
Pressure Tactics:
Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to rush the decision-making process, claiming that there are limited puppies available or urging you to make a quick payment. Legitimate breeders will allow you time to make an informed decision.
Payment Methods:
Be cautious if the breeder insists on unconventional payment methods or requests payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or other non-traceable means. Legitimate breeders typically accept more secure payment options and will never accept payment from random people they have not spoken to in person (“Buy Now” buttons are also a red flag, more on this below!)
Unverified Contact Information:
Check the breeder’s contact information, including their address and phone number. Scammers may provide false or unverifiable details. Legitimate breeders should have a physical address and be willing to share it.
Limited or No Verifiable Health Testing or Guarantees:
Legitimate breeders care about the well-being of their puppies and will ask you questions to ensure a suitable environment. If the breeder does not seem concerned about the living conditions or does not ask about your ability to care for the puppy, it may be a scam.
Inconsistent or Generic Information:
Scammers may use generic information and pictures copied from other legitimate websites. Look for inconsistencies in the information provided and conduct reverse image searches to verify the authenticity of the pictures. Take note of the puppies they have for sale! If they are all different colors, photographed in different places, around 8-12 weeks of age, and “ready to go”, you’ve found a scam.
No Face-to-Face Interaction:
Whenever possible, visit the breeder in person or use video calls to see the puppies and their living conditions. Scammers may avoid face-to-face interactions and provide excuses for why this isn’t possible.
Remember, it’s essential to do thorough research and trust your instincts when dealing with Great Dane breeders. If something feels off, consider exploring other options to ensure a safe and ethical transaction.
Who Does the Puppy Breeder Scam Target?
Individuals who are particularly susceptible to falling victim to fake Great Dane breeders often include those driven by impulsive decision-making, intense emotional attachment to owning a specific breed, or a lack of awareness about common scam tactics.
People who are new to pet ownership or those with limited experience in purchasing animals may be more vulnerable. Additionally, individuals who prioritize cost over legitimacy and fail to conduct thorough research may become targets.
Scammers often exploit the emotional connection people have to pets, taking advantage of their eagerness to acquire a specific breed, especially if offered at seemingly unbeatable prices. Potential buyers must exercise caution, educate themselves about common scam red flags, and approach transactions with a healthy skepticism to avoid falling prey to deceptive breeders.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Am I looking for a puppy that I can take home ASAP?
Would I like to find a puppy for cheaper than the other breeders charge?
Do I tend to trust people, especially if they claim to be “family people” or “in hard times“?
Am I educated on what the OFA is, and how it’s used by reputable breeders?
While shopping, am I prioritizing quick availability, or am I patient enough to wait for the best puppy for my life?
Some people are more susceptible to being scammed than others. If you are looking for Great Dane puppies and hoping to find a deal, you are at risk.
Fake Puppy Breeder Red Flags
I will go into depth below with several other red flags that indicate that you’ve found a fake breeder.
This particular post is one of the most popular ones on our site. Even after reading it, we find people are still confused. We can spot a scam a mile away, so if you still aren’t sure, send us an email!
If you have any hesitation at all, don’t give the breeder a dime.
Let’s dive into this! Here are more fake puppy breeder red flags to watch for.
#1 – A Variety of Great Dane Puppies are Always Available
Scam breeders often have a selection of Dane puppies for you to choose from in a variety of colors. If you feel like you are shopping on Amazon for a puppy, it’s a scam!
The puppies will be available and ready to go, as soon as you purchase. It doesn’t matter when you found this breeder, they somehow magically have several 8-12-week-old puppies for you to consider.
#2 – The Dane Puppies are Potty Trained or Crate Trained
Scam breeders will often tell you that the Great Dane puppies are ‘potty trained’, ‘obedience trained’, ‘crate trained’, etc.
They will say anything to make you feel less anxious about purchasing an immature Great Dane pup.
This is a major red flag; while ethical breeders may begin the process of potty, crate, and obedience training, no young Great Dane puppy is going home with these skills set in stone.
#3 – The Great Dane Puppies are “Papered”
The scammers may tell you that the puppies are papered, AKC, or come with papers.
Additionally, they might use the word ‘champion lines’ to entice you further.
You will not find an AKC registered Great Dane puppy from fully OFA health tested champion titled parents for $650. It doesn’t exist. If a breeder is telling you that you have found this, they are trying to scam you.
#4-Buy Now or Purchase Now Option
This is an immediate red flag.
If a breeder has a buy now or “purchase this puppy” option on their site, run.
It’s a scam. Never, ever place a deposit online by clicking on a ‘buy now’ or ‘pay here’ button. It doesn’t matter if the button is on a website for a particular puppy, or a link that a “breeder” sent you via social messenger, this is a scam.
Do not give money to ANY breeder unless you meet them and the puppy in person or via video chat.
#5 – The Breeder Will Sell to Anybody
Scam Great Dane breeders do not care who you are.
You could be a dog abuser who keeps hundreds of dogs in cages; they don’t care. Scammers want your money, they aren’t interested in whether you are a good, humane, ethical, and educated home for the puppy they are selling.
Ethical breeders want to know where every puppy they sell is going, and will support you as the buyer for life. Ethical and Reputable breeders will be dedicated to their breeding program and to each puppy they produce.
#6 – High Pressure Sales Tactics
Scam breeders may use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to commit.
Here are some common phrases they may use:
I have several people interested in that puppy, if you want it, you must place a deposit now
My mother has cancer and we need the funds to pay for her meds
Somebody else already paid for that puppy, but, I have another one just like it and I’m willing to sell it to you for a little less!
If you pay for the puppy today, I’ll cover the cost of shipping him to you
We are reputable breeders and have just one puppy left, he could be in your arms tomorrow! If you let me know by 3 pm, I can get him with our shipping service
If you aren’t interested in this puppy, I need to know ASAP. The price is going to go up and I thought you might prefer to get him before he’s not on sale anymore
#7 – They Have No Reputation in the Breed Community
Scam breeders will have no reputation in the community, despite claims of being ‘established family breeders’.
Are they listed in the breeder registry at www.gdca.org?
If you feel uneasy, chances are you’ve found one of many common puppy scams!
#8 – They Stall when asked for more information
A scam Great Dane breeder will often become defensive if you ask too many questions, or they may stall by telling you lies about why they cannot answer yet.
Ethical, legitimate breeders want to answer your questions and help you find the right puppy for your family. They will be able to prove their dogs pedigrees, AKC titles, health test results, reputation, and more willingly and easily.
Worse yet, they will prey on owners who are uneducated about the health tests needed when breeding puppies! They are assuming the potential target (the buyer) is unaware of how to verify the information and will simply state “We love our pets and use only the best health tests to make sure they are perfect”.
#10 – They Will Share Incorrect Information
Because the Great Dane scammers don’t have Great Danes (or any other breed they are trying to target with their scam), they often know very little about them. We’ve seen some pretty wild claims from scammers, including information that Great Danes:
Are small and compact
Have long fur
Grow to be 50-60 lbs at maturity
Eat very little food
Require no training at all
I’m not even sure how to take that seriously…but listen. It’s a red flag!
#11 – The Breeder Solicited You
If a breeder reaches out to you to sell you a puppy (unsolicited), it’s a scam!
Run from anybody who sends you private messages on social media or via email to try and sell you a puppy.
If this isn’t a scammer and they do have puppies, you’re being pursued by a very unethical backyard breeder. This is also very suspicious!
#12 – The Breeder Needs to Sell, Urgently
If the breeder needs to sell the puppies urgently, that’s usually a sign that something is wrong.
Many scammers will tell you that the puppies must be sold ASAP to pay for medical bills, or because they will be dropped off at the shelter if people don’t buy them.
This is a scam, meant to push you over the edge and make a payment.
#13 – There is No Written Paperwork
This goes back to that shady ‘buy now’ button. Scam breeders rarely have applications, contracts, and guarantees. These are a MUST when choosing to purchase a Great Dane.
Ethical and reputable breeders will require an application, and once approved, there will be a written guarantee, Dane puppy advice worksheets, and a full contract to complete the transaction.
#14 – It’s All in the Name – Breeder Scam Names
A lot of scam breeder websites use ‘keywords’ and adjectives (descriptions) as their ‘kennel’ name or keywords all over their website.
Examples of shady keywords?
Tall Great Danes Best Great Danes Great Danes Puppies Heavy Great Danes Great Dane Pups Reputable Great Danes Big Pup Great Danes Magnificent Danes
#15 – Too Good to Be True Pricing
You won’t find an ethically-bred Great Dane from a healthy, proven, and fully tested lineage for less than $1200-$3000. Expect to pay at least $1200 for a Great Dane puppy from an ethical and reputable breeder.
If the price is too good to be true, that is because it is.
Ethical breeders put a lot of time, money and effort into their pedigree and the puppies they produce. This is not cheap and selling puppies is, as a result, not often profitable for them, either. Choose ethical breeders only.
#16 They Can and will Ship Your Puppy to you ASAP
The puppy scammers spend a LOT of time trying to convince you that they can safely ship their cute puppies to you in just a day or two.
Puppies are not Amazon Prime! Shipping puppies is complicated, and ethical breeders won’t often do it. This process is not a ‘normal’ part of puppy buying.
If a breeder can ship your puppy overnight and have it in your arms ASAP, it’s a scam. It doesn’t matter how well-written and convincing that their “Shipping Info” page is. Walk away.
#17 Missing Ethical Indicators
Scam breeders will not be able to share legitimate health testing results with you. These breeders will tell you that the puppies they sell are ‘certified’, ‘health certified’, or ‘veterinarian checked. Tread cautiously as this is just a facade.
Verify the health testing results of BOTH parents at www.ofa.org This is a fantastic way to immediately rule out both scams and unethical breeders.
#18 – Social Media Puppy Scam
There are many fake Facebook (or Instagram) profiles going around of people who are pretending to be a breeder or dog owners with puppies.
They will make you feel they are legitimate by being a ‘real person’, and through private messages will show you photos of cute puppies.
“I’m not a breeder, this was an accident” “My spouse/kid/mom has cancer/COVID/etc.” “I’m selling the puppies for my mom/friend/co-worker” “I got this puppy and don’t need/want it”
Once you place a deposit with them, they will often impose extra costs or offer excuses as to why they won’t be able to deliver your puppy that day.
Before you place a deposit or pay any money to the breeder, we recommend that you ask them to meet you in person or do a live video chat and show you the puppy. There is no legitimate excuse for a breeder to skip this important step.
#19 – Shady Reviews
Testimonials and reviews are intended to boost your confidence in the transaction. We recommend that you proceed with caution. The strange usage of language, spelling errors, and omissions often indicate fraudulent reviews that were written by the fake breeder.
With the ever-growing popularity and quality of AI-Generated written content, expect that the websites, interactions, and “reviews” from these fake puppy sellers will only become harder and harder to spot.
How to Find a Legitimate Puppy Breeder
Ethical breeders will market their pups based on their true strengths including health, structure, and disposition. These breeders WILL NOT use terms like “Euro,” “Champion,” or “Potty Trained.”
The single best place to start looking for a puppy is by visiting your breed’s parent club. For Great Danes, in the U.S., that would be the Great Dane Club of America.
From there, you can connect with your local club and rub elbows with the most dedicated and reputable breeders in your area. They can refer you to others as well!
Here is some information about legitimate and ethical breeders:
They are very interested in you as the buyer and have questions about your experience with Giant breeds, puppies, and having a dog in your home.
They will want to know about your veterinarian, home life, fencing, and work schedule.
They will have an application, a contract, and a return guarantee.
You will not likely be able to purchase a puppy right now and may have to get on a waitlist.
An ethical breeder will be cautious about shipping puppies if they ship at all.
Real breeders will send you photos and show you the puppy via video and video chat.
Ethical breeders will use Puppy Culture, ENS, and other socialization programs
The best Great Dane Breeders will prove their dog’s temperament and structure with AKC (American Kennel Club), CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), and FCI (European) obedience/CGC, trick, sport and/or conformation titles.
They keep a close eye on the written standard and actively breed to improve it and the health of their pedigree.
Will have a positive reputation in the breed community among other legitimate, ethical breeders, conformation judges, and breed fanciers and are affiliated with the GDCA/GDCC in some way (as a member or as somebody who is mentoring under a mentor. www.gdca.org is the best place to begin your search for an ethical Great Dane breeder.
If you are still unsure whether or not you’ve come across a fraud, go down this checklist:
If you are about to place a deposit with a breeder that has many of these red flags, you can send us an email to inquire. We will look into it and verify if the breeder you are dealing with is legitimate or not.
I can tell you from experience, that we receive several emails every week, and in 2 years of this (since we published this blog), there was not a single legitimate breeder.
Do a reverse image search (use Google) of the images the breeder has shared with you.
Ask them for references (be careful, they can fake this!).
Ask your local breed club and enthusiast groups if they are familiar with the breeder, if they aren’t, ask them who they recommend.
Ask the breeder that you are working with to provide information about the puppy’s AKC registration and CHIC (OFA) numbers. Verify this information with the AKC and at www.OFA.org
Ask them for more photos of the puppies. Are their markings the same from one photo to the next? Structure? Backgrounds?
Ask them to do a live chat where you can SEE the puppies and the parents. If they will not do this, or won’t do it without a deposit, RUN.
Never, ever place a deposit until you see the puppy (via video chat or in person) and verify the breeder’s pedigree and health testing information with the AKC and the OFA.
Grab this infographic and please share it on your social media or website! Help us spread the word about these insidious and common scams.
Adopting a pet is wonderful, but sometimes applications get declined. If your dog rescue won’t adopt a dog to you, this post should help.
Rescues carefully review applicants to ensure the best match for pets, and while the process isn’t perfect it is part of the process. Ethical rescues focus on finding the right fit for a lasting and happy relationship. However, there are many times when rescue adoption requirements are excessively stringent, too.
Both of us have fostered or have had Danes from rescue situations; we know well the challenges that rescue and rescue dogs often face.
Common Reasons That a Rescue Won’t Adopt Out
If you are looking to adopt a Great Dane from a rescue, you may find that it’s not easy! Dog rescues often have strict requirements for adopters. Some of them are fair, some put a wrench in getting the pet adopted out.
While it’s important for rescues to be diligent about what applications they approve, it’s equally important that they don’t deny an animal a good home because they don’t like the training method used or type of fencing.
Here are some common reasons rescues decline adoption applications:
The applicant doesn’t have giant breed experience
Their fencing doesn’t meet the specifications
Young children live in the house
The applicant is not willing to crate-train
The rescue doesn’t allow electric fences, E-Collars, or Prong Collars
There are no verifiable veterinary records, or the records are negative
Veterinary records show the applicant has not kept their other pets up to date on vaccines or flea/tick prevention
Other pets in the house are not spayed or neutered
It’s clear that the applicant has a history of abusing or surrendering animals
Many people looking to adopt a Great Dane have an electric fence or several acres.
Several acres sound amazing for a dog, and it is, but not if the dog (who may already have a history of running as a stray) decides to run, and run, and run some more. Especially in a new home lacking a relationship and routine with the new owner.
That’s understandable, however, some rescues will not adopt dogs to families that use an electric boundary fence. Given how many pets need wonderful homes, this is one place we do wish they would be a little more understanding.
An electric fence is a good solution in many cases. For dogs that DO jump physical fences, it’s practically necessary.
Small Children in the Home
Giant breed dogs can be wonderful with children, but they can also be afraid of them, knock them over, or play too rough.
The last thing a rescue wants is a Dane returned to them because he jumped and knocked over a 4-year-old!
Unfortunately, many people also do not properly teach their children how to interact with dogs.
The dog may tolerate being sat on, poked, and teased for a short while. However, when they reach the end of their fuse and growl, nip, or bite the dog ends up in rescue again, only this time with a bite history.
If you have young children, consider first if a giant breed dog is the best choice for your home. If you are committed to it and to adopting, be upfront and honest with the rescue!
Tell them what you know, how you plan to manage the environment, how you plan to train the dog, and how you teach your children to interact with the dog.
Unwilling to Crate Train
Crate training is not cruel. Great Danes can grow to love their crates because it becomes their quiet, safe place. Not only that, a crate-trained Dane cannot eat something dangerous or destroy the couch (and be returned to the rescue as a result).
If you are resistant to crate training, why?
It doesn’t matter how much you think you know about training, or how well-trained your last dog was, attending a training class with your new rescue Dane is a valuable opportunity to bond.
We recommend everybody take training classes, especially rescue dogs! Classes are fun, can help you become a better dog owner and trainer, and teach your dog to focus on you despite distractions.
Veterinary References
If you don’t have a history of taking care of your dogs, Great Dane rescues are going to be cautious about placing a dog in your home.
Their goal is to STOP abuse and neglect. They want to see that you have taken great care of your past dogs.
If you are new to owning a dog, find a vet and show the rescue that you’ve already spoken with them and begun a relationship.
Vaccines & Preventatives
Great Dane rescues spend a TON of money treating heartworms in the dogs that come into their care.
It’s expensive and heartbreaking (literally). They don’t want to place dogs in homes that don’t take those things seriously.
In areas of the Country where heartworms are particularly bad, many rescues require that your existing and past dogs have been kept up to date on preventatives. A veterinary reference can go a long way here!
We are big believers in waiting to spay and neuter Great Danes until their growth plates are closed (age 2+), so we understand how frustrating this particular restriction can be.
However, too many people breed dogs for fun and money, and this is one way they make sure they never send a Great Dane to an irresponsible breeder’s home.
If you have no intention of breeding and have a solid reference from your veterinarian, it may be worth sharing that.
No History of Abuse
This one seems obvious, but it needs to be said. If you’ve surrendered a Great Dane before for nearly any reason, you are going to have a very difficult time adopting.
Be Patient
If a rescue won’t place a dog with you, that doesn’t mean that you should run out and purchase a dog from the first breeder you find on Craigslist.
Unethical breeders are the reason why so many Danes end up needing rescue in the first place, so make sure you aren’t contributing to the problem.
Ethical breeders are also going to be exceptionally picky about buyers but may have fewer restrictions about spaying/neutering, fencing, and children.
Sometimes it helps to volunteer for the rescue and sign up as a foster! They are more likely to place dogs with owners that they know well.
If you have giant breed or Dane experience, you KNOW all of this and they know it won’t likely be the reason you return a dog to them. If you want to adopt but have never had a giant breed, try these things:
1. Volunteer with the rescue to help out at adoption events, take photos, write bios, etc.
2. Write a short essay about what you’ve learned about giant breed dogs. Share what you know and prove to them that you have fully researched this! Tell them WHY you are interested in Great Danes, adoption and living with a giant breed dog.
We don’t judge here. Rehoming a dog is a thoughtful and responsible decision that requires careful consideration and dedication. It’s an act that comes with a lot of emotions, negative opinions, and fear.
While it may be a challenging choice, various circumstances such as changes in living situations, health concerns, or unforeseen life events may necessitate finding a new loving home for a Great Dane. We recognize that making this choice is often a responsible and selfless act that prioritizes the best interests of the pet, creating an opportunity for them to thrive in an environment better suited to their needs.
If you’ve found this blog post, it may be because you are thinking about rehoming your Great Dane.
There are legitimate reasons to need or want to do this; our goal here is not to judge but to help! If you are looking to find a new home for your Great Dane or are considering surrendering your Great Dane to a rescue, read on for ideas and need-to-know information.
Rehoming a Dog & Negative Opinions
Rehoming a dog can make you feel guilty. People want to make you feel as if you are doing something wrong, or that you are a bad person. Don’t let them.
If you have carefully considered the decision to rehome your dog, you should not feel guilty or bad about the choice. We have found that this choice often benefits the pet, as they will be in an environment more suited for them.
There is one exception to this, however. If you are rehoming a previously loved senior dog to make room for a puppy, you should feel guilty. That is never ok.
But if you are moving, struggling to have enough time or resources for your pet, or have a medical condition that requires your home to be free of pets, read on. We’re going to show you how to make this move responsibly.
1 – Check With The Original Breeder or Rescue
Sometimes the most simple solution is the one many tend to forget.
Depending on where your Great Dane originally came from, you need to check with your breeder or your rescue first! Most rescues and breeders require that the pet is returned to them if you feel at any time that you cannot care for it.
Ethical breeders will always have a lifetime return guarantee. They never want to see a dog of theirs end up in rescue at any age and will take the dog or help you find an appropriate home.
If your breeder or rescue is unethical and will not act in the best interest of your pet, we support you in finding alternatives.
2 – Be Honest About Training Problems
One of the most common reasons people rehome their pets is because of training issues.
It’s not unusual for people to say that they are at their “wit’s end” and can no longer deal with the pooping, peeing, barking, lunging, biting, or destruction.
If you need to rehome your Great Dane because of issues with training and socialization, be honest with the people who will be taking your dog.
While this can make it harder to find a suitable home that understands these issues, your transparency will ensure that your pet ends up in the type of home willing to work with it.
The rescue can provide training resources, the breeder will want to know, and a new home will be much more likely to keep the dog if they know what they are getting.
It may be easier to find a new home for your Great Dane if you gloss over the fact that he tends to bolt out doors, mark furniture, and nip children, but these things are extremely important for the new owners to be aware of.
If training issues are the reason that you need to rehome your Great Dane, that is ok.
Great Danes are not always the right fit for people, and poor breeding practices have led to many dogs with serious temperament problems.
It’s okay to acknowledge that you cannot help your dog or may not be the right home. We do however encourage you to consider first working with a highly qualified trainer.
Sometimes it is just a matter of making tiny changes to your routine and training communications!
3 – Special Considerations for Rehoming Aggressive Dogs
Aggression and bites are serious. A bite can be anything from a little nip to a full-on attack with puncture wounds or intent to kill.
Most aggression is based on fear. Some common and preventable examples are a Dane that bites a child who tried to sit on him, or a Dane that bites another dog over a toy or bone (resource guarding).
Some aggression and bites are based on problems with neurology, training, or even physical health.
Great Danes are NOT supposed to be aggressive in any way, so this is a serious fault of temperament (poor breeding practices), genetics, health, and environment (training & socialization).
Be very honest with the breeder or rescue about this. What led to the bite? How severe was it?
For many dogs, especially in areas with crowded municipal shelters, a bite history can be a death sentence (even if the bite resulted from an unfair event). If your Great Dane has bitten or shown aggressive tendencies, find a 501c3 rescue instead of surrendering to the shelter.
Most rescues will not take aggressive Great Danes, but some are insured and equipped to do so. Call around.
If your Dane is from a breeder, let them know about the aggression you’ve seen. Quality breeders don’t want to see aggression showing up in their lines and will want to address it.
For some particularly aggressive dogs, behavioral euthanasia is a compassionate choice. Read more about this HERE. This practice comes with heartbreak, but in many situations, it’s far more humane than sending an aggressive dog to spend its last days in fear at a shelter or being bounced around from home to home.
6. Peer to Peer Dog Rehoming
After you’ve checked with your breeder and/or rescue, you may be looking to rehome your dog in a direct peer-to-peer situation.
Finding the right home for your Great Dane can help you feel better about the process of rehoming, but watch out! There are some pitfalls that you want to avoid.
Some people won’t have your Dane’s best interest at heart.
Think the same way that a dog rescue does and be choosy and thorough.
We’ve included some guidelines and best practices below to consider when rehoming your Dane to another person.
Ask for References
When you find somebody interested in taking your pet, ask them for references! Call their veterinarian, too, and make sure that they’ve been keeping their pets healthy and up to date.
Don’t Rehome to Breeders. Instead, Spay & Neuter!
Unless you are rehoming a Champion show dog, you are likely rehoming a dog that should never be bred.
Backyard breeders will look for rehoming posts of intact dogs (not spayed or neutered) so they can buy them for cheap or free and use them in their breeding program. All this does is perpetuate the poor temperaments and health issues that put so many dogs into rescue in the first place.
Even if you are having to move and need to rehome a well-behaved, healthy, and wonderful family dog your dog should NOT be bred.
Do NOT rehome your dog to somebody that would breed him or her!
We know of a very ‘popular’ backyard breeder in Missouri who runs a same-named rescue on the side. His ‘rescue’ uses rehomed dogs for breeding. This is an unacceptable practice and extremely shady to boot.
If you are rehoming peer-to-peer, spay or neuter your dog in advance OR require that they sign a spay/neuter contract where they agree to complete the procedure within a certain time frame.
Charge a Rehoming Fee
This isn’t about making money on your dog. It’s about making sure you rehome your dog to somebody serious.
When a purebred dog is listed for ‘free’, lots of window shoppers (and backyard breeders) come along. Those are not often good homes for your dog.
If you are uncomfortable collecting this fee, ask the new owners to donate to your local Great Dane Rescue. Verify the donation with the rescue before placing your dog.
This fee is NOT about recouping costs you incurred while caring for the dog (training, surgery, transportation, breeder fees, registration fees, etc.). All of those are a loss.
At a minimum, we recommend charging a $500 fee when rehoming your Great Dane.
Be Picky About the New Owners
Be choosy about the new owners, even if that means turning people down. We know you may be desperate to give your dog up, but it’s much more ethical to find the right home in the process.
Be thoughtful about the type of home that would be a good fit for your dog.
Is your dog good with children? Does your dog need somebody who is home a lot? Does your dog need somebody with training experience and a tall fence?
ASK QUESTIONS! The right home will be willing to answer and prove themselves.
Require a Rehoming Contract
We recommend at minimum a simple contract that protects both parties. In the contract, cover at least the following;
Names & addresses.
Description of the dog, including color, height & weight, AKC registration, age, and breeder information.
Information on if the dog has been spayed or neutered and had a gastropexy done.
Spay or neuter requirements
No breeding allowed
Information on where the dog must go if the new owner cannot keep it (will you take it back? Do you want them to surrender to a rescue?
An outline of communication expectations. Do you want updates and photos? How often?
For the new owners, make sure that you also include:
Previous veterinarian information & records (including vaccines).
Microchip # and transfer information.
Food, so the dog can transition better instead of switching foods immediately.
If you have a pregnant Great Dane that you cannot keep or don’t know how to help, we highly recommend speaking with a Great Dane rescue. Many are willing to work with you to find homes for the puppies and make sure they are well cared for.
We believe there is a time and a place to rehome Great Danes.
We encourage people not to judge each other; sometimes rehoming a dog to a more appropriate home and owner is the best thing for it.
Many people are afraid to commit to fostering dogs because they fear not being able to emotionally let the dog go to a new home.
We will be honest, that can be both tough and incredibly fulfilling.
FIND A GREAT DANE RESCUE
Great Danes need you. The rescues need you. As long as there is a need for rescue, there will be a need for fosters.
Dogs end up needing rescue for a variety of reasons. Sometimes people move, lose their jobs or develop health problems that make them unable to care for their dog. For these people, rescue is a valuable resource.
Other times owners find themselves overwhelmed by their Great Dane or unable to care for their behavioral or medical needs. Occasionally, a Great Dane or puppies are severely neglected, injured, dumped by a breeder or owner, or found as strays; these are often the most heartbreaking cases.
Whether we like it or not, the Great Dane rescues are often overwhelmed with surrender and intake requests from private owners, good samaritans and dog shelters. They cannot do this work without having places to send the dogs. That is where you come in!
A large majority of Great Dane rescues take care of all expenses related to fostering, including veterinary care, food and medications. They may even provide bedding, a crate and a leash and collar!
You may need to pick up the dog and transport it to your home, to the veterinarian, to the trainer and to meet potential adopters. Alternatively, a volunteer may do this for you.
Most Great Dane rescues will want to know if the dog isn’t working out in the home, and will want your honest assessment of behavior and temperament.
You will take the dog home with you and have a contracted obligation to care for it. The rescue will give you this information in advance and may require you to medicate, feed a specific diet, report problems and provide a certain amount of enrichment and exercise each day.
You may need to care for the dogs medical and post-surgical needs including giving medications or insulin injections, helping the dog gain or lose weight, and providing appropriate post-op care following spay/neuter or other surgeries.
This work is important and can be incredibly fulfilling!
FIRST CHOICE TO ADOPT
Most rescues give the foster home the first chance to adopt the dog, even puppies! Fostering is one of the best ways to adopt a new Great Dane because you’ll get to trial them in your home and find the one that you cannot let go of.
A lot of people will successfully foster and rehome several dogs, and then one special dog will land in their home that they just cannot imagine sending to anybody else.
This is called ‘foster-fail’ and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of being active in the Great Dane rescue community!
If you choose to adopt your foster dog, you’ll have to pay the adoption fee. At that point you accept all responsibility for the dog (medical care, expenses, food, etc.) and instead of being a foster, you’ll be a rescue dog owner!
You will very likely need to give the dog time to decompress (3-12 weeks), and you will need to set new boundaries from day one (this includes revisiting potty training 101 and constant supervision to avoid marking, barking, guarding, destruction and fence jumping until you get to know the dog).
As a Great Dane foster, it’s helpful to have a good, modern understanding of canine behavior and body language. We will be sharing more resources on this soon!
Not all Great Danes like other dogs, some don’t love people, others are timid and fearful and some have training issues. They are like humans and come with their own preferences. Be open to these differences and understand how to work with them.
The rescue will likely have at least one dog trainer and behaviorist that they trust with whom you can work closely.
INTERESTED IN FOSTERING?
Most rescues have a few basic requirements, but may be flexible:
Fenced yard
Giant breed experience
References
Home often
Willing to crate train
No young children
Existing dogs are well cared for and up to date on vaccines and medications
Even if you submit an application, you can always decline to foster a dog if the opportunity comes up and the timing isn’t right. We encourage you to submit now!
Want to support rescues but aren’t currently able to foster or adopt? 501c3 rescues value your direct donations. Many are connected with Amazon Smile. Every dollar counts!
Hey, we are all here because we LOVE Great Danes. The decision of whether to breed a Great Dane is a weighty and multifaceted consideration that requires careful thought and responsible decision-making.
It’s tempting to jump right into the process because your pet is wonderful with kids and a great family member. Beyond the allure of the breed’s majestic presence and gentle temperament, prospective breeders must consider the complexities of responsible breeding, acknowledging the significant responsibilities that come with bringing new lives into the world.
This introspective process demands an understanding of the dog’s health, genetics, and the commitment required to ensure the well-being of both the dam and the potential litter. Aspiring breeders must grapple with ethical concerns surrounding overpopulation, the potential for genetic issues, and the extensive care needed for both the mother and the offspring.
Diving into the question of whether to breed a Great Dane necessitates a deep examination of one’s motivations, resources, and dedication to upholding the highest standards of canine welfare.
Are you thinking of breeding your amazing Great Dane?
Read on friend!
Reasons That You May Want to Breed Your Pet
Ask any Great Dane owner what they think of their dog. Every single one will tell you that theirs is the best. All of us love our dogs and are attached to everything about them; their personalities, their unique markings, the way that they walk.
Look at this list and ask yourself what reasons you have for breeding your dog:
Love for the Breed: A genuine passion for the specific breed, such as the Great Dane, and a desire to contribute positively to its community and the written breed standard.
Desire for a Similar Companion: Wanting to replicate the positive traits, temperament, and appearance of one’s beloved pet for personal enjoyment.
Financial Incentives: The potential financial gains from selling puppies, especially if the dog comes from a recognized and desirable lineage.
Educational Purpose: A wish to experience the miracle of birth and educate oneself about the complexities of canine reproduction.
Preservation of Lineage: A commitment to preserving the lineage and bloodline of a particular breed, especially if the dog has exceptional traits.
Those reasons come with considerations, too, that should be taken very seriously. How much responsibility are you willing to take for the realities of breeding?
Before you take another step towards breeding your dog, put some time into your evaluation of the following considerations:
Overpopulation Concerns: Awareness of the global issue of pet overpopulation, leading to millions of dogs in shelters, and the ethical responsibility to avoid contributing to the problem.
Health and Genetic Considerations: Understanding the potential risks of passing on genetic diseases or health issues, and the importance of thorough health screenings for the breeding pair.
Time and Commitment: Recognizing the considerable time, effort, and resources required for the health and well-being of the mother and the puppies, including proper care during pregnancy, whelping, and postnatal care.
Screening and Responsible Ownership: Emphasizing the importance of thoroughly screening potential homes for the puppies and promoting responsible ownership to ensure a lifelong commitment to the dogs.
Ethical Breeding Practices: The commitment to adhering to ethical breeding practices, including proper socialization of puppies, ensuring suitable living conditions, and supporting buyers throughout the dogs’ lives.
The Health of Your Pet: breeding and whelping are a serious and risky business. Never breed a pet you aren’t willing to lose.
The Great Dane Breeding Checklist
Here is a checklist to follow before breeding your Great Dane. We will outline this in more detail below. If your dog doesn’t meet all of these basics, they should not be bred!
Which ones apply to your pet?
The dog has a known pedigree
The pedigree is free of wobblers, bloat, serious aggression, fearful/timid behavior, IMGD, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, degenerative disorders, and hip or elbow dysplasia.
You have studied the pedigree and believe it to be free of those conditions
The dog has full registration (a limited registration indicates that the dog should not be bred)
Full health testing: eyes, heart, hips, thyroid and genetic testing and color screening has been completed and passed
The dog has a stable, confident, friendly temperament with humans and other animals
The dog is at least age 2, and if female under the age of 5
You are diligent in choosing a partner to pair your dog with
You are willing to support puppy buyers for life
Should I Breed My Great Dane?
If you’ve gotten this far and are still asking this question, we are ready to dig in!
All breeders start somewhere, and asking this question is the first step!
AKC Registrations and Papers
AKC papers are helpful, but they are NOT an indicator of quality.
AKC papers show that the dog came from a lineage of other Great Danes. They don’t show if the puppies came from a lineage of robust, healthy, well-built dogs.
You can see this at play often: many people with purebred AKC Great Danes are still struggling with devastating issues including aggression, arthritis, ACL tears, heart disease, wobblers, and degenerative disorders.
Some AKC ‘purebred’ Great Danes don’t even look like Great Danes because breeders weren’t being careful or selective with their pairings.
Having AKC papers in the U.S. (or Canadian Kennel Club for Canada, FCI for Europe) is important as it helps document lineage and shows puppy buyers that they are getting a purebred dog.
We have seen some positively sketchy ‘AKC’ Great Danes.
Papers are NOT enough to make a breeding decision though. It’s that simple.
Structure, Movement, and Breed Standard
You don’t need a show dog to breed dogs, but you should be thoughtful about what genetics you are passing along.
Having a neat color, great personality or a ‘Euro’ look simply isn’t enough.
If all you see are positive things, remember this. All dogs have faults, and for every positive thing they pass on, they pass on their faults, too.
Whether we like it or not, all dogs have some fault or another. Even the most well-kept, well-bred beautiful show dogs will have something minor that isn’t ‘perfect’.
Those faults lie in their genetics, and breeding is how you either continue or discontinue faults.
Some common and unacceptable faults in Great Danes include:
Roach, sloping or sway back
Narrow hips
Overbite or underbite
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Droopy eyes
Excessive jowls/flew/drool
Apple or dome-shaped head
Wide-set eyes
Sloping stop
Stick out or hound ears
Incorrect ‘Dane’ look in the head overall
Poorly developed feet, flat feet, stick-out feet
Weak pasterns
Cow hocks
Lack of substance
Flat chest/front
Poor angulation
Over angulation
Wear rear
Double merle
Aggression
Fearful or timid behavior
Genetic propensity towards dysplasia, bloat, wobblers, cancer, blood clotting disorders, or heart disease
Can you evaluate your dog objectively? If you aren’t sure, you can always ask for help!
Understanding angulation and overall structure requires an educated eye.
This is important because poor structure leads to pain and mobility problems later in life; poor genetics should not be intentionally passed on.
Ask in one of the many conformation groups on Facebook (post photos of your dog and they can tell you where the faults and strengths are) and get into the show ring with your Dane (there are fun conformation classes you can take to learn how).
Temperament is equally important! Great Danes should be reliable, friendly, and confident. Danes with excellent temperaments will be easy to train and can pass a Canine Good Citizen test.
They should not be fearful, flighty, or unstable in any way.
Because temperament is largely genetic, it’s important that you only breed your dog if it has an exceptional and stable personality.
As the breeder, you should also be willing to dedicate a lot of time to the young puppies in your home by socializing them appropriately before they are sent home at 8-12 weeks of age.
Breeding Rights & Limited Registrations
Make sure you reference the contract that you signed when you purchased your Great Dane.
Is there any language in there restricting you from breeding your dog?
Do you need to talk to the original breeder first?
Did your breeder sell your puppy with Limited AKC Registration (meaning that you will NOT be able to register or paper the puppies that are produced from the litter)?
If your breeder didn’t outline these things, doesn’t care, had no restrictions, or didn’t have a contract in the first place you should NOT be breeding your dog.
These things are red flags for unethical breeding practices and indicate that your pup likely comes from questionable genetics.
Your Great Dane may be a wonderful family pet, but he/she isn’t likely to meet a reasonable standard for breeding quality.
Great Dane Health Testing
A vet check is not enough.
If you want to breed your dog, visit www.ofa.org and view the current requirements for fully health-testing Great Danes.
At a minimum, your dog will need to have and pass the following health tests before breeding:
Eye exam by a Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Echocardiogram to assess heart health and rule out primary DCM and heart disorders
Thyroid panel to assess thyroid function
Both the DAM and the SIRE will require these tests, which can run upwards of $2-4K for each dog.
It is flat-out irresponsible to breed without completing, passing, and submitting these tests to www.ofa.org.
If you don’t know for a fact that your dog is free of significant, painful, and/or life-threatening faults then you should not proceed. An Embark panel does not count.
Additional Health Screenings
If you want to be extra diligent and ethical, you may also want to perform the following screenings, especially if your Great Dane doesn’t come from an already exceptional and known pedigree:
We do not condone the practice of breeding dogs without full OFA health tests, and if you choose to continue without them, we no longer support you. It is even more offensive to set up a website with a breeder/kennel name and continue without this testing.
Puppy buyers are becoming more and more savvy about this. It can be extremely difficult to sell puppies from untested parents, because people are seeing just how heartbreaking it is when Great Danes receive preventable structural, growth and health faults.
If the dog you want to breed came from parents who were not fully health tested as outlined above, these things are even more important.
OFA health testing cannot be completed until the age of 2+. Thus, age 2 is the minimum age when you can consider breeding a Great Dane.
Not only that, but you can’t fully evaluate a Great Dane’s mature structure until they are at least that age.
Males in particular tend to mature slowly; you do not want to breed a still-growing 18-month-old Sire and then find out that they never really fill out correctly (and passed on a poor substance to the puppies).
Patience is a virtue here! It’s important to allow Great Danes their full chance to develop before asking them to breed for you.
Females especially should never be bred before the age of 2. Breeding uses up a lot of nutrients and resources that are necessary for bone and heart health, two things that young Danes especially need to focus on. For the health, safety, and comfort of the bitch, she should not be bred before full maturity.
Has your dog been bred before?
No Dam/Bitch should ever be asked to breed more than 2-4 times. So if you’ve reached that point, STOP.
If your Dam or Sire has produced a litter in the past, what were the litters like?
Were the puppies solid, healthy, robust, curious, and friendly?
Did they become quality pets?
Did any of them have significant structural problems, health issues, or faults?
Have any of those puppies developed bloat, aggression, autoimmune disorders (including allergies), heart problems, limb deformities, blood clotting problems, seizures, diabetes, or thyroid issues?
Don’t breed again if your breed choices are not producing dogs that serve to improve the breed.
Do you have a breeder mentor?
What made you want to breed your dog in the first place?
Find a mentor who has vast experience breeding Danes.
Don’t just pick up advice from a backyard breeder (unfortunately, they hide in plain sight) or other pet owners. Find somebody who is truly focused on breed health and ethics. The Great Dane Club of America is a good place to start.
At some point, if you truly want to get ‘in’ to breeding, you’re going to see the difference between ‘well-bred’ and ‘purebred’ and you’re going to want a puppy from an excellent breeder
By seeking out their advice BEFORE you breed, you prove yourself early and are more likely to have access to quality puppies.
We are always happy to provide our honest opinion about your breeding program and breeding stock as well, just send us an email!
So You Bred Your Great Dane, Now What?
Breeding your Great Dane doesn’t stop with the choice to do it or not. Once the decision has been made, there are key considerations, especially for females!
Breeding a Great Dane Sire
Breeding the male comes with much less responsibility than breeding the female.
The biggest responsibility here is to make sure that your excellent, fully tested, and proven male is only being offered to excellent females who will be bred ethically, are fully health tested, and with a breeder who plans to support the puppies for life.
You will want to work with a qualified reproductive veterinarian to discuss semen collection vs. natural breeding.
Choose a female that compliments your male well and balances his faults. Do not just pick a random AKC Great Dane.
Breeding a Great Dane Dam
If your dog is the Dam, you have additional responsibility as your dog will be carrying the litter.
They say to never breed a dog you would not be ok losing.
The fact of the matter is that breeding and whelping can be dangerous.
Not only that but raising Great Dane puppies is fun until it isn’t.
The mother may require medical support and even an expensive C-section. You MUST have money set aside for this.
Some of the puppies may die or need to be euthanized, and you MUST prepare yourself emotionally for this, too.
You will need an appropriate XXL whelping pen, puppy pads, blankets, a heat lamp, ribbons and collars for each puppy, and a kit full of additional birthing supplies and supplements that your veterinarian will recommend.
Because pregnancy, whelping, and nursing will use up a lot of important nutrients, your female will need to be on science-backed high-quality puppy foodand supplements (talk to your veterinarian).
You will be up all hours of the night, especially at first (and that’s just with a healthy pregnancy and birth!).
There will be POOP and PEE everywhere.
You’ll have to pay for additional veterinary checkups for your dam, and the puppies will also need vaccinations, deworming, and possibly dew-claw removal (more $$!).
Registering and microchipping the litter will also cost money.
As the puppies grow they become tenacious, noisy, and HUNGRY! They also bite. A LOT.
A large litter can eat a lot of food, as can the mother who needs the nutrition to support the growing puppies.
This decision to breed could end up becoming the longest and most expensive, exhausting, frustrating, and rewarding 5 months of your life.
You’ll have to find quality, dedicated, and knowledgeable homes for the puppies, too. That is no easy task for new breeders, especially. You need to draw up contracts and be prepared to enforce them, too.
Can you support your puppy buyers?
Expect to have to provide support to all puppy buyers, for the life of their dogs.
They will send you text messages and phone calls and will need information about food, puppy biting, vaccines, and more.
Are you educated about Great Danes and prepared to field those questions? If not, don’t breed your dog.
Are you also prepared to take those dogs back should any one of them have significant health or temperament issues, or if an owner cannot keep the dog?
Ethical breeders feel immense pain and guilt if any of their dogs end up needing rescue, expensive veterinary care, or euthanasia.
If you don’t care where the puppies end up once they leave the litter, you should not be breeding your dog.
Will you be proud of the results?
Are you willing to accept responsibility if puppies in the litter turn up with significant faults?
Will you be proud of your litter if they have flat feet, hunched backs, or timid personalities?
Are you going to feel good about seeing puppies turn up with droopy eyes, bloat, or wobblers?
Think about how the choices you make now will affect not only every puppy in the upcoming litter but your life for the next 5-15 years.
We Understand wanting to breed Great Danes, truly.
This is why we are here with a solid belief in education and ethics, wishing to share that foundation with others so that every puppy buyer receives a dog that has been truly set up for success.
Good breeders have waitlists. If you have to work hard to sell the puppies, that’s a good sign that you should NEVER HAVE BRED the dogs in the first place.
Do you wish to get into breeding ethically?
Do you desire to make sure that you are creating healthy, confident puppies?
We encourage you to keep learning. Find a high-quality breeder and mentor with them.
Purchase a dog that could be shown and consider going into the show ring. Get to know the people in your local breed club. Dig into the written standard and understand what the difference is between a well-bred dog and a purebred dog.
Lastly, be thoughtful.
We know you love your dog, but chances are you probably shouldn’t breed him or her.
Alternatives to Breeding
If you really want to breed so that your dog can ‘experience motherhood’ or so that your kids can ‘learn and experience it’, consider rescue instead.
Many rescues need temporary foster homes for whelping mothers, or temporary housing for young puppies until they are placed.
It’s a good opportunity to do a POSITIVE thing for your Community and still get to experience the sweet magic of tiny puppies!
There are questions to ask a dog breeder to examine whether they are producing quality puppies!
We hear often from people who brought a puppy home from a bad dog breeder, an unethical or back-yard breeder and said ‘I just didn’t know any better’.
Breeding dogs should be something for responsible dog breeders, NOT for everyone. Likewise, a new puppy owner should be educated on what puppy is the right puppy for them, be sold a healthy puppy, and be prepared to take care of them for the entire puppy’s life.
Questions to Ask Dog Breeder
Responsible breeders LOVE to answer questions from puppy buyers!
Reputable dog breeders pour their life and heart into their new puppies. A dog breeder who is hesitant to answer questions is NOT a good breeder!
Puppy buyers should never be afraid to ask ALL of the questions, as a legitimate breeder will love to discuss all of your wonderings.
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOG BREEDER
Does the mom and dad have temperament testing?
Do the puppies come with a health guarantee?
Are there health certificates to show the health tests that have been done on the mom/dad?
What is the breed’s temperament?
Are there any genetic diseases in the genes?
Are you able to visit the breeder’s home and see the puppies in real life?
How many dogs does the potential breeder own?
Is the dog breeder apart of a kennel club?
Are you able to speak with previous puppy buyers?
Does the breeder own the puppy’s parents?
Do the puppies get taken to vet visits?
Do the puppies and dogs get socialized from a young age, and if so what are the methods?
How many litters has the female and stud dog had?
RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS VS. BACKYARD BREEDING
Whether we like it or not, bad breeders are out there. They are everywhere. Some are even scams: they just want your money and have no puppies to sell at all.
If you are looking for your next (or first!) Great Dane puppy, we wrote this post for you. Just because a breeder has puppies doesn’t mean that they are operating ethically or selling healthy puppies that were raised with care.
Look for Red Flags When You Are Getting a New Puppy
Responsible breeding is not easy to do. Dogs and puppies cost a lot of money and time to care for properly. If a breeder is not asking questions about you and your home, they may not be as interested in finding the best homes for their puppies as they should be.
A responsible dog breeder will:
Be able to tell you about the temperament of the parents and grandparents
Have done health testing on the parents
Ask you a lot of questions about your home and family
Help you to pick the right puppy for your lifestyle
Give you a contract that outlines their health guarantee and terms of sale.
When you are looking for a breeder for a puppy, look for ‘red flags’ to help you identify the reputable breeders from the ones who may not be the right breeder for ou.
RED FLAG NUMBER 1: The breeder has no name or a bad name in the local community.
Keep in mind that just because people might know about your breeder or may even recommend them, does not mean that they don’t have other red flags!
A newer responsible breeder may not have an established presence, but if they are operating ethically, they are working under the mentorship of other breeders and will have a reputation that way.
It is ultimately the breeder’s responsibility to make connections within the breed clubs and find mentors that will help them produce the best puppies for their puppy buyer.
RED FLAG NUMBER 2: No or limited OFA Health Testing.
Breeders that invest in OFA health tests are more likely to be interested in the breed standard and health as a whole. When both parents have been fully tested, they are less likely to pass on painful, preventable, and sometimes life-threatening conditions such as hip displasia, thyroid disease, and cardiomyopathy. Ensuring that your puppy has a health certificate can be the difference between many breeders who are breeding solely for financial gain vs. buying a puppy from a reputable breeder who wants to better the breed.
Ask the breeder for the CHIC # for both dogs contributing to the litter. If they cannot give you this number, don’t have it, or you cannot verify it in the database at www.ofa.org, it is a MASSIVE red flag.
Outside of the U.S. the process for this will be different, however, it is a red flag if the breeder doesn’t complete at minimum x-rays, echocardiograms, eye exams and blood work to check for hip dysplaysia, elbow dysplays, eye disorders, thyroid disease and cardiac problems on both dam and sire.
Expect NOTHING less. A vet check is NOT health testing.
RED FLAG NUMBER 3: They seem desperate, too ‘perfect and impersonal’ or require a deposit provide more information.
Desperation is a classic breeder red flag that may also indicate that the breeder is a scam and may not even have real puppies to sell you.
If they seem pushy and offer high-pressure sales, list off all of the triggers (‘Health tested’, ‘Raised in a Home’, ‘Comes with a Leash and Collar’, ‘Snuggly and cute’), and seem to have very little interest in making sure you are the right home for the dog, tread cautiously.
Great dog breeders don’t have the capacity to get an entire litter of puppies potty trained, leash trained, and even ‘fully trained’ before sending them home. Yes, a responsible breeder can get started on these things and other dog related activities, but it is ultimately up to the puppy’s parents to finish these tasks1
A breeder should NEVER require you to place a deposit before answering your questions, and good breeders are exceptionally picky about buyers. You should have to work a little to prove yourself. If it’s the other way around, be wary.
RED FLAG NUMBER 4: The breeder won’t show the parents, or the parents are aggressive, look sick, or don’t look like Great Danes or the breed.
A professional breeder is proud of their Dam and Sire dogs. They keep them in a home environment and make sure that they are healthy, clean, and well-cared for.
Run from any breeder that won’t show you the parents, or if you see that the parents are kept in a kennel/barn, are not well-kept or lack breed type. It is unacceptable to see dogs being bred that have roached or sway backs, narrow hips, minimal substance, flat feet and overall poor structure. The parents should be excellent example of breed type in both structure and temperament.
RED FLAG NUMBER 5: The puppies are sick, weak, timid, roached or are knuckling and have flat feet.
Ask to see photos and videos of the puppies often as they are raised.
They should have plenty of substance (they should not appear wimpy or scrawny), great structure, nice head shapes and large, solid tight well-knuckled feet.
A reputable breeder will be exposing them to a variety of textures and obstacles (ramps, tunnels, boxes, grass, tile, gravel, etc.) that help build their confidence and strength. Additionally, the breeder should keep the puppies clean and trim their nails often.
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly growing knuckling resource page.
Timid or ill-tempered puppies (those that resource guard or are pushy and rude) often become timid and ill-tempered adults.
Quality breeders work very hard through thoughtful breeding practices and socialization to make sure puppies have excellent substance and temperaments.
Ideally you want to see that the puppies are curious, stand up tall and appear enthusiastic and healthy.
If you notice something looks off about the entire litter, there could be something amiss with the breeder. A whole litter getting sick is a red flag.
RED FLAG NUMBER 6: The breeder doesn’t have a contract or lifetime breeder support and return guarantees.
Don’t get sucked into the line that the dog breeder is ‘desperate’ or ‘has cancer and cannot offer support’. Dog breeders who do this solely for the money will make up all kinds of lies to tug at your heartstrings.
Ethical breeders care very much about their puppies and never, ever want them surrendered or ending up in rescue. Run from any breeder that doesn’t state in the contract that they want the dog back for any reason.
The contract will also outline breeding rights, spay/neuter timelines, and care guidelines. A dog breeder who truly cares about their dogs will be there for the entire dog’s life. Buying a puppy from a good breeder is not ‘a moment’, but a relationship!
The dog breeder should require you to return the dog to them if you are unable to keep it for some reason.
As a dog owner, this gives you an opportunity to return the dog to a safe place (the breeder who can then rehome him or her) if needed, instead of dumping the dog into the lap of our already strained Great Dane rescue system. If the breeder doesn’t offer lifetime support and at least a 2 year guarantee warranting the dog against certain health problems, run.
RED FLAG NUMBER 7: The dog breeder allows the puppies to go home prior to 8 weeks of age.
Inexperienced or careless breeders may claim that the mom ‘lost interest’ and ‘isn’t caring for the puppies’ around the time that the puppies naturally wean from the mother.
The mother may snap at the puppies to remind them to stop nursing or to correct them for being rude, and breeders will use this as an excuse to send the puppies home weeks before they should be leaving their mom.
The communication the mom gives the pups, and the communication the pups give each other is an incredibly important part of their development.
Puppies that go home prior to 8-10 weeks are extremely immature and struggle with bite control and potty training. There is rarely a reason for a puppy to go home earlier than this; if the mom is truly exhibiting dangerous aggressive behavior towards the pups, she should not have been bred.
Be patient and hold your dog breeder to a higher standard!
Double Merle puppies can be deaf, blind, or may have allergies and other health conditions. In the right hands these dogs can live a wonderful life, but many of them are either euthanized or end up in rescue and have questionable temperaments and high veterinary bills.
It is very important when buying a puppy to be able to see a full health certificate of all of the dogs within their genetics to make sure that your puppy was not the result of a double merle breeding.
Double Merle puppies are preventable. Make sure your breeder only pairs genetically proven (through testing) solid colors (such as mantle, black or blue) when breeding to a harlequin, merle or piebald dog.
Did you buy from a ‘red flag’ breeder? We’d love to hear your experience!
That’s a lot of information on which breeders NOT to choose, but how do we know which breeders are the ones to look for?
This post is perhaps the most important in our series on finding and supporting ethical breeders, and one you should read before you purchase your next Great Dane Puppy.
FIND A GREAT DANE BREEDER NEAR ME
Before you can begin the process of choosing a breeder, you have to find one!
Now that you’ve got a few names, you’ll want to narrow it down a bit. Perhaps you are looking for a specific color, or really like the ‘look’ of the dogs being produced by one of the breeders. Avoid buzzwords like ‘Euro’.
Healthy Great Dane puppies should have good bone (‘substance’) and be confident, curious and friendly. They should have tight, strong feet and be free of knuckling, worms and sores.
If you see timid, sick, weak or small puppies contact your local Great Dane rescue.
They may be able to step in and request that the breeder surrender the dogs and help them find suitable homes once they are healthy.
WHAT IS AKC REGISTRATION?
Ask the breeder about AKC Registration.
They should have a documented pedigree for the puppies going back at least 4 generations, and should be willing to share it with you so that you can research the genetics.
Most ethical breeders sell their puppies with an AKC LIMITED registration, meaning that you won’t be able to breed your puppy and register the off-spring with the AKC.
This restriction helps breeders keep their genetic lines from getting mucked up by ‘backyard breeders’.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BREED YOUR NEW GREAT DANE
If you want to breed, be honest with the breeder and ask if you can mentor with them. Finding a quality breeder to learn from will also ensure you have better access to quality puppies for breeding in the future.
LOOK FOR A BREEDER THAT SOCIALIZES ITS PUPPIES
Make sure the breeder you are talking to thoroughly socializes the puppies.
Well-socialized dogs make GREAT family pets! Be wary of any breeder that doesn’t expose puppies to a variety of textures, obstacles, noises, experiences and items. They should be spending time with the puppies and making sure they have lots of opportunity outside of the whelping area.
If the puppies are extremely timid, shy and fearful it’s very likely that the breeder is not using ethical practices for breeding and socialization. These puppies absolutely deserve an amazing chance at life, but their breeder does not deserve your money.
Some of the best breeders use Puppy Culture/ENS type protocols that are time consuming but extremely effective for ensuring that puppies are confident, engaged and able to handle the world. Read our post on Puppy Culture socialization here.
NO DOUBLE MERLE
No ethical, thoughtful breeder will pair two dogs with spotted coats.
Entire rescues are dedicated to saving the sick, timid, weak, deaf and blind white or mostly white puppies that result from these preventable pairings. Some breeders will do this anyways and then hard cull (euthanize) the white puppies at birth so that people never know.
Be educated about this, it’s important!
CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE COLOR PAIRING
Appropriate Great Dane Color pairings include:
Harlequin + Mantle Mantle + Mantle Black + Black Etc.
BREEDER CONTRACT
A breeder should have a solid, in-depth contract for you that covers everything from basic care requirements to breeding restrictions, spay and neuter and health and return guarantees.
Any breeder that does not require this doesn’t likely care much about the puppies, where they end up, or their relationship with you as the buyer. Ask to see the contract in advance; this can also help weed out breeders that are actually a scam and don’t have any puppies to sell you at all.
BREEDER GUARANTEE
Your breeder should be 100% willing to take a puppy back at any time, for any reason.
This simple guarantee helps ensure that no ethically-bred Great Dane ever ends up in a shelter or rescue.
If your breeder wouldn’t take a dog back, they don’t care much where they end up. In my opinion, that’s one of the worst offenses a breeder can make.
If you don’t think it matters because you never have any plans to return the dog, do a quick search through the many Great Dane rehoming groups. Digest the sheer volume of posts from people who didn’t think they would ever have to find a new home for their dog.
None of those people likely have a breeder who backs them up and will help them. Don’t be that person, and don’t financially support those kinds of ‘breeders’.
BREEDER KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT
The breeder you choose should have a HUGE amount of knowledge about Great Danes and will be able to talk to you about nutrition, health and more.
Expect your breeder to be interested in you as a buyer, and to want to watch the puppy grow up. They will be there to answer your questions!
It is important that you have a personal relationship with your breeder. If you don’t like them as a person, that maybe a red flag.
WHY DOES CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREEDER MATTER?
It’s not the ethical breeders that are the problem.
It’s the careless, thoughtless backyard & mill breedersthat are a driving reason behind why so many dogs end up in rescue.
We support breeders, and we support a buyers choice to choose breeders instead of choosing rescue.
If you choose to purchase a dog, we ask that you to be thoughtful in your decision. Choose only the types of breeders who are not contributing to the population of discarded purebred Great Danes that fill up local rescues across the Country.
