Hello Danes

Category: Backyard Breeding

  • Puppy Mill vs. Breeder : Be Educated

    Puppy Mill vs. Breeder : Be Educated

    Puppy mills, often hidden in plain sight, are a distressing reality within the commercial dog breeding industry. Many pet owners have a hard time telling the difference between a puppy mill vs. breeder when looking for a new pet.

    Despite increased awareness and efforts to combat puppy mills, these mass-breeding facilities continue to operate, churning out puppies for profit while neglecting the welfare of the animals. What’s worse, some organizations disguised as “rescues” may be selling puppy mill dogs!

    Read on for information on:

    • Inhumane living conditions for puppy mill dogs
    • Health issues resulting from irresponsible breeding practices
    • How to distinguish reputable breeders from their unethical counterparts
    • Spotting a puppy mill
    • Signs that a dog came from a puppy mill
    • Puppy mill rescue
    Puppy Mill vs. Breeder

    What is a Puppy Mill?


    A puppy mill is a commercial breeding facility that prioritizes profit over the well-being of the dogs.

    These operations typically mass-produce puppies in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, often with little regard for the health or genetic quality of the animals. Puppy mills are characterized by inhumane breeding practices, such as overbreeding, lack of proper veterinary care, and minimal socialization.

    The primary goal of puppy mills is to maximize output and profit, leading to the neglect and suffering of the animals involved.

    These facilities commonly supply pet stores, online sellers, “rescues” and brokers with puppies, perpetuating the cycle of irresponsible breeding and contributing to the pet overpopulation problem.

    Puppies that come from puppy mills are often brought to auctions, where they are sold like cattle.

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    Puppy Mill vs. Breeder: Key Differences

    Here’s a comparison between a puppy mill vs. breeder. It’s important to note that the value of each puppy’s life is equal, regardless of their origin. Every puppy deserves a wonderful life.

    However, some may not have the best start due to the practices that brought them into the pet population. This isn’t fair to the puppy or to its future owners.

    Puppy MillEthical Breeder
    Breeding Practices
    Focuses on quantity over quality, often mass-producing puppies without regard for health or genetic issues.Selectively breeds dogs to improve the breed, and will prioritize health, temperament, and conformation.
    Breeds dogs indiscriminately, leading to an increased risk of hereditary diseases and behavioral problems.Conducts health screenings and genetic testing on breeding dogs to minimize the risk of hereditary diseases in puppies.
    Living Conditions
    Dogs are typically kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, often confined to small cages with minimal space for movement or exercise.Maintains clean and spacious facilities where dogs are treated as part of the family, often living inside the breeder’s home.
    Lack of proper hygiene and veterinary care results in a higher incidence of health problems among dogs.Provides adequate space for exercise and socialization, ensuring the well-being of both adult dogs and puppies.
    Socialization & Care
    Puppies receive minimal socialization and interaction with humans, leading to behavioral issues such as fearfulness and aggression.Puppies receive early socialization and exposure to various stimuli to help them develop into well-adjusted pets.
    Basic needs such as proper nutrition, grooming, and veterinary care are often neglected.Provides proper nutrition, veterinary care, and training to ensure the physical and mental health of the puppies.
    Transparency & Accountability
    Lack of transparency about breeding practices, living conditions, and the health of the dogs.Offers transparency about breeding practices, health testing results, and the lineage of the dogs.
    Little to no accountability for the well-being of the animals, with profit being the primary motive.Provides written contracts outlining the responsibilities of both the buyer and the breeder, along with health guarantees and support after the purchase.
    Puppy Mills vs. Ethical Breeders
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    Signs That a Puppy is From a Puppy Mill

    If you have a new puppy, you may have some concerns about if they are from a puppy mill. Even if you think you worked with a reputable breeder, it’s important to know that puppy mills are insidious. They are everywhere!

    Here are some signs that a puppy may come from a puppy mill:

    1. Selling Location:
      • The puppy is being sold in a pet store that sources its puppies from various breeders, including commercial facilities.
      • A broker sold the puppy to you.
      • The seller is unable or unwilling to provide detailed information about the puppy’s breeding history or the facility it came from.
    2. Unwillingness to Allow Visits:
      • The seller refuses to allow potential buyers to visit the facility where the puppies are bred and raised.
      • Excuses are made regarding why visits are not possible, such as claiming that the breeder’s location is remote or that visits are not allowed for health reasons.
    3. Multiple Breeds Available:
      • The seller offers a wide variety of dog breeds available at the same time, which may indicate mass breeding for profit rather than focusing on one or two breeds with expertise and care.
    4. Lack of Health Certifications:
      • The seller cannot provide health certifications or documentation of veterinary care for the puppy or its parents.
      • There is no evidence of genetic or OFA Health testing for hereditary health conditions common to the breed.
    5. Poor Living Conditions:
      • The puppy appears dirty, matted, or unhealthy, suggesting inadequate grooming and care.
      • The seller is unable to provide information about the conditions in which the puppy was raised, or that the environment is visibly unsanitary.
    6. Behavioral Issues:
      • The puppy exhibits signs of fearfulness, anxiety, or aggression, which may result from inadequate socialization during its early development.
      • The puppy shows signs of being under-socialized, such as fear of humans or unfamiliar environments.
    7. Transaction Details:
      • The seller is primarily focused on completing the sale and shows little concern for the puppy’s well-being or its suitability for the buyer’s lifestyle.
      • The seller does not provide a written contract outlining the terms of the sale, including health guarantees and return policies.
    8. Retail Rescue:
      • The puppy comes from a rescue that purchased the litter of puppies at an auction under the guise of “saving” them.
      • The rescue claims that the puppies have been “saved from the meat trade” or “slaughterhouse” (yes, these are puppy mill dogs).
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    What is a Puppy Broker?

    A puppy broker is a middleman or intermediary who facilitates the sale of puppies between breeders and buyers. Instead of breeding puppies themselves, puppy brokers act as a link between those who produce puppies (such as breeders or puppy mills) and those who purchase them (such as pet stores, online sellers, or individual buyers).

    Puppy brokers often deal with large numbers of puppies and may operate on a regional or national level. They typically acquire puppies from commercial breeding operations like puppy mills, and occasionally small home breeders (who are unethical simply because they provide control of their litter to a broker).

    Once acquired, puppy brokers may transport the puppies to different locations for sale, such as pet stores, online marketplaces, or through direct sales to individual buyers. They may also handle advertising, marketing, and logistics related to puppy sales.

    It is unethical to purchase puppies from a broker.

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    What is Retail Rescue?

    Retail rescue is the practice of rescues who may obtain puppies from the “meat trade” or puppy mill auctions, and sell them as “rescues”.

    While in theory, these dogs have been “rescued” from some kind of situation they were in, both of these practices are highly unethical.

    You can spot retail rescues by looking at the puppies they offer.

    Red flags include:

    • Several litters of 8-10+ week-old purebred or designer puppies are available for adoption.
    • They ask for donations so they can “save puppies from a puppy mill” (typically this means they are going to a puppy mill auction to buy puppies).
    • The rescue is selling purebred and designer “rescue” puppies for exorbitant prices, and pricing them based on the desirability of their breed and color.
    • Rescue volunteers will skirt around questions about where the puppies come from.
    • They will adopt a dog out to anybody with few checks and balances.

    What Are “Meat Trade” Rescue Dogs?

    Dogs labeled as rescued from the meat trade are often dogs from puppy mills.

    These organizations market these dogs as “saved from the meat trade”, but this narrative is frequently baseless.

    It manipulates potential adopters by exploiting racial stereotypes, leading them to believe they are saving a dog from abuse and the dinner plate.

    Many dogs identified as “meat trade rescues” originate from puppy mills and were never meant for consumption. Exercise caution and refrain from perpetuating racial stereotypes.

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    What Happens to Puppy Mill Puppies That Aren’t Sold?

    Puppy mill puppies that aren’t sold typically face various outcomes, none of which are ideal for their well-being.

    Unfortunately, every purchase of a puppy mill puppy from any source fuels this terrible machine:

    1. Continued Breeding: In some cases, unsold puppies may be kept by the breeder to continue breeding operations. This perpetuates the cycle of overbreeding and contributes to the proliferation of puppy mills.
    2. Neglect or Abandonment: If breeders cannot find buyers for their puppies, they may neglect or abandon them. These puppies may be left to fend for themselves in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, leading to health issues and suffering.
    3. Euthanasia: Puppy mill breeders and brokers may euthanize unsold puppies, especially if they are sick or deformed.
    4. Selling to Brokers or Auctions: Some breeders may sell unsold puppies to brokers or auctions, where they are often purchased by other breeders, “rescues”, or pet stores. This perpetuates the cycle of exploitation and contributes to the overpopulation problem.
    5. Surrender to Shelters or Rescues: In some cases, breeders may surrender unsold puppies to animal shelters or rescue organizations. These puppies may then be placed for adoption in loving homes, but they may face challenges due to a lack of socialization and proper care.

    Overall, the fate of unsold puppy mill puppies highlights the unethical practices of the puppy mill industry and underscores the importance of adopting pets from reputable sources that prioritize animal welfare.

    It may be tempting to try and save these dogs, but the puppy mills are counting on people who fall for this trap.

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    How to Stop Puppy Mills

    Stopping puppy mills requires a multifaceted approach involving legislation, consumer awareness, and support for responsible breeding practices. It requires pet owners to be fully informed about the puppy mill vs. breeder comparison.

    Here are some steps that can help address the issue:

    1. Support Legislation: Advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and regulations that regulate commercial breeding operations. Encourage lawmakers to enact and enforce laws that impose stricter standards for breeding facilities, such as minimum space requirements, regular veterinary care, and restrictions on breeding frequency.
    2. Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the realities of puppy mills and the importance of avoiding purchasing pets from disreputable sources. Use social media, community events, and educational campaigns to spread awareness about the cruelty of puppy mills and promote adoption from shelters and reputable breeders.
    3. Promote Adoption: Encourage adoption from animal shelters, rescue organizations, and reputable breed-specific rescues as the primary option for acquiring pets. Highlight the benefits of adopting homeless animals and provide resources to support potential adopters in finding the right pet for their family.
    4. Support Spaying and Neutering: Promote spaying and neutering programs to reduce the population of unwanted pets. Encourage pet owners to spay and neuter their pets and support initiatives that provide affordable or free spay/neuter services to low-income communities.
    5. Choose Responsible Sources: Encourage individuals to research and choose responsible breeders who prioritize the health and welfare of their dogs. Guide other dog lovers on how to identify reputable breeders, including visiting breeding facilities, asking for OFA health certifications, and researching breed-specific organizations.
    6. Boycott Pet Stores: Refrain from purchasing pets from pet stores that source their animals from puppy mills. Instead, support stores that partner with animal shelters or rescue organizations to promote adoption.
    7. Report Suspected Puppy Mills: If you suspect a breeding operation is a puppy mill or is engaging in unethical practices, report it to local animal control authorities, law enforcement, or animal welfare organizations. Provide detailed information and evidence to support your concerns.
  • Great Danes for Sale: How to Find a Great Dane Puppy

    Great Danes for Sale: How to Find a Great Dane Puppy

    There are many places to find Great Danes for sale, but not all of them are reputable, ethical, or even real! Did you know that many online websites that sell Great Dane puppies are a scam? Or that a lot of Great Dane Breeders who seem friendly and reputable are actually highly unethical?

    I’m going to use this blog to help you find Great Danes for sale from reputable breeders who want to make sure that your pet is healthy, happy, and…REAL!

    There are four places we recommend looking to find Great Dane puppies, and several places we encourage you to steer clear from. Let’s take a look!

    Great Danes for Sale: How to Find Reputable Breeders

    great danes for sale

    Great Dane Breeder Registry

    The first place you should look for a Great Dane puppy is through the parent club breeder registry.

    In the U.S., the parent club is called the Great Dane Club of America. There is also the Great Dane Club of Canada and the European Federation of Deutsche Dogge Club, among others.

    Most Great Dane breed clubs are exclusive: meaning, you don’t get to be a member or be in their registry unless you are a well-respected, established Great Dane breeder who also follows the club’s Code of Ethics statements.

    The Code of Ethics documents typically outline requirements for members regarding ethical breeding practices, breed standards, and health testing.

    The breed parent clubs typically have a registry that will allow you to search your area for breeders. Don’t be shy! While these breeders are ‘show breeders’, many of the puppies they produce are beautiful pets from fully health-tested parents.

    Ever wonder why some breeders have the worst websites? Ethical breeders receive a lot of inquiries and don’t need their website to be a marketing platform. Don’t be afraid of breeders whose websites look outdated.

    While it may be tricky to find an ethical breeder with puppies available, the parent club is always the best place to start. By making connections with show breeders, you may find that they can also often refer you to others that they are mentoring (exceptional up-and-coming breeders who may not be advertising).

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    Find Great Dane Puppies at Local Breed Clubs

    The next place to look is through your local breed club!

    The parent clubs outline the breed standard and many of the ethics practices regarding breeding, while the local clubs focus on community. There will likely be active breeders in your local breed club chapter who are not yet members of the main parent club, so your options will expand!

    The breeders who participate in the Great Dane breeder community for your area (for example, the Great Dane Club of Greater Denver or the Great Dane Club of California are all helping each other. They see each other often in club meetings and at shows, too. There are a lot of checks and balances and any breeder who is not breeding for the health and betterment of the breed is unlikely to be welcomed by the local club.

    Search your parent club and your local area for a Great Dane chapter and go from there! Start making connections, you never know who you’ll find. As above, remember that these breeders don’t typically need to advertise and you may not find them through ‘traditional’ channels, but they are the best of the best.

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    See Great Dane Breeders at Dog Shows

    Want to meet several ethical, reputable Great Dane breeders in one day AND meet the parents of your potential future puppy?

    Go to a dog show! You can find listings for dog shows via your local Great Dane breed clubs, the AKC website, and your local all-breed kennel clubs (just do a Google search). Dog shows are typically free (or inexpensive) to attend and will have vendors, concessions, and events such as conformation (showing), dock diving, agility, obedience, and more.

    Find out when and where the Great Danes will be in the show ring, and be a respectful spectator! If you are new to dog shows and want to understand what is happening in the ring before you show up to check it out, read this easy beginners guide from the AKC.

    Never approach a breeder who has just left the show ring, is preparing their dog for the ring, or is about to go into the ring. Remember, showing is a sport that requires focus, dedication, and concentration.

    Sit back and watch the dogs; do any catch your eye? Make note of the handler and when the time is right, start making connections! Most breeders are very welcoming to spectators who are interested in the breed and looking to find an ethical, dedicated breeder for their next pet.

    Remember, for every litter of puppies from a ‘show breeder’, there will be several puppies in the litter that won’t ever be shown. These beautiful dogs are looking for exceptional homes just like yours!

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    Great Dane Breeders that Health Test Facebook Group

    There is one group on Facebook that has dedicated themselves to legitimate breeders who fully health-test the parents. While there are many Great Dane breeder groups on social media, this is the only one we can confidently say is not a scam.

    Tread cautiously with other groups as they are often run by predatory backyard breeders.

    The Great Dane Breeders that Health Test Facebook group requires members to submit the results of the hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid panels that were completed before breeding. Choosing breeders who invest in proper health testing dramatically reduces the risk that you will receive a puppy with expensive and devastating health problems in the future, so this is important!

    You can access that group and find your next Great Dane puppy HERE.

    Always verify at www.ofa.org that the breeder you choose is fully health testing both parents, too.

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    Why is Choosing a Good Great Dane Puppy Breeder Important?

    Great Danes are massive dogs that are unfortunately prone to several genetic health problems.

    The breed itself is unfortunately overrun with “breeders” who cut corners on everything from health testing to socialization. Many of these breeders are selling off-standard “Euro” dogs with health guarantees that are contingent upon the new owner purchasing food or vitamins from the breeder.

    This is a scam and those breeders must be avoided.

    Poorly bred Great Danes suffer from problems with their health and temperament that make their lives shorter and in many cases, uncomfortable. Danes should never be timid, fearful, or aggressive; yet many are.

    Great Danes should have beautiful movement and structure to support their bodies throughout life; but many don’t.

    It’s so important to choose ethical, dedicated breeders.

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    How to Avoid Bad Great Dane Breeders

    There are several unfortunately common places where people look for Great Dane breeders that should honestly be your last resort. These channels are overwhelmed with breeders who are cutting corners on health testing or worse, may not even be real! If you find it easy to find Great Danes for sale, chances are, you’ve found an unethical breeder or a scam.

    Our Great Dane breeder scams page is one of the most popular pages on our site for a reason; there are thousands of breeders out there who are collecting deposits but have no puppies at all. Read more about this scam HERE.

    Here is a short list of things you never want to do when purchasing a Great Dane Puppy:

    • Shop for puppies in social media groups
    • Do a Google search and purchase a puppy online from a website
    • Respond to “breeders” who solicit to you via messaging apps on social media
    • Look for the cheapest puppy you can on Craistlist
    • Choose a breeder from the AKC registry without fully vetting that the breeder has all OFA health tests completed
    • Buy a puppy from a breeder simply because others say they had a “great experience” with them (you must still check into OFA health testing, socialization, and the pedigree)
    • Purchase a puppy from a breeder who requires that you feed vitamins or food that you purchase from them or from their affiliate link (these are typically MLM scams)
    • Breed your own Great Dane to another in exchange for a free puppy without full OFA health testing

  • Is My Great Dane Well-Bred?

    Is My Great Dane Well-Bred?

    Great Danes are incredible dogs, and they are not for everybody. Is your Great Dane well-bred?

    There is a stark difference between dogs that are well bred (ethically bred) and dogs that were bred for profit. If a Great Dane is well bred, they are less likely to suffer from common disorders such as orthopedic problems, heart disease, bad temperaments, and even bloat.

    Genetics play a role in everything from how a dog is built to how they interact with the world.

    This article is not to say that ‘poorly bred’ Great Danes are bad and ‘well bred’ Great Danes are good. It’s simply meant to be an educational comparison.

    The fact of the matter is that we have a serious problem in the world of Danes. For every breeder focused on health, structure, and temperament, there are tons of Great Dane breeders who are pairing dogs for no other reason other than fun and profit.

    Ear Cropping Great Danes
    Ear Cropping Great Danes

    Well-Bred Great Danes Come From Dedicated Breeders

    No matter what a Great Dane ends up looking like in the end, one of the key elements of being well-bred is that a dog comes from an ethical, dedicated breeder.

    Here are some basics that a breeder should meet to qualify as ‘ethical’.

    Lifetime support of every puppy they ever bred; this includes being willing to take dogs back into their home at any time, for any reason, and never dumping a dog on a rescue or shelter.

    • Breeding for health, temperament, and the written breed standard
    • Knowledgeable about sound Great Dane structure & movement
    • Willing to seek out a 3rd party opinion about the dogs they are breeding, including working with a well-respected mentor, attending AKC dog shows, taking conformation handling and obedience training classes, or by collaborating with the local Great Dane breeding club

    Full health testing of both parents, no exceptions. These tests include OFA Hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid. The results of these tests must be available for you to view at www.ofa.org

    • Exceptionally picky when choosing homes for the dogs they breed
    • Keeps puppies until 8 or 10 weeks of age
    • Never breeds dogs under the age of 2, especially if they aren’t fully OFA health tested

    An ethical breeder will never breed a dog that is aggressive, anxious, fearful, or that has bloat, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, or other known genetic health problems in the pedigree.

    Screen Shot 2022 08 31 at 9.56.07 AM

    Well-Bred vs. Not Well-Bred Great Danes

    Coming from a good pedigree and an exceptional breeder who cares about the pedigree is a solid step in the right direction.

    Unfortunately, some breeders are so flippant about their breeding practices that the puppies they produce don’t look like Great Danes at all.

    If you’ve googled this and are wondering if your Great Dane is well-bred or not, we’re going to dig into this with some photos!

    Keep in mind that even in well-bred litters, only a few puppies will be ‘show quality’ (stellar examples of the breed). All puppies are pets, whether they are show-quality or not.

    Puppies who aren’t right for the show ring will still be well-bred, however! Very few puppies are exactly perfect. Some, however, are much further off of the target than others.

    It’s impossible to judge how well bred a puppy is just by looking at an image. Rather than focusing on what ‘well-bred’ looks like, let’s take a look at the opposite. What do dogs who are not well-bred look like?

    The dogs in this gallery below are cute, but do not meet the written standard for Great Danes:

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    Great Dane Faults

    A fault is a trait that a dog has which goes against the recommendations outlined in the written standard.

    Here is a list of faults seen in the dogs above. Again, this is not a beauty contest! It’s simply about making sure that Great Danes are built correctly so they can live long, healthy lives and look like…well…Great Danes!

    How many faults can you spot?

    • Flat feet
    • Long nails
    • Ears that come from the top of the head or that stick out (cute, but makes them look mixed breed)
    • Ears that are long and droopy (cute! But makes them look like hounds)
    • Extremely droopy jowls
    • Droopy eyes with redness and haw showing
    • Steep croup
    • Narrow hips
    • Roached back
    • Apple shaped/dome head
    • Lack of overall substance
    • Heavy and stocky
    • Cathedral chest or flat chest
    • Abused & neglected

    Unfortunately, many of the dogs in the gallery above will be mistaken for other breeds if met on the street. They may be loved family pets, but they are not well-bred.

    Many people will consider the differences in the dogs above to be related to “Euro” vs. “American” breedings, however those terms are nothing more than marketing from breeders who want to sell puppies. Read more about “EURO vs. American” here.

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    What Does a Well-Bred Great Dane Look Like?

    A well-bred Great Dane who comes from an exceptional breeder will be a solid, muscular dog that moves with grace and long forward strides. They will not be stocky, nor will they appear boney and small.

    They have a large head that is chiseled and full of regal expression, whether the ears are cropped or not.

    Their front and rear limbs will be built correctly, ensuring that they can comfortably hold their own weight up for years to come. They will have nice tight feet, short nails, and a glossy coat.

    The chest should be broad and muscular, not flat or weak.

    When they move and stand, they are comfortable keeping their head and neck up (not drooping down, which is a sign of discomfort), and they are not heavy or lumbering.

    Well-bred Great Danes are friendly and courageous.
    They should never be fearful, timid, or aggressive.

    You can read the original Great Dane standard (in the U.S., which is nearly identical to the Canadian and European version) HERE.

    When a Great Dane is built correctly from the ground up, they are less likely to suffer from painful orthopedic problems that cause them a lifetime of issues with movement.

    Notice in the overlay below that the Great Dane in the image:

    • Has an oversized, mastiff-like blocky head
    • Droopy jowls
    • He is unable to hold his head up correctly
    • His hips are higher than his shoulders
    • The top line is sloping up towards the hips, not gracefully down to them
    • He has an exceptionally steep croup with his tail placed very low
    • His rear legs lack angulation, as do the front
    • While the front angulation appears to match the overlay, it’s only because the dog is standing incorrectly
    Great dane well-bred

    Structural Faults in Great Danes

    Structural problems are arguably the most important reason to choose ethical breeders.

    Dogs carry roughly 60% of their weight on the front limbs; for an average 140 lb male, that’s 84 lbs of weight on the chest, shoulders, and front paws!

    It is unfair, shall I say borderline abusive for Great Dane breeders to continue breeding dogs who have significant faults in the way that they are built. Yet, some of the most popular breeders, those who are friendly and have nice websites, are to blame.

    Take the dog below as an example. This chocolate harlequin Great Dane is being bred by a local, very popular breeder. I believe that as of this writing, she is on her 2nd breeding.

    Notice that she has absolutely no chest and no angles; her front arms are so far forward on her ribcage that she has a ‘cathedral’.

    This weight on her front assembly is affecting her front paws, which are flat from struggling to hold herself up. Her rear legs might as well be made of wood; they are stick straight. As a whole this poor dog lacks substance and her rear feet are some of the worst I’ve ever seen.

    She is an AKC registered Great Dane.

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    AKC Papers are Meaningless

    Here is a fun fact for you.

    A dog can have AKC papers, or be from an “AKC Registered” breeder, and still be poorly bred.

    Putting two dogs with an AKC pedigree together is not enough to ensure the health and longevity of this breed that we love.

    If you want to get involved, help us spread the word! The breeder registry at www.gdca.org is a great place to dig through exceptional Great Dane breeders.

    Here is an example of an incredible stud who has passed full OFA screenings and received multiple titles because of how well he adheres to the breed standard: https://vandelftdanes.wixsite.com/mysite/quill

    For more photos of well-bred Great Danes, here are some links to a few favorites:

    Grateful Danes

    Daynakin Great Danes

    Van Delft Great Danes

    • Find ethical breeders on social media and like, comment, and follow them
    • Learn how to spot the difference between an ethical breeder and a ‘nice’ breeder with unethical practices
    • Attend dog shows, meet breeders, and involve yourself in the preservation side of Great Dane breeding. It’s fun and shows are usually free to attend and watch as a spectator!
    • For your next Great Dane, choose adoption or get on the list for well-bred dog
  • What Health Tests do Great Danes Need for Breeding?

    What Health Tests do Great Danes Need for Breeding?

    Are you thinking about breeding a Great Dane or purchasing a puppy? We’ve put together a fantastic post today with a ton of information about what to look for in a breeder, and what testing should be done.

    There are four tests recommended by the Great Dane Club of America. These tests should be completed on both the dam and the sire prior to breeding, and the dog being tested should pass all of these with good or excellent results.

    The four tests are heart, hips, eyes, and thyroid. It is unethical to skip any one of these tests for any reason.

    I’m going to cover the Great Dane Club of America recommendations in more detail below!

    What Health Tests do Great Danes Need For Breeding?

    what health tests do Great Danes need before breeding?

    Heart Echocardiogram

    The heart should be evaluated with an echocardiogram prior to breeding to rule out heart disease and congenital heart defects.

    This is a non-invasive test that will give the veterinarian and a board-certified veterinary cardiologist a good idea of the size and function of the heart.

    Cardiac screening is one of the most important tests a breeder can do for the health of the puppies and the dogs being bred. A healthy heart is absolutely necessary for a Dam experiencing pregnancy and whelping, and for the stud, too!

    (Read here why grain-free and boutique dog foods may be bad for your dog’s heart!)

    Not only is this helpful for the health of the dogs being bred, but the test results can help rule out DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), heart murmurs, and other genetic or environmental heart problems seen in Great Danes.

    Heart disease is a top killer of Great Danes.

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    Hips X-Ray

    There are two acceptable forms of hip testing, which can help rule out hip dysplasia. PennHip (which is more comprehensive) and OFA Hips.

    Both of these tests are done by x-raying the dog’s hips and then submitting the x-rays to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for interpretation. Anesthesia may be required.

    The radiologists will examine the images of dogs’ hips and rate them fair, good, excellent, or normal.

    The results of these tests will be given as a “hip score.”

    OFA Hip tests should not be completed in Great Danes prior to age 2. Some breeders choose PennHIP testing, as it will provide preliminary results (prior to age 2) that can be helpful in determining the course of a breeding program.

    Great Danes should NEVER be bred prior to age 2, and the final hip results that count towards a CHIC # (see below) cannot be completed until after age 2.

    Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that has many environmental factors, but can also be genetic.

    Dogs with a genetic link to hip dysplasia are more likely to suffer from environmental factors (such as poor nutrition) that affect the hips and elbows.

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    Eyes Examination

    An eye exam should be performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist prior to breeding.

    This is a non-invasive test that will evaluate the health of the eyes and rule out any genetic eye problems.

    A quick look of the eyes by a veterinarian is not a proper OFA Eye Certification. The dog must be seen by the ophthalmologist and undergo a series of tests.

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    Thyroid Testing

    The thyroid should be evaluated with a blood test prior to breeding. This is a simple blood test that will assess the function of the thyroid gland and check the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood.

    Thyroid disease is relatively common in Great Danes and can cause a variety of health problems. It can also be genetic and should not be passed on to puppies.

    Thyroid testing is a simple, inexpensive health test that can go a long way toward reducing the genetic incidence of the disease.

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    Genetic Screening for Great Danes

    In addition to basic OFA health testing mentioned above, diligent breeders should also be focused on the pedigree and eliminating common genetic disorders such as DCM, cancer, entropion, aggression, bloat, wobblers, blood clotting disorders, and degenerative disease.

    If a dog is bred without the breeder being aware of the genes carrying certain diseases into the offspring, there is a much higher chance that the puppies will be affected.

    There are genetic tests available to rule many common disorders out, however, a deep dive into the health and genetics of the pedigree in a breeding program can be insightful as well!

    We’ve included information about common genetic screening tests for Great Danes HERE.

    Ear Cropping Great Danes
    Ear Cropping Great Danes

    Color Testing

    Color testing in Great Danes gives breeders a better picture of what coat colors may be possible with certain pairings.

    This may important information for breeders who want to stick with the 7 accepted breed colors (Mantle, Merle, Black, Blue, Brindle, Fawn, Harlequin), or even for those who want to venture outside of it (a practice that we take a discouraging but somewhat neutral stance on).

    Color testing is especially important for breeders who want to avoid the accidental creation of double-merle Great Dane puppies.

    Double Merle Great Danes are often born deaf, blind, or both. They are also at a higher risk for other health issues. Color testing can eliminate the chance of this happening.

    Read HERE to learn more about white double-merle Great Dane Puppies.

    IMGD

    IMGD is a progressive disorder that causes muscle atrophy and weakness.

    A genetic test available through UC Davis can help rule it out.

    https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/imgd

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    PRA-prcd

    PRA-prcd is a progressive eye disease that leads to blindness. A genetic test is available through UC Davis.

    https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/pra-prcd

    Bloat

    Bloat, AKA “GDV” is primarily a genetic disorder. It is also deadly.

    VetGen offers a screening option that looks for markers that have been associated with a high-risk factor of bloat / GDV in dogs.

    Dogs with a history of bloat in the immediate pedigree, or who are generally anxious and timid, should never be bred.

    https://www.vetgen.com/canine-gdv.html

    Pedigree Research

    Of course, there are many other diseases and conditions that can be passed onto puppies. For this reason, good old-fashioned pedigree research is key.

    This is a time-consuming but important task for any breeder. Reducing the chance of health conditions can ensure that the dogs produced are able to live a long and healthy life.

    Knowing the health history not only of the parents but of the grandparents, great-grandparents, and even further back can offer a pretty good idea of what health concerns may be lurking!

    Some common congenital problems that may be seen in a study of the pedigree include Von Willebrand’s Disease, wobblers, Addison’s disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy among others.

    instagram.com/deardanes
    www.instagram.com/deardanes

    What is OFA?

    OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

    It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 with the goal of reducing crippling hip dysplasia in dogs. Since that time, it has grown to include health testing recommendations for other genetic disorders, too.

    You can see the Great Dane health testing recommendations HERE.

    The OFA offers health screening and certification services for a variety of conditions in many different breeds of dogs, in addition to a public database for breeders to share the results.

    When responsible breeders complete the recommended health tests, they can log the results into the searchable OFA database for others to find.

    A proper OFA exam is not the same as a “vet check!”

    OFA health tests have specific practices and additional paperwork outlined for each. A veterinarian will be able to direct you towards booking the correct appointments.

    Some veterinarians will offer OFA Clinics at AKC Dog Shows to make it easier for breeders to book and complete appointments.

    Click here to see an example of a Great Dane from Grateful Danes that was properly health tested and CHIC certified, and registered with the OFA.

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    What is a CHIC Number?

    A CHIC number is awarded to dogs that have OFA certification for all of the recommended or required health tests.

    Some health tests (such as cardiac screening) may need to be repeated yearly or prior to breeding, depending on how much time has passed and how dedicated the breeder is.

    It’s important to note that a CHIC number can still be awarded, even if the dog did not pass the health screenings.

    Make sure to look at the results of the registered health tests before deciding on the breeder you want to work with.

    The CHIC number aims to ensure that at minimum, breeders are obtaining full health testing for their dogs.

    A CHIC # paired with outstanding test results is a badge of honor.

    We recommend supporting ethical breeders who are wanting to eliminate health issues in the pedigree through diligent health testing and by obtaining CHIC #’s for their dogs.

    https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

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    Why is Health Testing Important?

    It’s easy for breeders to make health claims about their puppies based on anecdotal evidence, but having actual test results speak volumes.

    Fully health-tested dogs are much less likely to pass painful or deadly disorders and conditions onto puppies.

    Because Great Danes are a giant breed dog, health testing is even more important!

    The lifespan of a Great Dane is reduced by genetic disorders.

    Good breeders are working to turn those statistics around.

    Health Test Excuses

    Some breeders will make excuses for why their dogs are missing health tests.

    For example, they may say that hip, heart, or eye testing is unreliable and puppies may get the disease even if the parents were fully tested, so it’s pointless.

    Or they will tell you that their dogs have a long health history with no problems and don’t need more tests.

    Worst of all, they will tell you that they don’t have access to proper testing because OFA veterinary clinics are too far of a drive.

    If we dig deeper into that statement, what we are hearing is that the breeder may not have quick access to quality veterinary care for the dogs being bred in the first place. That’s unfair and potentially deadly to the Dam and the puppies.

    Many show breeders will travel several states over to prove their dogs in a show ring. A 2-4 hour drive to find an OFA veterinarian should not be a barrier for anybody who wants to ethically breed dogs.

    In our honest opinion, there is no legitimate excuse. Exceptional breeders who care about the breed will fully OFA test their breeding stock prior to breeding. It’s that simple.

    Great Dane laying down outdoors next to her puppy 500x486 1
    Great Dane laying down outdoors next to her puppy.

    Backyard Breeding

    Many backyard breeders are friendly and have beautiful websites and cute puppies. However, don’t be fooled!

    If a breeder claims to have health certifications and ‘genetic screening’ results but doesn’t have any specific test names or numbers to match up with those claims, they are likely not being truthful.

    Remember, a veterinary check or EMBARK study is NOT health testing!

    In order to verify the validity of a breeder’s health claims, you should always look up their dog’s test results on the OFA website.

    The breeder’s kennel name, the dog’s registered name, or their registration number should be all that is needed.

    If they are missing tests (heart, hips, eyes, thyroid), have poor or fair test results, or aren’t registered at all, RUN! This is not a breeder you should support.

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    How Much Does it Cost to Health Test a Dog For Breeding?

    The cost of health testing a Great Dane for breeding purposes can range from $500-$2500, depending on the number and types of tests being done, in addition to the local cost of living.

    Some tests (such as cardiac screening or thyroid) need to be repeated every 1-3 years.

    Great Dane puppies from healthy, properly tested breeding stock are more likely to live long and robust lives. Those puppies will continue to pass on their good genetics, too!

    Good breeders are worth every penny that they charge, as they are dedicating a lot of time, effort, and money to their breeding program.

    Hold your Great Dane breeder to a higher standard! Look for breeders that participate in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals CHIC program, whose Danes are family members first, and who will support you and your healthy puppy for life.

  • Misconceptions in the World of Dogs: Debunking the Myths

    Misconceptions in the World of Dogs: Debunking the Myths

    There is a lot of advice and marketing floating around in the world of dogs. A lot of it is dated and much of it is actually dangerous! Misconceptions in the world of dogs are rampant and we’re going to clear up some big ones today.

    These are 5 common ideas in the world of dogs that are actually a big fat scam! These misconceptions are meant to make you buy more things or do things that could actually hurt, frustrate or even kill your dog.

    Read on, friends.

    misconceptions in the world of dogs

    Allergy Testing for Dogs

    Many people whose dogs have loose stools, itching, and other symptoms of allergies will turn to blood or saliva allergy tests for answers.

    These tests prey on desperate dog owners!

    Here is how it goes down:

    The results will show a list of things the dog is supposedly “allergic” to. This list most often includes things like chicken, corn, grains, and grass or pollen.

    Feeling validated, the owner will then choose a boutique “Limited Ingredient” dog food and spend insane amounts of money on expensive diets, supplements, washes, and more.

    When that diet doesn’t work, the owner will switch the diet, again and again, further destroying the dog’s gut health (which of course, leads to more sensitivities, allergies, or even heart failure, YIKES!) while trying to find something that ‘works’).

    (See our post below about designer boutique dog food!)

    The truth about allergy testing in dogs

    There is no good evidence to support any type of blood serum or saliva allergy testing in dogs! As a matter of fact, studies have shown that these tests are wildly inaccurate.

    This article from Tufts University outlines the science behind this. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2020/03/food-allergy-testing

    How to diagnose allergies in dogs

    So what is a pet owner to do?

    A food elimination trial using hydrolyzed protein diets is still the gold standard for diagnosing legitimate food allergies in dogs.

    This means taking your dog off of all food sources, including treats and counter surfing, except for a highly hydrolyzed protein diet (think Hills z/d or Purina HA) for at least 12 weeks.

    If the symptoms improve, then you can slowly add things back in one at a time to see if there is a true allergy.

    But beware, these diets are expensive and not all dogs will eat them!

    This is, of course, assuming that a food allergy is actually what is happening. Actual allergies to specific proteins in food are exceptionally rare, and there are more often environmental factors at play.

    Choosing an appropriate, well-balanced diet (correctly formulated raw and/or quality non-boutique kibble, see below) and addressing environmental allergies with robust gut health and possibly medications (including Benedryl) will be much more effective and healthy for your pet.

    Should I Feed Grain Free?

    Fish Oil for Great Danes

    Puppy Food for Great Danes

    8 Must Know’s for Great Dane Nutrition

    Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do

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    Is “Force-Free” Dog Training Ethical?

    The second discussion point in our ‘dog world myths’ series will likely bring us some heat, and that’s ok!

    Some dog trainers out there claim to be “Force-Free” and will use marketing to imply that they are the only “humane”, and “science-based” option.

    They often spend a lot of time bashing other dog trainers, tools, and methods, too.

    But here is the thing:

    It’s scientifically impossible to be “Force-Free” or to use only “Positive Reinforcement”.

    All dog trainers use some form of positive reinforcement (rewarding the dog for doing something) and negative punishment (taking something away from the dog to decrease a behavior).

    Whether it’s withholding a treat, keeping a dog on a long leash, or isolating a dog from socialization and the world to avoid bad behaviors, the reality is that force, punishment, and coercion are at play.

    The problem lies in the fact that a “Force-Free” dog trainer will always choose, without exception, no matter the situation, isolation and physical restraint (yes, force) in lieu of just saying NO.

    For many dogs, this becomes a compounding source of frustration that leads to anxiety, reactivity, frustration, and over-excitement.

    This is especially true when it comes to dangerous and rude (but easily correctable) behaviors such as running out of doors, chasing cars or wildlife, humping, ignoring recall, or jumping the fence.

    These are behaviors that “Force-Free” dog trainers will often choose to manage for months or years at a time with, you guessed it, force in the form of physical restraint and isolation.

    “Force-Free” is a marketing term that misleads dog owners into thinking they are doing something “positive and humane” for their pets.

    Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training

    We believe in and use positive reinforcement in dog training! That should always be the primary way to install new behaviors and guide dogs towards making the correct choice.

    Dogs should have fun learning and never be subjected to intimidation or harsh, forceful corrections.

    However, we recommend avoiding extreme, one-sided dog training methods such as “Force-Free” that are restrictive (and frustrating) to you and your dog.

    Communicating mostly YES with an occasional NO as needed is the most humane thing we can do for our pets!

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

    What is Balanced Training?

    Day Pouch Treat Bag Review

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training

    The Best Collars for Great Danes

    34

    Boutique Dog Foods: Killing our Wallets AND our Pets!

    This is a big one, and I’m sorry I’m going to ruffle some feathers here.

    I’m talking about those “Grain-Free”, “Natural”, “Human Grade”, “Holistic”, and “Super-Premium” Boutique dog foods.

    Before we dive in, here are some simple facts about boutique dog foods:

    1. They are quite often formulated by people who are grossly under-qualified to do so (for example, FROMM foods are formulated by a chemical engineer. Yikes!)
    2. The nutritional minimums outlined by AAFCO are simply met on paper, but the foods themselves are not actually subjected to legitimate feeding trials or ongoing research
    3. There is very little if any, actual research and science being put into the formulations; it’s all made up to appeal to dog owners
    4. The belief that they are of higher quality is perpetuated purely by dog owners, influencers, pet store reps that stand to profit, and people with no credible background in canine nutrition

    Every day expensive new “holistic” dog foods hit the market. It’s a huge money-maker and influencers, pet food reps and dog food companies all stand to profit.

    Many (though not all) of these boutique dog food brands are manufactured in the same facilities that make and pack other “super-premium” dog foods. It’s often the same thing, with a different label.

    Here are some common boutique dog foods:

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    They use a lot of marketing to make you feel that you are making a healthy choice for your pet, including the addition of “fairy dust” to make the ingredients list look healthy. (Fairy dust is the addition of fruits and vegetables that are unlikely to add any nutritional value).

    These marketing terms are unregulated and meaningless:

    • Human Grade
    • Holistic
    • Super Premium
    • High-Quality
    • Family-Owned

    What is ingredient splitting?

    Ingredient splitting in dog food is the process of splitting one ingredient (example, peas) into multiple ingredients on the label to make the diet look better on paper.

    For example, let’s say you have dog food that contains peas. The peas may be split on the ingredients list into peas, pea protein, and pea fiber. This is done intentionally to make it more difficult to determine how much of each ingredient is present in the diet.

    Ingredient splitting can make dog food look like meat makes up the bulk of the kibble (by pushing the meat product to the first thing in the ingredients list), when really, what you are buying is an over-priced bag of meat-flavored peas. YIKES!

    DCM and Boutique Dog Food

    There is a known link between boutique diets and the incidence of secondary (nutrition-related) DCM that is actively being researched.

    DCM is a silent killer that often results in sudden death where no prior symptoms had been seen. For this reason, it is unfortunately grossly underdiagnosed.

    It’s not just secondary nutrition-related DCM, though. Chronic loose stools, itching, bone growth disorders, and problems with the liver, kidneys, or pancreas are common.

    Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists agree that “holistic” boutique diets, sold to us at higher prices using unregulated marketing terms, are harming our pets.

    8 Nutrition Facts to Keep Your Dog at the Right Weight

    8 Must Knows for Great Dane Nutrition

    Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food

    What is Bloat?

    Should I Feed Grain Free?

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    IS GRAIN-FREE FOOD DANGEROUS?

    Read more here ↗

    Designer Dogs with Designer Price Tags

    Enter the Great Danoodle. The Bernadoodle. The Sheepadoodle.

    Designer dogs are mixed-breed dogs, marketed to you as the perfect family pet that is “hypoallergenic”, “great with kids” and “easy to train”. This is a huge scam in the pet industry right now.

    Here is the truth about designer doodles!

    • Mixing two dogs together does not guarantee that you will get the best traits of each. That’s not how genetics work.
    • Poodles are high-energy, intelligent working breeds that require a lot of mental and physical enrichment. Doodle puppies who take on more of the poodle genetics are often the same. They may become aggressive, nippy, destructive, or neurotic when lacking appropriate training, socialization, and enrichment.
    • Poodles have a much different orthopedic structure than Sheep Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes. Breeding them together produces a mixed bag that can result in weak hips, roached backs, flat feet, and more.
    • Doodles are never bred from excellent breeding stock; no ethical preservation breeder will contribute their dogs to a mixed-breed doodle program.
    • Doodles are not hypoallergenic. They have a mixed coat type, each one is different, and some puppies will produce more dander and irritants than others.
    • They have intense grooming needs. Doodles require DAILY (yes, daily) brushing and regular trips to the groomer, which can run upwards of $125 or more every 4-6 weeks.
    • FUN FACT: Many groomers will no longer accept doodles because too many owners neglect their dog’s coat maintenance and then become upset when their doodle has to be shaved because of pelting and matting.
    • Very few, if any doodle breeders will fully health test the dogs they breed. Ethical testing would include doing all of the required tests on both parents, recommended by the respective breed club of each breed in the pairing.

    Why are Doodles so popular?

    Doodles have been made popular by, you guessed it, marketing and influencers! Look past the marketing before making a decision about purchasing a doodle for your family.

    Make sure that both breeds in the doodle mix have the temperament and coat type that you would want to live with, as your puppy could turn out either way.

    Off Color and Designer Great Danes

    Breeders: Shady Business

    What is OFA Health Testing?

    Is Embark a ‘Good Enough’ Health Test?

    Great Danoodle

    The Friendly Backyard Breeder in your Community

    We support and believe in ethical breeders.

    However, the average friendly backyard breeder is the biggest problem in the world of dogs right now!

    These breeders often do not know what they are doing, nor do they care.

    They mislead pet owners into believing they are ethical, and THAT is an issue.

    They will often have nice websites and adorable photos of puppies who appear to be well-cared for. You might hear them say that their dogs are ‘genetically clear’ or ‘vet checked and health tested’.

    These friendly backyard breeders, however, do not participate in full, proper health testing or screenings (choosing instead to cherry-pick one or two so they appear reputable). They don’t prove their dog’s structure or temperaments by obtaining titles and participating in the breed’s parent club, and many of them do not support puppy buyers for the life of their dog.

    For example, Great Danes should have hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid screened at a minimum, prior to breeding. A “friendly backyard breeder” may only do hips.

    These unethical breeders tend to breed dogs together based on their color or features, not because of temperament or correct structure.

    They will sell you a puppy who appears healthy, but may:

    • Be timid, shy, or even aggressive
    • Develop serious behavioral problems
    • Have problems with growth
    • Suffers from a poor orthopedic structure that could eventually lead to ACL tears or early arthritis
    • Die young from genetically linked disorders such as bloat, blood clotting disorders, DCM, or wobblers

    Don’t get scammed. Go through your breed’s parent club to find a truly responsible, ethical breeder.

    What is a backyard breeder? The AKC has 1000’s.

    Bad Breeders

    Scam Breeders: What to Look For

    Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder

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    What other common scams in the world of dogs should we cover? Let us know in the comments below!

    And, don’t forget to share this post with your friends to help spread the word and keep everyone informed. After all, knowledge is power!

  • One Big Droopy Eyed Dog: Eyelid Ectropion in a Dog’s Eye

    One Big Droopy Eyed Dog: Eyelid Ectropion in a Dog’s Eye

    If you have a droopy eyed dog, your dog might have something called Eyelid Ectropion.

    Eyelid Ectropion causes droopy eyelids and they can be pretty uncomfortable too.

    Droopy Eyed Dog

    DROOPY EYED DOG: WHY DOES MY DOG HAVE A DROOPY EYE?

    If you notice your dog has droopy eyes, they might have something called an Ectropion.

    Mild ectropion will cause an idiopathic droopy eye in your dog.

    With severe Ectropion, your dog’s eye might need surgical correction.

    If you have a Great Dane that was sold as a ‘European’ Great Dane with droopy eyes, it might have Ectropion eyes. (The Problem with European Great Danes)

    Ectropion in dogs happens in many dog breeds, but is most common in the Bloodhound, Basset Hound, St. Bernard, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniel. It can impact young dogs and old dogs.

    There are many different causes of Ectropion, but the most common cause is genetics.

    Are Backyard Breeders Breeding Ectropion Eyes Under the Guise of ‘Euro’?

    Other causes can include: trauma, neoplasia, facial paralysis, and inflammatory conditions.

    WHAT CAUSES THE DROOPY EYE?

    Droopy Eyed Dog

    The most common cause of a droopy eye is genetics. Although ectropion is noted to have an underlying cause of genetics in some situations, there are other underlying causes as well.

    Other causes of a dog’s ectropion can include: trauma, neoplasia, facial paralysis, and inflammatory conditions.

    Bad Breeders | Euro Great Danes | Droopy Eyes
    Bad Breeders
    Scam Breeders: What to Look For
    Breeders: Shady Business
    Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?

    Congenital Ectropion: If your dog has had a droopy eye since they were born, they likely inherited it.

    Acquired Ectropion: However, if you notice an acquired ectropion, it can be more serious. Acquired ectropion means that your dog did not have a droopy eye, but now it does.

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    If your dog suddenly has a lower eyelid that is drooping outward, they are keeping their eyelid partially closed or their eye is protruding slightly, it was most likely acquired.

    1. Trauma: If your dog fell and had trauma to their face or experienced brain trauma it could have caused their eyelid to droop.
    2. Neoplasia: Tumors or cancer can also cause a dog’s eyelid to droop.
    3. Facial Paralysis: If your dog has a tumor or growth on their facial nerve, it can cause paralysis of the lower eyelid.
    4. Some mild cases of a droopy lower eyelid can turn into severe cases over time.

    Ectropion in dogs can be a pretty serious condition depending on the underlying cause.

    WHY DOES IT MATTER IF MY DOG HAS A DROOPY EYE?

    Droopy Eyed Dog

    The dog’s upper eyelid is designed to protect itself from debris, dust, and other particles that might harm the eye.

    The lower eyelid is what helps keep the tear film (third eyelid) in place.

    The tear film is important because it helps keep the eye lubricated and healthy.

    If your dog has a droopy lower eyelid, they are at risk for drying of the cornea and conjunctiva.

    This can lead to ulceration and perforation of the eyeball. (cornea ulceration).

    A droopy eyelid can also lead to entropion.

    Entropion is when the eyelashes rub against the eye and cause corneal scarring. Entropion requires medical treatment to reduce scar tissue and corneal inflammation.

    GETTING ECTROPION IN DOGS DIAGNOSED

    Droopy Eyed Dog
    Droopy Eyed Dog

    To get your dogs idiopathic droopy eye diagnosed, you just need to schedule them to see an eye doctor.

    The eye doctor will examine the pet’s eye exhibiting the droop and measure the eyelid margin.

    The eye doctor will also determine if there is a corneal ulceration by doing a corneal staining, if necessary.

    GETTING ECTROPION TREATED

    Droopy Eyed Dog

    In some cases, you do not need to treat ectropion.

    Some dogs can live long, healthy lives with no serious risk of injury chronic inflammation or pain from the disease.

    If the droopy eye portion is severe, surgical intervention might be required.

    SURGICAL CORRECTION: GETTING ECTROPION SURGERY

    In some cases, and depending on the underlying cause and issues at hand, surgery might be required to help a dog with ectropion.

    During surgery, the veterinarian will tighten the lower eyelid and reposition it correctly.

    In more intense cases, a skin graft might be necessary to help support the third eyelid.

    Surgery will prevent corneal ulcers. Additionally, the Veterinary Ophthalmologist will be able to free pinched nerves during the surgical procedures.

    The surgery can possibly be done at the primary vet, but might need to be done at an animal hospital.

    Post surgery, ophthalmic antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent dogs infection of the eyes.

    MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF ECTROPION AT HOME

    Droopy Eyed Dog
    Droopy Eyed Dog

    If your dog has been diagnosed with Ectropion, it is probably likely that they have been demonstrating abnormal behavior like pawing at their eye.

    This is due to very dry eyes. Imagine never having an eyelid that fully covers your eye.

    Pet parents can purchase eye drops to use to assist their dog. Lubricating eye drops or gel can be a huge relief for the reddened tissue that is more exposed to air.

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    PROGNOSIS FOR A DOG WITH ECTROPION

    The prognosis for a dog with ectropion is good if the cornea has not been damaged.

    Corneal damage can lead to perforation and vision loss.

    If your dog has a mild case of ectropion, they might not experience any pain or irritation.

    If the ectropion is more severe, they might require surgery to fix the problem.

    After surgery, your dog should have a good prognosis and live a long, happy life with no issues.

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    Did you know that backyard breeders are breeding ‘EURO’ Great Danes that have Eyelid Ectropion? Check out more information here.: One Big Droopy Eyed Dog: Eyelid Ectropion in a Dog’s Eye
  • How to Decide on the Best Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: New Puppies 101

    How to Decide on the Best Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: New Puppies 101

    How to decide on the pick of the litter when choosing puppies? There are so many puppies out there to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for your family? It can be tough to decide, but with a little bit of knowledge it can be a lot easier. Adding a new Great Dane pup into your family is extremely exciting but also a tad overwhelming. After you decide to start looking for the perfect Great Dane pup, you may be wondering: now what?

    Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies

    In this blog post, we will discuss the things you need to consider when making your decision on choosing a Great Dane puppy from a litter.

    So whether you’re looking for a Great dane, (Or other dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers), read on for some tips on how to pick a puppy from an experienced breeder and most of all- make sure it’s the RIGHT Great Dane puppy!

    Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: So You Want The Perfect Puppy!

    It makes sense. When looking for a new family member, everybody wants to make sure that they have the ‘best puppy’. But what exactly does it mean to have the best dog?

    Is it an independent pup, a relaxed pup, a shy puppy? Great Dane owners are SO eager to bring their puppy home, that sometimes they forget to really consider what is the ‘right puppy’ for them.

    I think for most people, the main priority is a HEALTHY puppy! But, when falling in love with a new puppy, dog owners often do have high hopes for more than just their new puppies health. (which is completely valid!)

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    So yes, above all, you want your Great Dane to be a healthy pup. But, when looking for a new puppy, you should evaluate exactly what it is that would make this new pup the ‘right pup’.

    Let’s examine some common things that new Great Dane parents might look for. But before we jump in, it’s important to discuss ethical breeding and litter choosing. Bear with me!

    Sometimes a Reputable Breeder Will Choose the Right Puppy for You

    If you’re looking for a new dog, you might be considering going to a reputable breeder of Great Danes.

    But did you know that sometimes a reputable breeder will choose the right dog for you? With a breed like Great Danes who quickly turn into massive adult dogs, it is SO important that a family is equipped with the tools to handle their puppy, even as it grows.

    A good breeder will often temperament test their pups to help identify which puppy from a litter will be the best fit for each family. Sometimes, an individual puppy might work for most families but clash with another particular family.

    For example, the very high-strung / energetic pup from the litter might do best with a family to match that pup’s personality. Controversially, that puppy’s personality may clash with another family who lives a more quiet and laid back lifestyle.

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    What makes a Great Dane breeder ‘good’?

    And while it’s certainly possible to find a good breeder who will let you pick your puppy from a litter, it’s also possible that the best breeder for you is one who will choose the right dog for your family.

    It can be difficult for you not to be able to pick a puppy yourself, but sometimes it is best to admit that a responsible breeder does know their puppies best. Who knows, the perfect pup for you might just be the one who was meant to be and ultimately work out better for you in the long run.

    Pick a Puppy from Rescue Groups

    Rescuing a Great Dane pup can have many pros and be VERY rewarding, but it doesn’t come without cons.

    When adopting a puppy from a rescue, you are often not given the chance to meet the parents of your new pup. This can make it difficult to know what traits your puppy might have inherited.

    Additionally, puppies in rescues are often not as socialized as those who come from breeders or professional dog-rearing facilities. It is possible that you might adopt a perfectly healthy puppy who soon becomes an older dog with extreme socialization issues.

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    Lastly, health issues are usually very difficult to determine when adopting a dog- whether it be a puppy OR adult dog from a shelter or rescue. The reason for this is that often, the dog’s prior health history is unknown.

    This means that any health problems the dog might have could go undetected until they suddenly surface later on in life. A rescue could clear a puppy from a litter ‘a healthy perfect puppy’ and soon after bringing your puppy home you could notice it needs major medical treatment.

    All of this is not to say that adopting a puppy from a rescue is a bad idea. We are very supportive of ethical adoption! But it is important to be aware of some of the cons and identify an ethical rescue who is willing to take responsibility for appropriate health screening of their dogs PRIOR to rescuing them out.

    My Family Wants a Relaxed Great Dane Puppy

    So, you’ve decided to pick a Great Dane puppy from a litter! First of all, congratulations . You’ve done your research and you’re well on your way to becoming a great pup-parent.

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    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    Now, it’s time to think about what kind of Great Dane puppy would be best for your family. If you’re looking for a more relaxed dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing from a litter.

    It Might Not Happen: Your Great Dane Puppy Might Be Wild

    First, you might not get a relaxed Great Dane puppy. Ask yourself if you do not end up getting the calm, sweet, shy pup that you want, is that okay with you? Are you and your family going to be able to adjust and live with a pup that is active and eager to learn / run / exercise?

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    Just like humans, as puppies the dog could be a relaxed pup but as it ages, it could develop energy and need an abundance of exercise.

    As a responsible puppy and soon to be dog owner, you need to be prepared for an energetic dog, even if you want a relaxed one.

    Speak with Your Breeder

    Your breeder will be able to discuss which puppy is most suitable for a laid-back, calm lifestyle. (If they are helping you pick a puppy and a responsible, ethical and breeder).

    Choosing the right Great Dane puppy for your family will be a joint effort between you, your breeder, and of course some good old fashioned fate!

    The most important thing is that you do your research, ask lots of questions, and find a responsible breeder who is committed to helping you find the best possible pup for your you.

    I Want To Bring Home Litter Mates

    Litter mates is a term that means two or more puppies who were born in the same litter and are close in age.

    There are pros and cons to taking home two puppies at once, but if you’re set on it there are a few things you should know before making your decision.

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    Puppies Are A lot Of Work: Especially 2 Puppies At Once

    No matter how you look at it, puppies are a lot of work. They need to be fed, watered, walked, played with and potty trained.

    If you’re thinking about adding two pups to your family, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the extra work of having not one, but two dogs.

    Sometimes Bringing Home Littermates Can Create Issues

    Sometimes, bringing home two puppies from the same litter can create issues later on down the road. The pups might have a strong bond with each other and not be as attached to you and your family.

    Of course, this isn’t always the case and sometimes it works out perfectly- but it’s something to keep in mind when making the choice to add two dogs to your family at once.

    The Best Toys for Great Danes

    Training Two Puppies At Once is a Commitment

    If you’re going to bring home two puppies, you need to be prepared to train them both at the same time.

    This means having twice the patience, and being twice as consistent with your commands and rules.

    It’s not impossible to successfully train two puppies at once- but it is a big commitment.

    Not only that, but it is recommended when bringing home littermates that they are trained separately from one another, to avoid littermate syndrome and develop independence.

    Your Pups Might Differ in Personality and Interests

    Each and every puppy is very unique! When looking at two pups, you may get one from a litter that is very dominant, and one who is a shy pup.

    Of course, this is just an example and there are endless possibilities when it comes to pup personalities.

    The point is, even if they come from the same litter- two puppies can be very different from one another.

    This could, or could not, become a problem. If one puppy is indeed a shy pup and turns into a shy adult, the other more dominant one could take advantage and require more of your time.

    I Can’t Decide on a Female Dog or Male Dog

    When thinking about whether to get a female or male dog, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

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    Size Differences

    Size, activity level, and temperament can all vary greatly between male dogs and female dogs of the same breed.

    Female Great Danes are usually on the smaller side (comparatively), while males are usually larger.

    This doesn’t mean that every female dog will be small or every male dog will be large- but it’s something to keep in mind when making your decision.

    Temperament Differences

    There can also be temperament differences between male and female dogs.

    Some people suggest that females are often a bit more “independent” and “protective”, while males are often considered to be more “easy going” and “go-with-the-flow”. These assumptions are, however, highly based on both nature AND nurture.

    The Bottom Line

    The most important thing is that you find a pup that is the right fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle- regardless of whether it’s a male or female dog.

    Take your time, do your research and ask lots of questions to make sure you’re making the best decision for both you and your new Great Dane so that everyone involved can find success.

    Should I Get a Puppy at a Pet Store?

    Choosing a puppy at a pet-store is a very irresponsible decision. Most pet-shops source their pups from puppy mills, which are dangerous / unsanitary / unethical hoarders of little puppies that advertise available pups as ‘healthy and available’.

    Usually puppy mills advertise their pups on websites with great design and beautiful photos that look clean and well-cared for, but this is not always the case.

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    When you purchase a pup from a store front, you are unknowingly (or hopefully now you know) supporting these puppy mills and their terrible practices.

    Additionally, pet store pups often come with a number of health problems that can be expensive to treat.

    These health problems are most likely not some that you can see while you look at that adorable little puppy and its shiny coat or sweet little tongue in the cage at the mall.

    But I’m ‘SAVING’ the Puppy

    Of course, we always have the heroes who think that by getting a puppy from a shop that they are saving this pup. And, technically, YES, you are saving that ONE PUPPY.

    But, what about the rest of the litter who was left behind in deplorable conditions? What about the mother dog who wasn’t able to come and get sold to a loving home because its still needed to breed more dogs- for profit?

    What about the father of that pup who is also likely being used as a breeding machine in a puppy mill, with little to no regard for his health or wellbeing?

    When you get a puppy from a pet store, you are lining the pockets of these people, equipping them to produce litter after litter, ultimately putting other dogs into critical situations that they simply cannot get out of.

    I am Afraid That Puppy Won’t Like My Other Animals

    If you have more dogs in the house and are worried about how a new puppy will affect them, don’t be! Being cautiously aware, but not nervous, is the correct mindset to be at.

    In most cases, puppies and adult dogs get along famously. The key to success is to introduce the puppy to your dogs gradually and under supervision so that everyone has time to adjust.

    What Does Socialization Mean?

    Puppy socialization means exposing your new puppy to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible in a positive way so that they can learn how to interact with the world around them.

    Socialization is the way that puppies interact with the world. It DOES NOT mean that they should visit dog parks daily or be exposed to daycare facilities that do not guide them in appropriate behavior.

    Practicing negative behavior will only lead to the development of negative habits.

    For more information about how to balance play with other pups and include puppy based socialization, you will be interested in our guide:

    Start play is important for all puppies, but Great Danes especially need early socialization because they are such a large breed.

    Help: I Got My First Puppy and I’m Drowning in Work

    If you’ve just gotten your first puppy and are starting to realize that you’re in over your head, it’s okay!

    We’ve all been there. Every new pet owner needs a little help getting started.

    Find a Few Pups You Trust

    The first step is to find a few owners of well behaved dogs or puppies that you trust. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your veterinarian for recommendations or look for local dog training clubs.

    If you have friends with well-behaved dogs, ask if their owners would be willing to help you out.

    This is important so that your dog CAN interact with other puppies in a responsible way. Allow your puppy to start playing with them, and monitor the behavior between the crew so that they can all have positive learning experiences.

    Get Some Training Tips

    Once you’ve assembled a group of pups you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start working on some basic obedience training.

    This will help your puppy learn how to behave around other dogs as well as people.

    There are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including books, videos, and online courses.

    Make a few purchases like treats and a long leash to get them used to wearing a leash. Treats should be used in a fun, loving way to help build self esteem and get your puppy’s attention.

    Here are a few of our favorite treats:

    Great Dane Puppy Treats
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    Crate Training and Your New Pup

    Crate training is an important part of obedience training for puppies.

    Not only does it help with housebreaking, but it also provides your puppy with a safe place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or need a break from play.

    Start by introducing your puppy to their crate in a positive way. Put their food in the crate and let them eat in there.

    Once they’re comfortable with that, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while they’re inside. gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate until they’re able to stay in there for several hours at a time.

    Here is a compilation of our favorite crates for your pup:

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    The Best Crate for a Great Dane Puppy: Click Here

    In Conclusion:

    In conclusion, choosing a new Great Dane is a very challenging task.

    Be responsible when choosing a breeder, and be prepared for the challenges of housebreaking and obedience training.

    But most importantly, have fun! Your new puppy is sure to bring you years of happiness. Thanks for reading!

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    Join our growing Facebook group!

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  • Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of a Great Dane

    Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of a Great Dane

    Miniature Great Danes (also known as ‘Mini’ Great Danes) are the pocket-sized version of our favorite giant breed dog.

    A petite micro Great Dane is still a giant breed dog, but smaller in size. Some people prefer this as it allows them to enjoy the wonderful Great Dane temperament when having a 140+ lb dog isn’t practical.

    Are minature Great Danes a breed, and where can you get one? We’ll answer these questions and more below!

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    Do Miniature Great Danes Exist?

    Mini Great Danes are real. They are not a separate breed, but rather they are just small Great Danes.

    Miniature Great Danes are not runts. A runt is the smallest pup in a litter and many runts grow into normal sized adults. In some cases, the runt of a Great Dane litter can outgrow their littermates!

    On the flip side, some Great Dane runts have health problems and may never reach full size; this does not make them ‘miniature’ in the traditional sense.

    Actual mini Great Danes, on the other hand, are dogs of normal weight and proportions. They just happen to be petite.

    There is no dwarfism or other genetic condition that causes miniature Great Danes to be small; they simply inherit genes from their parents that result in a smaller size.

    On average, an adult Great Dane will weigh between 110 – 170lbs. There are many Great Danes who fall onto the lighter end of the spectrum, with some never even growing past 100lbs!

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    A ‘miniature’ Harlequin Great Dane

    Are Petite Great Danes Healthier?

    There is no evidence that Miniature Great Danes are healthier than their larger counterparts.

    A well-bred Great Dane from a diligent breeder focused on the written standard for Great Danes is most likely to live a long, robust life.

    Breeders who intentionally breed for petite (or huge) size are often utilizing unethical breeding practices. Some of those puppies tend to look more like a ‘small Great Dane looking dog’ than an actual, purebred Great Dane.

    Contrary to popular belief, mini Great Danes are not a ‘designer’ dog. You should not pay more for a ‘mini Great Dane’.

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    A miniature brindle Great Dane

    Miniature Great Danes are Still Giant Breed Dogs

    While ‘Mini’ Great Danes are smaller than their full-sized cousins, they are still giant breed dogs and have the same nutritional needs.

    A small Great Dane should be fed a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs to ensure they grow at a healthy rate.

    We do not recommend intentionally stunting, or increasing a dog’s growth by feeding an incorrect diet!

    Choose a high-quality large breed formula. We prefer brands such as Pro Plan which are backed by nutrition research and science.

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    BONUS POST: Is my Great Dane too Skinny!?

    The Many Great Dane Spots, Colors, and Stripes

    The Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Danes

    Black Great Dane Puppy: An Adorable Addition to Your Family

    What Kind of Dog is Scooby Doo? The Many Mysteries of Scooby’s Thrilling Breed

    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

    What Does ‘Euro’ Mean in Great Danes?

  • Off-Color & Designer Color Great Danes, Good or Bad?

    Off-Color & Designer Color Great Danes, Good or Bad?

    Great Danes come in a range of beautiful colors. Brindle, merle, black, mantle, fawn, blue, and harlequin are the 7 colors typically accepted in the written breed standards. Deviations from the breed standard can result in a range of coat colors not traditionally associated with Great Danes. There exists a prevailing concern among breed enthusiasts and experts regarding the intentional breeding of off-standard and designer color Great Danes.

    Merlequin, Brindlequin, Fawnequin, Lilac Merle, Tan Point, and chocolate are popular ‘off-standard’ colors, to give you some examples.

    Many Great Dane owners are drawn to breeders who focus on creating eye-catching coat patterns in their puppies. Read on to learn more about this controversial practice!

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    What is an Off-Standard Color Great Dane?

    This is a big one folks, buckle up! 

    What is an off-standard color Great Dane, or “designer color’ Great Dane?

    It’s a Great Dane that is NOT one of the 7 currently accepted colors in the written breed standard.

    The 7 Great Dane colors are Black, Mantle, Blue, Harlequin, Merle, Brindle, and Fawn. You can read more about them here: https://www.hellodanes.com/great-dane-colors/ 

    Mis-marked versions of the accepted colors (for example, a Fawn with no black mask or a Brindle with a white chest are always a penalty in the show ring, and any color that isn’t one of those seven is automatically disqualified from the show altogether. Most can be registered, however!

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    Color Purists vs. Color Enthusiasts

    There are two major schools of thought on this one.

    Color Purists & Breed Preservationists

    This group believes that purposefully breeding Danes in off-standard colors is bad and that new colors should only be added to the accepted color code following diligent research into the color and its benefit to the preservation and health of the breed.

    They believe that breed color families should rarely be mixed.

    Color Enthusiasts 

    Believe that if a color is naturally occurring in the breed, it should be allowed to be bred and allowed in the show ring and that it’s in some ways discriminatory to exclude quality Danes that come in colors outside of the 7 outlined in the written standard.

    They believe there is no problem with mixing color families.

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    How do Great Dane Color Families Work?

    Without getting into the nitty gritty of genetics, it’s important to understand that as a general rule there are only a few ‘color’ families:

    Breeders typically breed within these families:

    1. Harlequin / Merle / Black / Mantle
    2. Fawn / Brindle / Black
    3. Blue

    The color purist breeders will mix and match within those families. They may pair a fawn and a brindle together or a harlequin with a mantle, for example. Their goal is to create colors that meet the breed standard.

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    The color enthusiast breeders will mix them up, choosing to pair a harlequin and a brindle or a blue and a merle, for example.

    If you are a geek about this stuff, we encourage you to visit the fun coat colors group on Facebook!

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    An all-white double-merle Great Dane

    Is Breeding Off-Standard Colors Ethical?

    Now of course, we can look at this and think ‘well, what’s wrong anyways with pairing a harlequin and a brindle together? Brindlequin dogs are so neat looking!’  

    The issue is actually more complicated than many think.

    Many color enthusiast breeders will intentionally pair already off-color-standard dogs with other off-color-standard dogs.

    For example, fawnequin + lilac merle or chocolate + mantle-marked brindle to see what neat colors come from the pairings.

    The result? Tons and tons of ‘new’ and interesting markings on litters of Dane puppies. Great Danes are very special this way.

    In many cases, the off-standard litters being born are a FUN surprise for the breeder and those interested in the puppies! It’s incredible for social media AND for sales. That right there is a major red flag.

    This practice of creating off-standard colors is naturally rewarding because of this. The problem? These breeders are being rewarded for focusing on color first, not temperament, structure, and health.

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    A sickly merlequin Great Dane puppy

    Off-Standard Colors are Fun

    Here is the problem, though.

    Off-standard colors are excluded from being shown.

    Say what you want about show dogs, but dog shows are one of the only ways a breeder can verify that the dogs they are breeding are structurally sound.

    What we are seeing as a result? 

    100’s of Great Dane breeders so focused on creating fun designer colors that they cannot see the forest for the trees.

    Great Dane health & structure are suffering.

    Yeah, we’re going to go there. 

    When a breeder is choosing dogs to breed, they should be first focused on structure and health.

    Ethically, they must choose full health testing of both parents (hips, heart, eyes AND thyroid) and seek feedback from peers (in dog shows and otherwise) to make sure that they are breeding dogs that have excellent genetics.

    Unfortunately, many (of course, there are exceptions) ‘color breeders’ are so focused on color that they disregard the original form, shape and function of the Great Dane….often to the detriment of their health.

    What ends up happening is the creation of 1000’s of Great Danes in ‘unique’ colors, made to sell easily to unsuspecting buyers, that come from breeders who don’t have the best interest of the puppies in mind.

    Basically put, that’s a lot of Great Danes that are contributing to an increasingly alarming problem of poor overall health, temperaments and structure.

    Extremely droopy eyes, flat feet, roached backs, bloat, wobblers, cancer, cardiac problems, cataracts, entropion, seizures and thyroid problems plague Great Danes. While one individual puppy may be ok, over time these incremental changes are problematic. 

    Because off-standard colors cannot be shown, there are no checks and balances for breeders that focus their breeding program on color. 

    Basically put? It’s a free-for-all. 

    Some breeds have addressed a similar problem by creating a scoring sheet that can be used to evaluate if a single dog is breeding quality, without the breeder needing to get into the show circuit. 

    That’s not happening in Danes that I am aware.

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    Some Off-Standard Dane Colors are Especially Bad

    All or mostly white Great Danes and Merlequin Great Danes (looks like harlequin but with merle patches, no black ones) are most often the result of unethical spot-spot pairings.

    Also known as Double Merle Great Danes, white Danes may be deaf or blind and many have internal health problems (autoimmune disorders, seizures, allergies, etc.) and poor temperaments.

    These dogs are 100% preventable through thoughtful breeding practices & genetic color testing.

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    Double Merle Breeding in Great Danes

    What’s so interesting about double merle Great Dane dogs is that it’s a problem for both color pure and color enthusiast breeders!

    Color Purist breeders 

    These breeders may pair Harlequin + Harlequin to create ‘show marked’ Harlequin dogs.

    They often cite that there aren’t enough quality black or mantle studs to use, so this is the only way. They know that double-merle puppies are a consequence of that, and some will even euthanize those puppies before 5 weeks of age. The GDCA condones this practice.

    At least these puppies DO tend more often to come from well-structured, well-tempered proven dogs, and some breeders who do this see to it that the DM dogs from these litters live long, healthy lives in carefully selected homes.

    Advances in genetic screening and our understanding of the Merle gene have made this practice safer, too.

    Color Enthusiast breeders 

    These breeders often end up with double-merle puppies because they weren’t aware it could happen (for example, if they pair a fawnequin with a lilac merle, which sounds cool but is a really, really bad idea), or because they didn’t color test and know that a solid-color dog in their program was a cryptic merle (a black Dane, for example, that recessively carries the merle gene), or they did it intentionally because they know they could get the super popular color puppies (which may also be deaf or blind).

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    Great Dane Coat Color and Health 

    Double Merle puppies will nearly always have some kind of health issue, mild to extremely serious.

    There is some information bouncing around that modifying the black spots to fawn on a Great Dane (Fawnequin) for example may impact internal health, though we’d like to find more information on this.

    If that is truly the case, there are many off-standard colors that would be extremely unethical to pursue off-standard colors for this reason alone. More research is needed.

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    Off-Standard Colors in Well-Bred Litters

    Ethical breeders who work within the outlined standard color families can and do occasionally get a surprise off-standard color puppy.

    Some are mis-marked, heavily marked, or the result of recessive genes.

    Unlike dogs from color-focused backyard breeders, however, the random off-standard pup in a litter will never be sold for breeding, will have come from well-structured dogs, will not be sold at a higher price as ‘rare’, and will be supported for life.

    We will continue to repeat this:

    Ethical breeders focus first on structure, genetic health and temperament. If the focus is first on creating unique colors, there is a problem.

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    Off-Standard Colors and ‘Racism’

    Some backyard breeders, when faced with those that don’t support intentional off-color breeding, will say that those people are being ‘racist’.

    We cannot think of a more tone-deaf statement, to be honest. Comparing human skin and human experiences involving racism and discrimination to dogs’ coat colors is extremely misguided and ignorant.

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    The Honest Truth About Intentional Designer Color Breeding

    Take a look at this sickly designer color puppy above while you hear us out.

    There are two kinds of Great Dane breeders.

    BREEDER #1

    • Cares very much about the puppies they produce. Profit is not the goal, health is.
    • Temperament, longevity, and structure matter to the point where they are willing to NOT breed a dog that doesn’t meet their standards.
    • They support buyers for life.
    • They spend a lot of money on health testing, genetic screening, training and socialization.
    • They invest hours of blood sweat and tears into their dogs and care very much about every puppy they produce.

    Breeder #1 is breeding dogs to better the breed and to ensure that those who share their lives with that puppy are presented with an animal that has every opportunity to be a happy, healthy, friendly and robust family pet, in ANY color.

    BREEDER #2

    • Cares mostly about profits and fun.
    • They may be friendly and even caring towards owners and the puppies they produce, but they are willing to cut corners.
    • They may only partially health test the parents (choosing to do only hip scans, for example, so they can tell you that they are ‘reputable and health test’)
    • They are often blind to the structural problems they are passing on.
    • Droopy eyes, roached backs and a mild problem with aggression towards dogs or people may be common.
    • They don’t always support buyers for life

    Breeder # 2 has learned that there is no reason to fully health test the parents or ask for honest feedback on their structural health when they can paint the puppies  ‘Lilac Merle Euro‘ and sell them at a premium, basically.

    Now be honest…knowing that this is how it often works for ALL Great Dane breeders (standard colors or not), which breeder would you rather support? 

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    Off-Standard Colors can Muck Things Up

    We are already having a huge and growing problem in Great Danes when it comes to longevity, health and temperament.

    So when breeders intentionally pump dogs into the system that don’t meet the breed standard for structure and come in a range of neat colors, things get messy.

    This is especially true if breeders are selling off-standard color dogs to other breeders.

    This practice is introducing a massive range of new color genetics (dominant and recessive) as well as perpetuating common structural & health problems. 

    Over time, this could mean that it becomes more and more difficult for breeders to find and use quality dogs for breeding.

    Many say that additional colors are necessary to diversify the gene pool, and we don’t necessarily disagree. It honestly seems pretty silly to exclude a healthy, well built dog from a breeding program or dog show just because it’s not a ‘standard’ color!

    However, those additional colors need to be ethically produced. As it stands right now? Most really aren’t.

    Dare we say this?

    Off-standard color breeding is largely a practice of backyard breeders. This is a sad and unfortunate truth that needs to be addressed if more off-standard colors are to become a reality in the Great Dane color code. 

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    Adding New Colors to the Great Dane Breed Standard

    Merle was added to the GDCA color code in 2019 when it was recognized that this color was a common and natural by-product of ethical pairings, served to help diversify the gene pool, was being bred with outstanding health and structure and wasn’t resulting in notable health problems.

    Mantle was added in 1999, for the same reasons.

    Chances are, additional colors can be added to the color code and eventually shown as well, especially if those colors are a natural byproduct of thoughtful dam/sire pairings.

    Unfortunately, backyard breeders are not going to be able to make that happen. As long as their focus is on color and not health, the breed club has no legitimate interest in listening.

    The currently accepted colors are there for a reason, while the off-standard colors are not…for a reason. Those reasons need to be addressed.

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    How Do We Fix This?

    How do we encourage ALL color-focused breeders to choose ethics, and to focus on the breed as a whole before focusing on color-driven profits? Here is what we would love to see:

    • No more cutting corners. FULL health testing of both Dam & Sire, no matter what. Heart, Hips, Eyes & Thyroid, no excuses.
    • Genetic screening and pedigree study for color genes and common genetic issues (bloat, Von Willebrand’s and IMGD, for example).
    • Submit dogs for structural evaluation. While off-standard pups cannot be shown, there is no reason to hide them from the world. The Great Dane Conformation Clinic on Facebook is a great resource.
    • Be willing to wash dogs from the breeding program that don’t pass health testing or meet basic standards. There is no excuse in the world for breeding a dog that has flat feet, a roached back, narrow hips and a genetic history of aggression, bloat or wobblers!
    • Stop selling ‘designer’ color puppies to other backyard breeders. Be choosy!
    • Stop marketing off-standard color puppies as ‘unique’, ‘designer’ or ‘rare’. It’s misleading to buyers who want a healthy, robust family pet and believe they are receiving a ‘premium’ dog.
    • Only breed parents that have excellent temperaments.
    • Title the dogs! Train them and get CGC or trick or dock diving titles. Prove them in some way. Stop hiding them from the world. A lilac merle or brindlequin Dane with exemplary structure and temperament kicking butt in obedience and sports would go a LONG way towards encouraging positivity towards off-standard color breeding!
    • Stop hoarding dogs; if there are too many for each to have a rich family life, enrichment and loving retirement, it’s not ethical.
    • Support puppies and buyers for life. Keep those babies out of uneducated or abusive homes and out of rescue, please.
    • Don’t breed spot-to-spot, especially if the result is that the sick pups will be euthanized or dumped into rescue or into abusive and dog hoarding situations.

    We’d like to think that none of this is all that difficult, but we understand that for many profits and fun will always trump ethics.

    Our hope is that buyers see this, know the difference and choose which breeders to support accordingly. 

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    See it yet?

    It’s not the color of the puppy itself that’s the problem.

    It’s the unethical corner-cutting profit-driven breeding practices that led to it. 

    We understand that off-standard color puppies are fun and unique.

    It’s so simple. Meet the basic standards of ethics. Prove us wrong!
    Show us that breeding for off-standard colors can be done right ethically

    Want a Great Dane in a Designer Color?

    Don’t feel guilty about that. Danes come in some really unique colors!

    This fawnequin (from a breeder on our ‘bad breeders list’) is a classic example of backyard breeding, and exactly what you want to avoid, however. The pursuit of this color meant that aspects of health and structure were grossly disregarded.

    Look for and verify that the breeder you are interested in is FULLY health testing both parents (hips, heart, eyes, thyroid), is supporting buyers for LIFE no matter what, is fully socializing the puppies and keeping them until at least 8 weeks of age, and that the pedigree is free of heart problems, wobblers, bloat, dysplasia and aggression.

    If they cannot answer those questions or share that information, look elsewhere. We can paint puppies any color we want to, but it the color won’t matter if they are sick. 

    If you have an off-standard pup, get out there and love the CRUD out of it! All Great Danes deserve the best home ever. We love all Great Danes, no matter what color they come in!

    We will never fault a Dane owner for the dog they have and love; after all, these beautiful creatures become loved family members no matter what they look like!

    Our hard stop is on the bad breeding practices though. That needs to be brought to light…so where we are. Please share this post. Dig deep! Re-evaluate what you think you know about off-standard colors and hold breeders to a higher standard!

  • No, You Probably Shouldn’t Breed Your Dane.

    I am SO curious how we’ve gotten to this point.

    We have two extremes!

    On one side, we have people saying ‘adopt don’t shop’. They scream this from the rooftops as if all of the dogs in rescue are a good fit or even available to every person who wants a dog.

    On the other side, we have people who think that all it takes to be a breeder is to have a dog with AKC papers. Diligence, ethics, and care be damned.

    Then there are those of us in the middle.

    I believe that there is room for BOTH ethical breeders and rescue.

    DSC07680

    The Rescues are FULL!

    This right here is the #1 reason you should probably NOT breed your dog.

    The rescues are full of dogs from breeders who didn’t care where those dogs ended up.

    They weren’t diligent about health and temperament, and created puppies that ended up in rescue because of abuse, lack of education, aggression, allergies, wobblers, blindness, deafness, and separation anxiety.

    Do you want to contribute to that problem? 

    The rescues are not full of dogs from careful, thoughtful, ethical breeders that have proven their lines, fully tested their dogs, socialized the puppies, and supported buyers for life.

    Adopt don’t shop believes that all dogs should come from rescues.

    An unintended consequence of this is that it ALSO means that all dogs come from backyard breeders.

    It is that simple, and what is happening is that more and more we are seeing dogs with insane health and temperament problems that make them a poor fit for many families.

    Don’t be a backyard breeder. Empty the rescues by not contributing to the problem in the first place.

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    Ethical Breeding Matters

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with thoughtful, careful breeding and with choosing to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder.

    All breeders start somewhere. We just encourage you to start closer to the finish line!

    Keep in mind that one of the main tenants behind ethical breeding is lifetime support.

    If you aren’t willing to stand behind the puppies you create and their owners for life, stop now.

    See how many of these items you can check off. If you can’t for some reason, ask yourself if breeding your dog really is the best choice.

    Are we kind of snobby about this? Yup.

    Hint, you should be too! Being labelled as a ‘backyard breeder’ isn’t cute. 

    • The dog you want to breed is a purebred Great Dane with a known lineage.
    • You’ve studied and can verify that the lineage, and your dog is free of aggression, anxiety, IMGD, bloat, wobblers, seizures, entropion and Von Willebrand’s disease.
    • The breeder you got your dog from meets all of the requirements on this checklist AND supports you.
    • The dog you want to breed has full (not limited) registration/papers (AKC or Canadian Kennel Club only).
    • The dog you want to breed does not have flat feet, a roached back, a short neck, weak rear, cow hocks, steep croup, excessive jowls, incorrect front limbs or extremely droopy eyes.
    • The dog you want to breed has good angulation, especially in the front. (Unsure what this means? Study the written standard and join the following amazing and friendly structure groups on Facebook:
      The Apollo of Dogs – Great Dane Preservation Society
      Great Dane Conformation Clinic
      Great Dane Heads
    • The dog you want to breed is an outstanding example of a ‘gentle giant’. He or she should be courageous and friendly, not timid or aggressive. Having a Canine Good Citizen and/or AKC Temperament Test title is a huge bonus!
    • Your dog is at least 2 years old.
    • You are willing to pay for, at minimum the following health tests: veterinary check, Hip + Elbow x-rays, thyroid test, Echocardiogram, Eye Exam with a board certified opthamologist, genetics screening (color), genetics screening (other as needed).
    • You are willing to not breed your dog if those tests are not passed with flying colors.
    • You understand color genetics, including what causes Double Merle puppies and are focused first and health and temperament.
    • You have potential puppy buyers lined up before breeding and are willing to be extremely diligent in choosing owners.
    • You are willing to support your puppies for life, and that includes ensuring that they never end up abused, neglected or in rescue for any reason.
    • You are willing to keep the puppies for a minimum of 8 weeks, and employ a dedicated socialization program (Puppy Culture is a good example).
    • You will only sell the puppies on a limited contract, especially until your breeding program is well established and you know how to choose buyers that are interested in your lines and ethical breeding.
    • You are willing to find a suitable mate that meets all of the above requirements.

    We support rescues AND thoughtful, diligent breeders.

    We believe that educating people about the difference between backyard and ethical breeders can pave the way to clearing the rescues much faster than ‘adopt don’t shop’ ever can, and will promote health and stable temperaments in the breed that we love.

    We have to turn this ship around, folks. Too many Danes are being bred with severe health problems and questionable temperaments.