Category: Breeder Standards

  • 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.

    3 8

    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
    1 8

    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).
    2 8

    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.

    10 5

    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.

    9 5

    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.

    4 8

    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).

    1 2

    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.

    25

    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!

    33

    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.

    11 2

    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.

    CEL 2242

    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

  • Great Dane Frenchie Mix Puppies

    Great Dane Frenchie Mix Puppies

    Have we got a story for you! Accidental breedings are never ethical, and it’s never right to intentionally breed a Great Dane and a Frenchie together. However, these Great Dane Frenchie mix puppies are a special case, and you’re not going to believe how this happened!

    This story involves a grand champion Great Dane and a French Bulldog. The puppies look like miniature Scooby Doo dogs!

    It’s important to share this story but we need to make it clear that these are NOT images that we took. You can view the originals from Neet Great Danes HERE.

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1913767848975397

    Great Dane Frenchie Pups Accident Timeline

    Neet Danes is a show breeder with multiple AKC champion dogs in their pedigree. This is a highly ethical breeder with gorgeous, healthy dogs.

    As a matter of fact, because of their involvement in dog shows, dog sports, OFA health testing, the GDCA, the AKC, and Great Dane rescue (they have helped rescue over 500 dogs), Neet Danes is a perfect example of an exceptional breeder who should be celebrated.

    Imagine their surprise when a highly anticipated litter of potential Champion puppies didn’t grow the same way that normal Great Dane puppies do…

    How does something like this happen? This story is shocking and actually devastating, but Neet Danes has truly made lemonade out of lemons.

    Here is what happened: A few years ago Neet Danes contracted the “Canine Semen Center” to store semen from one of their highly awarded Grand Champion studs, ISOH GCH Neet’s Baby Face AOM CAX BCAT CGCA CGCU TKN RATI.

    Screen Shot 2023 01 18 at 1.06.37 PM
    (Image source HERE) Image shared only for educational purposes.

    Cool Bred Canine, Frozen in Time, & the Canine Semen Center

    The Canine Semen Center has been known by a few names over the years, and as of this writing they are still in business. The company is owned and operated by Sherian Evans & Linda Peterson.

    It is not unusual for breeders to collect and store semen from dogs. This is a common practice that aids in diversifying the gene pool.

    Neet Danes learned after the fact that the owners of this company store the semen in their own personal garage. I’m not sure what the common practice is here, but this feels like a red flag. ?

    Unfortunately, somewhere along the way there was a major, major mixup.

    Instead of being inseminated with Neet’s Baby Face semen, the breeders dam was inseminated with, you guessed it, the semen collected from a French Bulldog.

    This mixup resulted in Great Dane Frenchie mix puppies, and over $30K in veterinary bills. Not to mention, this mistake could have been devastating for all of the dogs involved.

    Neet Danes shares the story and all of the information on their Facebook page, embedded below:

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1913036169048565

    What do Great Dane Frenchie Pups Look Like?

    Fortunately the champion lineage of these puppies showed up in a big way, and they look very much like miniature Great Danes.

    Note, do not breed or purposefully seek out this mix. The puppies may be cute, but to do this intentionally would be incredibly unethical.

    The breeder became extra suspicious when the puppies began to develop a crooked bite. However, even at the time that the puppies ears were cropped, they still looked like Great Danes!

    Two weeks after having their ears cropped, the puppies started to fall behind on the growth chart, and show other signs that they were not, in fact, purebred Great Danes.

    This could have turned out much, much worse. French Bulldogs are subject to numerous health problems that could have caused the puppies, and the families who own them, absolute heartbreak.

    Neet Danes, being the ethical breeder that they are, placed a heavy focus on finding exceptional families for the Great Dane Frenchie pups that were accidentally bred.

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1913767848975397

    What is Next for Neet Danes?

    Of course, as cute as these puppies are, this is absolutely tragic.

    Not only was it a wasted breeding that contributed nothing to the health of their breeding program, the Dam was put through a pregnancy and whelping situation that should have never happened.

    The worst part is that as of this writing, the Canine Semen Center has done absolutely nothing to help Neet Danes out.

    The storage facility claims to be frantically DNA testing their stock to sort out the mistake and find Neet’s Baby Face’s semen (which is still missing, by the way).

    They have done absolutely nothing to compensate Neet Danes.

    Not only did Neet Danes end up with the wrong puppies, the semen collected from their Grand Champion stud is gone. That may seem like a small thing, but when you dedicate years of your life to curating an exceptional pedigree of dogs with outstanding health, structure, and temperaments, this is a huge loss.

    https://www.facebook.com/neetgreatdanes/posts/1831936893825160

    Please support Neet Danes by liking and following their content! At this point, the only thing they can do, potentially, is sue for damages.

    Spreading the word can help ensure that other breeders do not use the Canine Semen Center (or whatever other name they rebrand to) in the future.

    At Hello Danes we support Neet Danes in any capacity here, and are happy to use our platform to make sure this never happens to another dog or breeder again…

    If you want more amazing content on this topic, please follow one of our favorite creators on Tik Tok, @TheGreatDaneScientist and see her recent post on this topic below. Remember to like, follow, and comment!

    https://www.tiktok.com/@thegreatdanescientist/video/7189876721846570286
  • 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:

    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.

    CEL 2242

    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.

    Screen Shot 2021 04 19 at 1.20.26 PM

    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.

    14

    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.

    15

    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.

    127631950 10222981051947514 7066871138192788648 o 1

    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.

    Untitled design 1

    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

    35

    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.

    image 2

    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/

    243548 340x340 2 great dane puppy

    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.

    image 1

    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

    32

    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:

    59937 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1614009109
    47654 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1510679604
    354071 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1639147663

    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?

    IMG 0416

    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

    134938850 695281657811797 8111659047787088021 n

    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!

  • The Great Dane Breed Standard

    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its GIANT size. Today we are discussing the Great Dane breed standard!

    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    This standard is the official illustrated guide that outlines the breed structure, temperament, movement, and features. It was created to help owners, breeders, and judges identify the ideal Great Dane.

    WHAT DOES THE GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD MEAN?

    The Great Dane illustrated standard covers all aspects of the breed including:

    1. The history and origins of the Great Dane
    2. The physical features that make up the Great Dane Breed Standard
    3. The structure and movement of a well-built Great Dane
    4. The ideal temperament of the Great Dane
    5. The differences between a Dog (male) and a Bitch (female) Great Dane
    210977 10150268840442477 7099528 o
    A well-bred Harlequin Great Dane. Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    Why the Great Dane Breed Standard Matters

    The Great Dane breed standard is important because it ensures that all Great Danes are bred to be the best they can be.

    Breeders: Shady Business
    Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?
    Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder
    What Makes a Breeder Good?

    When incorrect structure, health, and temperament find their way into a pedigree, it can be difficult to get rid of.

    We all want healthy, robust, loving family dogs. By adhering to a breed standard, ethical breeders are able to create sound, beautiful, healthy dogs for years to come.

    The standard covers everything from physical appearance to temperament and movement. Because Great Danes are so large, having proper structure is key.

    When you see a Great Dane with a sway back, no angulation, droopy red haws (eyes), flat feet, or cow hocks you are looking at a Great Dane that was not bred with the written standard in mind.

    What is OFA Health Testing?
    Off Color and Designer Great Danes
    White Great Danes
    Obesity in Great Danes: Fat Danes Face Serious Health Risks
    Euro Danes: A Big, Droopy Problem
    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

    The Many Great Dane Spots, Colors, and Stripes
    Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version

    The written standard keeps the breed that we love healthy and strong!

    Great Danes at Dog Shows

    Dog shows are one way that breeders can share how they are intentionally and thoughtfully breeding dogs who meet the standard.

    Close attention is paid to choosing parents who have excellent structure, movement, angles, and temperament.

    Not all pets are show dogs, but all show dogs are pets!

    Pat Trotter, BIS Judge 2021 Westminster Kennel Club

    If you are interested in showing your Great Dane, you will need to find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed standard and the general appearance of a thoughtfully bred Great Dane.

    FIND A GREAT DANE BREEDER!

    Unfortunately, many Great Danes are bred by breeders who are more focused on profits, designer color, or ‘EURO’ hyper types than they are on health, structure, and preservation of the breed. This can have a serious effect on the health of the dogs being bred.

    33

    WHAT IS A EURO GREAT DANE?

    Learn about the EURO Dane ↗

    Dogs from those breeders will not typically do well in dog shows, as they may have poor structure, unstable temperaments, and other significant faults that mean they don’t meet the written standard.

    A good breeder will be able to help get you started on the right foot. They can provide guidance on nutrition, socialization, training, conformation handling, and more.

    A breeder who shows their dogs is a breeder that is 110% dedicated not only to the breed but to the owners of the puppies they produce.

    Not all puppies from a litter will be ‘show quality’, and will need to be placed in great pet homes.

    Don’t be afraid to talk to a show breeder about purchasing a Great Dane puppy or getting into showing (and breeding) dogs yourself! These are the breeders who are at the top of the field.

    942351 572101612822912 1146317735 n
    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    The Great Dane Head

    One of the most striking features of the Great Dane is the head. Many people call the Dane head ‘brick on brick’, meaning that it should be angular and strong with a well-defined ‘STOP’ from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.

    Screen Shot 2022 06 28 at 12.48.31 PM
    From the GDCA Illustrated Standard for Great Danes

    A round dome-shaped head, short muzzle, and/or excessive jowls are faults.

    The ideal ratio of muzzle to the skull is 50/50. This is different from many other breeds, which often have longer muzzles.

    Great Danes should have a strong jaw, with a complete scissor bite. This means that the top teeth should just barely touch the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed.

    The eyes of a Great Dane should be large and dark, with an almond shape. They should be fairly deep-set well into the skull and give the dog an intelligent and alert expression. Some colors may have lighter eyes, however, most will have amber-colored eyes.

    15
    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    The ears of a Great Dane can be either cropped or left natural. If they are cropped, they should be done so at an early age, before the cartilage has set.

    The natural ears should be medium in size and set high on the head. They should be triangular in shape, and taper to a point.

    When natural, the ears should be soft and hang close to the head. When cropped, they should be erect and point forward.

    Screen Shot 2022 06 28 at 12.55.49 PM
    https://gdca.org/wp-content/uploads/TheGreatDane/2021-GDCA-Illustrated-Standard-10_19_21.pdf

    The neck of a Great Dane should be thick and muscular, without being excessively long. It should taper slightly from the shoulders to the skull.

    Ear Cropping in Great Danes
    Ear Cropping: The Two Sided Debate
    How to Tape a Cropped Dane’s Ears

    Ideal Structure for Great Danes

    The body of a Great Dane should be long and rectangular. They should have well-sprung ribs and a deep chest. The top line should be level, with a slight rise over the loin.

    The Dane’s underline should be slightly tucked up. This gives them the ‘waist’ that is characteristic of the breed. Great Danes are a lean breed that should never be stocky or bulky.

    Great Danes should have well-angulated hindquarters.

    Screen Shot 2022 06 28 at 12.57.30 PM

    Danes should have round, firm cat feet. The toes should be well-arched and close together.

    The nails should be short and dark on most colors, however light nails are acceptable on Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle Great Danes. Dewclaws are typically removed.

    Danes should have a long, strong tail that is set high on the rump. When the dog is in motion, the tail should be carried level with the back, or slightly above.

    A ‘hook’ tail or tail carried high above the back are faults.

    Great Dane
    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    Great Dane Size

    Great Danes are a large breed, with a height range of 28-32 inches for males and 26-30 inches for females.

    The weight range for Great Danes is 100-180 pounds for males and 80-140 pounds for females.

    While these are the ideal heights and weights, many Danes will fall outside of that range.

    Is My Puppy Too Skinny?
    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart
    Which Crate is Best for the Size of a Great Dane?

    Great Danes fed an incorrect diet, or overfed can become too tall or too large. This is bad for their orthopedic health and may also cause problems for their bones, heart, thyroid, or pancreas.

    Danes should be kept lean with good muscle, and be fed an age-appropriate, highly-researched diet.

    Great Dane puppies

    THE BEST FOODS FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES

    See what brands we recommend ↗

    Great Dane Colors

    There are seven recognized colors of Great Dane. Click on any heading to see the color in more detail!

    Black. A black Great Dane should have a shiny, even black coat without any fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.

    Blue. A blue Great Dane should have a pure steel-blue coat with no fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.

    Merle. A merle Great Dane is just like a harlequin, but with a dark or light grey base coat. Torn black patches are scattered over the entire body. An ideal version of merle includes solid merle or the ‘mantle merle’ coat pattern. The white blaze is optional.

    Fawn. A fawn Great Dane should have a stunning light golden coat and a black mask on the face. There should be no white markings.

    Brindle. A brindle Great Dane should have a fawn coat with dark stripes all over, and a black mask on the face. Ideally, there are no white markings.

    Harlequin. A harlequin Great Dane should have a white base coat with large black patches evenly distributed over the body. The ideal harlequin has as much white as possible, and the white collar is preferred.

    Mantle. A mantle Great Dane should have a solid black blanket extending from the neck to the tail with a white chest, neck, blaze, and white-tipped black tail. The rest of the body should be either all black or predominately black with small amounts of white.

    image 109

    ALL ABOUT OFF-STANDARD AND DESIGNER COLOR GREAT DANES

    Are they good or bad? ↗

    Great Danes do come in many, many other colors, however! Only a few are recognized and accepted by the breed club.

    Some of the more unusual colors include lilac, blue fawn, fawnequin, brindlequin, blue harlequin, chocolate, and tan point.

    For more information on the ethical breeding of Great Danes, and on designer colors, read here.

    image 89

    Ear Cropping in Great Danes

    As mentioned before, Great Danes can have either cropped or natural ears.

    The practice of cropping ears has been around for centuries. It was originally done as a utilitarian measure, to help protect the dog’s ears from being torn and shredded by wild boar during hunts. Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild board!

    Nowadays, ear cropping is done purely for cosmetic reasons.

    The practice is controversial, and many countries have banned it outright. In the United States, it is still legal but must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

    When done by a highly qualified veterinarian with an excellent portfolio of cropping (showcasing talent and experience), the procedure is humane.

    Ear Cropping in Great Danes

    Ear Cropping: The Two Sided Debate

    How to Tape a Cropped Dane’s Ears

    Great Dane ear cropping featured image

    American vs. Euro Great Danes

    People believe that there are two types of Great Danes: American and Euro.

    They believe that the American Dane is smaller and more refined, almost ‘greyhound like’ in their appearance.

    They also believe that the ‘Euro’ Great Dane is stocky, beefy and droopy with a more ‘mastiff like’ appearance.

    When comparing the written standard for Great Danes from both America and Europe, the dogs should be nearly identical.

    ‘American’ and ‘Euro’ are essentially made up terms.

    There is only one Great Dane breed, in other words. A Great Dane that is either too refined (‘American’) or too exaggerated (‘Euro’) is a Great Dane that was bred outside of the written standard.

    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

    Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version

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

    A Well-Bred Great Dane

    Olga Maderych and Gadabout Photography e1581777679468 1
    A Harlequin Great Dane

    A Euro-Bred Great Dane

    16

    How to choose a Great Dane Breeder

    When looking for a Great Dane breeder, it is important to find one that adheres to the breed standard. This can help ensure that your Great Dane puppy comes from genetics that have been proven for structure and temperament.

    For ethical reasons, it is important that we are only breeding well-structured Great Danes! Poor structure leads to orthopedic break down including wobblers, pain, arthritis and injuries.

    Temperament is genetic!

    A Great Dane that meets the breed standard for temperament will be confident, friendly and courageous. Not timid or fearful.

    Aggressive and fearful behavior has genetic roots. Your breeder should be proving that they are creating sound, stable dogs that enjoy activities, people and socialization.

    A well-bred Great Dane will be easy to train, friendly, calm and ready for anything.

    It’s a myth that Great Danes are timid and fearful!

    One way that you can ensure you’ve chosen an ethical breeder is to ask them if they do ENS or Puppy Culture. These proven early-socialization practices take stable, well-bred puppies and turn them into excellent companions and family pets!

    Titles & Certifications

    Ask the breeder about titles. We recommend that in the pedigree that are titles for conformation, obedience, and/or sports. Former puppies may carry these titles, or the parents might as well (ideal).

    These titles are earned at sanctioned AKC, FCI and Canadian Kennel Club events.

    Common titles you might see include (but are not limited to):

    CH. – Champion (conformation)

    BIS – Best in Show (conformation)

    CGC – Canine Good Citizen

    THD – Therapy Dog

    It’s important to note that ‘service dog’ is NOT a title or a legitimate certification.

    1215f4d68b0b2230e7a9615760b9ed2c

    Health tests for Great Dane Breeding

    A responsible and reputable breeder will be able to show you health clearances for both of the dog’s parents.

    At minimum, the breeder must show proof that both dogs in the breed pairing have undergone (and passed) the following tests prior to breeding:

    Eye exam with a board -certified veterinary ophthalmologist

    Hip and elbow evaluation with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP

    Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist

    A thyroid panel reviewed by a veterinarian

    1215f4d68b0b2230e7a9615760b9ed2c 1

    WHAT IS OFA HEALTH TESTING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

    Learn about the tests your breeder MUST do before breeding

    Some breeders will take this a step further and also include the following:

    A DNA test for von Willebrand’s disease

    A DNA test for Degenerative Myelopathy.

    A DNA test for color

    A DNA test for bloat

    A breeder who only does one or two of those tests is NOT reputable nor are they ethical, no matter how ‘friendly’ or ‘popular’ they seem.

    Scam Breeders: What to Look For

    Breeders: Shady Business

    Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?

    Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder

    Great Dane Exercise

    It’s a myth that Great Danes are fragile!

    When they are correctly built and have robust, well-angled structure they are very athletic dogs that love to run, move and play.

    Great Danes benefit the most from off-leash exercise, being allowed to freely explore varied terrain. We recommend that all Danes be reliably off-leash trained for this reason.

    Walks on hard pavement are not ideal for the joints, nor do they do much to help build muscle and stamina. While there is nothing wrong with ‘walking your dog’, we highly recommend balancing regular walks with off-leash play.

    Mature Great Danes should be lean and muscular, not bulky, lanky, unstable, or slow.

    Puppies especially benefit from free play on varied outdoor terrain!

    We do not recommend fetch, running or long leashed walks for puppies.

    9 Tips to Having a Trained Great Dane with Balanced Training

    Great Dane Health Conditions

    Great Danes are prone to a number of health conditions, most of which are genetic, and all of which contribute to the so often ‘shorter lifespan’ seen in Great Danes.

    Those conditions include but are not limited to:

    Hip and elbow dysplasia

    DCM/Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    Wobblers Syndrome

    Cancer

    Bloat

    Arthritis

    Allergies

    Autoimmune conditions.

    A responsible breeder will have health clearances for their dogs as well as knowledge about how to avoid or minimize the impact of these disorders on the puppies they breed.

    It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian about choosing an appropriate food for your Great Dane! There is a lot of misinformation being spread, and that information is unfortunately hurting our breed.

    The Great Great Dane

    Now that you’ve read about the Great Dane Breed Standard, everything you need to know, we hope you’ll consider this amazing breed when looking for your next furry family member!

    If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help!

    READ MORE:
    HOW TO FIND THE BEST CRATE FOR A GREAT DANE

  • Miniature Great Danes: Everything You Need to Know

    Miniature Great Danes: Everything You Need to Know

    Do you love the big, lovable Great Dane but don’t have the space for one? Maybe you’re thinking about getting a dog and want to know if a Miniature Great Dane is the right breed for you. Whatever the case may be, this blog post is for you! We will discuss everything you need to know about Miniature Great Danes, from their temperament and personality traits to their exercise needs and health concerns.

    18

    Are Miniature Great Danes Real?

    This is a question we get a lot. And the answer is yes, Miniature Great Danes are real! They are not simply a runt of the litter or a Great Dane mixed with another small breed. Miniature Great Danes are their own unique Great Dane breed with their own set of characteristics.

    What Makes a Miniature Great Dane?

    The main difference between a Miniature Great Dane and a regular Great Dane is their size and the way they were bred.

    3 1

    A Miniature Great Dane puppy was probably bred by a Female Great Dane and Male Great Dane with a much smaller stature.

    While this may be the case for some, not all breeders have their dogs undergo health testing. So, always make sure to do your research before getting a Miniature Great Dane!

    Miniature Great Danes are not recognized as a completely separate Great Dane breed according to the American Kennel Club. Mini Great Danes are just that – the mini version of your favorite purebred Great Dane!

    How Big are Mini-Great Danes?

    Normal Great Danes are typically 30 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 175 pounds. Miniature Great Danes, on the other hand, are usually 20-26 inches tall and only about 90 lbs pounds.

    Mini Great Danes are just regular Great Danes who might be more petite, smaller, or have smaller than average parents.

    35

    Just because you have a miniature Great Dane, does not mean that you have a small dog!

    Your miniature Great Dane will definitely still be giant size!

    Do People Intentionally Breed Miniature Sized Great Danes?

    Breeders are (hopefully) not breeding miniature Great Danes on purpose.

    Anytime someone goes against the Great Dane breed standards they should be seeking pet medical advice for that breeding. (and always!)

    Off Color and Designer Great Danes
    Bad Breeders
    Scam Breeders: What to Look For
    Breeders: Shady Business
    Small Great Danes

    When breeders try to produce miniature dogs of any dog breed it can produce health problems. Miniature dogs have become a big problem in many dog breeds.

    Untitled design 5
    Great Dane on White Background

    Great Danes are a giant breed and should be bred to protect the dog’s growth.

    However, if a breeder get’s a miniature Great Dane, in other words a smaller pup of the litter, it does not make them a ‘bad’ breeder.

    Some Great Danes are just not going to be as big as others, and that should be normalized.

    Great Dane Temperament & Personality Traits

    Now that we’ve answered the question “Are Miniature Great Danes real?”, let’s move on to temperament and personality traits.

    Just like regular Great Danes, Miniature Great Danes are gentle giants. They are loyal, loving, and make great family dogs. They are also very friendly with other animals and children.

    Mini Great Dane temperament really does not differ from regular Great Danes.

    Temperament of both mini Great Danes and standard sized Great Danes is highly related to the way they were originally bred as well as the socialization that they have been given.

    20 1

    If you have a large dog, you have a responsibility to help them with not only obedience training but also making sure that they are comfortable and confident in social settings.

    Having a Great Dane is different than any other dog breed. New dog owners should read and learn about how to use balanced training and socialization in their dog’s life in order to help their Great Dane be successful.

    Health Issues with Giant Breed Dogs

    Giant breed dogs are often plagued with health issues like hip dysplasia, Bloat, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

    Large breed dogs should not face these health problems, but unfortunately back yard breeders are producing more and more giant breed dogs that are not health tested and large dogs are at the brut of it.

    Giant breeds do not need to be ‘less healthy’ than any other normal dog.

    10 1

    If you purchase a purebred Great Dane from a responsible breeder, you should be able to get a large breed Great Dane with minimal health issues, however it is up to you to do your research.

    Miniature Great Danes do not have any less or more health issues or health problems than any other normal Great Dane. It is all dependent on the particular breeding practices of your specific Great Dane.

    However, we do know that obesity lowers the life expectancy of Great Dane dogs significantly, so if your Great Dane is a pocket sized version in both height and weight, it could help lower their health risks towards obesity.

    My Great Dane is Too Small

    If you thought you were getting a ‘standard’ size Great Dane, but ended up with a miniature Great Dane, do not fret.

    There is nothing wrong with having a smaller or ‘miniature’ Great Dane puppy.

    As a matter of fact, most mini Great Danes are as healthy as can be.

    At about 90 lbs, they are able to stay slim and keep the weight off of their large joints, generally speaking. Miniature Great Dane size does not define them being a giant breed dog or not.

    This allows them to fight against arthritis and hip dysplasia or other health problems that step from obesity in Great Danes.

    Untitled design 1

    For that reason, you shouldn’t worry if your Great Dane is turning out smaller than you were hoping for.

    Every dog is different and just because you got the smaller dog of the litter does not mean that there is anything wrong with them.

    What is the Life Expectancy of Great Danes?

    Great Dane dogs are a large breed and many think that automatically means that they should have a short life span.

    Many breeders have perpetuated this issue by breeding Great Dane puppies with huge health issues.

    Pet parents are left with dogs who are dying at a young age, vet bills they cannot afford and a broken heart.

    This does not have to be the case.

    If you do your research and purchase a Great Dane from a responsible breeder, your dog will have a much better chance of having a long and healthy life.

    The average life expectancy for a Great Dane is about seven to ten years, although some can live up to 12 years if they are well cared for and do not have any major health problems.

    Some health conditions that commonly shorten the lifespan of Great Danes include hip dysplasia, bloat, cancer, and heart disease.

    By getting your Great Dane from a responsible breeder and taking them to regular vet check-ups, you can help ensure that your dog lives a long and happy life.

    Do Miniature Great Danes Require Exercise?

    If you have a Great Dane that you consider a ‘mini Great Dane’, you should treat it just like you would other dogs.

    Depending on the dog, the dog’s growth / age / sex, it might need more or less exercise than its peers.

    As a rule of thumb, Great Danes require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day.

    This can be in the form of a walk, run, or playing fetch at the park.

    Exercise is important for all dogs, but especially important for large breed dogs like the Great Dane.

    Not only does it help them stay physically fit, but it also helps them avoid boredom and destructive behaviors.

    So, if you have a miniature Great Dane, make sure to give them plenty of exercise and attention!

    Do Miniature Great Danes require as much exercise as regular dogs? The answer is yes! Just like any other dog, depending on the dog’s growth/age/sex, they might need more.

    What Items do I Need for my Miniature Great Dane?

    Like all Great Danes, we recommend utilizing a healthy diet, promoting healthy socialization skills and training and working preventatively to keep them as healthy as possible.

    WHAT BED SHOULD I GET MY MINI DANE?

    Our favorite bed for any Giant Breed dog including Miniature Great Danes is the Big Barker bed.

    Working to prevent joint issues before they happen is the key. Unfortunately, your gentle giant is predisposed to joint disease just because of its size.

    The Big Barker bed is made with extra-dense foam that gives your dog the support it needs without sinking down too far.

    The cover is also machine washable and dryer safe, so you can keep it clean and looking new for years to come.

    Plus, the Big Barker bed comes in a variety of colors and sizes to fit any home décor and any size dog!

    Big Barker Bed Review

    So, if you’re looking for a bed for your Miniature Great Dane, we highly recommend the Big Barker bed!

    HOW SHOULD I TRAIN MY MINIATURE GREAT DANE?

    It is so important for Great Dane parents to do their research before bringing home their Great Dane on the training processes they’d like to take.

    However, it’s never too late!

    We believe in balanced training for all Great Danes. The truth is- you CAN teach an old Great Dane new tricks!

    We have an abundance of training resources that you can peruse. Feel free to reach out.

    Why is Leash Training so Hard?
    5 Leash Training Tips
    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training
    What is Balanced Training?
    Respect Training Tips: How to Train Your Puppy Great Dane
    Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive?
    Deplorable Dog Training: Sit Happens
    What is Great Dane Dominance Training?

    WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATS FOR GREAT DANES?

    Mini Great Danes and standard size Great Danes have one thing in common- they all love treats.

    Treats for Great Danes

    Be sure to choose healthy training treats that will keep your Great Dane feeling its best.

    Here are our favorites.

    WHAT CRATE SHOULD I USE FOR MY MINIATURE GREAT DANE?

    We believe in crate training for Great Danes as it keeps them safe and provides them with security and comfort.

    How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
    Crate Training: The Best Crates for Great Danes
    New Puppy Checklist

    If you are struggling to crate train your Great Dane, you are not alone.

    Check out our resources for learning to safely crate your Great Dane.

    3 2

    Do you have a miniature Great Dane? What tips do you have for other pet parents? Let us know in the comments below!

    Read More About Miniature Great Danes: Miniature Great Danes: Everything You Need to Know

    READ MORE:

    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

  • Great Dane Pricing- How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Great Dane?

    Great Dane Pricing- How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Great Dane?

    Great Dane pricing is something that many people wonder about. If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to buy a Great Dane?” then you’re not alone. Great Danes are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and they come at a price.

    In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what factors influence the Great Dane pricing, and how you can find a reputable breeder. Let’s get started!

    Great Dane Pricing
    A mantle Great Dane puppy from an ethical breeder

    GREAT DANE PRICING FROM BREEDERS

    The Great Dane pricing from a breeder can range anywhere from $600 to $4000. The average Great Dane price is between $1600-$2500, but this can vary depending on the breeder.

    There are a few things that will affect the price of a Great Dane from a breeder:

    – How ethical and diligent the breeder is

    -How much health testing was done

    -If the parents were shown and are excellent examples of the breed standard

    -If the breeder utilizes best practices for socialization

    -How robust, healthy and long-lived the pedigree is

    – The reputation of the breeder

    ‘Designer’ traits such as being ‘mini’, having an off-standard color or being ‘Euro’ should not cost more.

    These designer ‘options’ are all red flags of unethical breeding practices; tread cautiously.

    Great Dane Pricing

    HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE GREAT DANE BREEDER

    Great Danes from legitimate, ethical breeders are not going to be cheap. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $1700-$2000 (average), and possibly more if you are planning to show and breed your puppy.

    Here are key things to look for in a Great Dane Breeder:

    A Great Dane puppy priced below $1000 is a red flag for unethical breeding and for scams.

    No ethical, diligent breeder will sell a puppy at that price, and there are many scams going around that prey on people looking for a bargain.

    Great Dane Pricing
    A fawn Great Dane puppy

    Great Dane Prices from Rescues

    Adopting a Great Dane from a rescue is a great way to get a dog at a lower price.

    Rescues typically have lower adoption fees than breeders, and they often have Great Danes of all ages that need good homes!

    Rescue fees also typically cover the cost of vaccines and spay/neuter surgery prior to adoption. This can save you thousands of dollars!

    The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. We do our best to present the most up-to-date research, however it is up to the reader to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their dog. We make no claims here to prevent or treat bloat, Panosteitis, DCM or any other condition related to Great Danes. Find a veterinarian with GIANT breed experience, and chat with them. 

    Some of the products we list on our website contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, we may receive a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products that we truly believe in. This commission does not affect the price of the product and is used to fund our content and expenses related to operating this website. 

    READ MORE:

  • Life’s Abundance Dog Food Review for Great Danes

    Life’s Abundance Dog Food Review for Great Danes

    We occasionally like to pick a random pet food brand or gear and do a review. On the list, today is our Life’s Abundance Dog food review. This popular food is often recommended by breeders (who receive kickbacks for selling it), however, it is rarely if ever recommended by veterinarians. I wanted to dig into why that is!

    Many breeders will offer and promote Life’s Abundance puppy food to puppy buyers, and may even require it as part of your contract or health guarantee!

    This is not your typical review! We are not a dog food clickbait site – you won’t see us breaking down the merits of a food solely on its ingredients, but rather, it’s manufacturing process, formulation practices, and overall ethics.

    Let’s dig in!

    17

    Life’s Abundance Food & Great Dane Breeder Recommendations

    It is really important to understand first that Life’s Abundance Food is an MLM Marketing Scheme.

    That means that it’s often sold through a hierarchy of distributors (often breeders) who make a profit on the sale of the food. They can also profit by building teams through the recruitment of ‘Field Representatives’.

    Simply put, the promotion of Life’s Abundance dog food is done in a similar way to other MLM brands such as Herbalife, Scentsy, Mary Kay, and Young living Oils.

    Because their ability to profit from this product is directly tied to their ability to sell it to buyers and recruit other sellers, breeders are greatly motivated to produce more and more puppies to uphold their income stream.

    This may be done without regard to health, structure, or diligence to breed type.

    The Great Dane Breeders who are successful in selling lots of puppies will often be fanatic in their promotion of Life’s Abundance because, for them, it’s a winning numbers game.

    More puppies produced = more food sales.

    This creates an environment where unethical breeders are encouraged to breed more and more in the pursuit of ongoing commission-driven profits from puppy buyers.

    13

    Life’s Abundance is NOT a Dog Food Manufacturer or Company

    Life’s Abundance is an MLM that sells nutritional supplements, cleaning supplies, and randomly…dog food.

    Life’s Abundance is NOT a dog food company, and as of this writing, they do not manufacture or pack their products.

    Additionally, the company does not make AAFCO Nutritional or formulation information easy to find.

    As far as we can tell the brand is not involved in ongoing peer-reviewed nutritional research or legitimate testing. Despite this, their marketing relies heavily on the promotion that they sell a ‘proprietary’ blend of ingredients.

    Without extensive testing and feeding trials, there is no proof behind the ‘health’ claims that this brand makes.

    Life’s Abundance reps love to talk about how the brand is ‘free of recalls‘, however, this is intentionally misleading marketing. It can also be wildly unethical (see our study on Victor dog food, which had no recalls until November 2023 when it was discovered by a 3rd party that they had been selling contaminated food for months with no accountability).

    ‘No Recalls’ is a red flag.
    Recalls are a positive sign that a brand is making efforts to uphold standards and mitigate formulation and production issues within its product.

    A brand with no recalls, that wishes to uphold that record for marketing purposes is likely to ‘hide’ minor formulation and quality control problems instead of recalling them publicly.

    In other words, ‘no recalls’ is NOT a key indicator of quality and safety. Recalls can happen for several reasons and many are not catastrophic.

    12 1

    Life’s Abundance Dog Food and Breeder Ethics

    Many breeders who promote and profit from this product will offer a more robust health guarantee to buyers who keep their puppies on this food.

    Some will even require that the food and/or supplements be purchased, no matter what.

    The health guarantee and breeder support may become ‘void’ if the food’s auto shipment is turned off, and these breeders may even require that you return the puppy to them if you don’t support their food commission scheme.

    It is not uncommon for puppy buyers to feel pressured into keeping their puppies on Life’s Abundance foods and supplements despite knuckling, chronic loose stools, stomach problems, allergies, flat feet, heart problems or low energy.

    All of these are health problems where nutrition, especially nutrition from a company that has no legitimate scientific backing, may play a key role.

    It is extremely unethical for a breeder to require the purchase of Life’s Abundance food and/or supplements. We consider this practice a key red flag, as it often rides in tandem with other unethical breeding practices such as inadequate health testing and breeding dogs with questionable structure.

    8 3

    Life’s Abundance Quality

    Life’s Abundance makes it difficult to find their ingredients list; on their website, you can expect a list of ingredients within the food, but not in any particular order.

    We are not board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists, so we have no business commenting on the specific ingredients, formulation, or health claims.

    Coincidentally, neither do the breeders, ‘Dog Food Advisor’, or any other ‘food rating’ website.

    Not to mention the fact that Life’s Abundance is not even formulated by a credentialed, board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).

    A DACVN is one of the only people qualified to completely formulate kibble dog food and judge ingredients. (Read more here: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/why-you-shouldnt-judge-a-pet-food-by-its-ingredient-list/)

    The person in charge of creating the Life’s Abundance recipes is a ‘holistic’ veterinarian whose writings and focus seem to have been on…cats. While some people may take no issue with this, consider this.

    The current FDA warnings about grain-free foods and boutique diets causing heart problems indicate that the problem is strongly correlated with boutique diets that are not formulated and rigorously tested by a credentialed veterinary nutritionist. So yes, that should alarm you.

    Life’s Abundance is a marketing company, not a pet nutrition expert company.

    The nutritional analysis of protein, calcium, and phosphorus in some Life’s Abundance formulas appear to be appropriate for Great Dane puppies, however, we are unable to definitively say if the correct balance of other nutrients (including key meat-based amino acids) is present.

    For a 40lb bag (the typical size needed when raising Great Danes), you can expect to pay nearly $100.

    As with all MLM products, the price is high to support the commission-based business model, not necessarily because it’s a higher-quality product.

    We do not recommend Life’s Abundance dog food and encourage you to tread cautiously with any breeder that is heavily promoting, selling or encouraging this brand.

    The same can be said for Life’s Abundance supplements and NuVet Vitamins, which we will cover in another blog post.

    Do you sell or use Lifes Abundance dog food? Leave your comments below! We are open to friendly, polite, scientific dialogue on this topic.