Anonymous wrote:Bumping-- anyone have a recommendation for a responsible Great Dane breeder? We are looking for health over conformation.

You should be looking for both. Responsible breeders strive to produce healthy dogs who conform to the breed standard.

Anonymous wrote:Basically the popular large breed dogs in the greater DC area are hounds, doodles, standard poodles and thats about it.

THere are THREE goldendoodles on my block owned by different people and they all look identical.

Bumping-- anyone have a recommendation for a responsible Great Dane breeder? We are looking for health over conformation.

Claire!

Ugh such sweet dogs - I've known two who were shop/store dogs (auto shop and shoe store i frequent) and they just chilled on their beds all day and occasionally got up to get some pets from customers. But 9 years is so short. Heartbreaking.

We had a good experience with Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League. You might have to wait a little to get what you want. Ours was between 2-3 when we adopted him which was nice since he was housebroken and not a crazy puppy. He is slowing down drastically now at 8, but we knew that going into it. It's true they are very low key dogs, that worked for our household.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend a reputable Great Dane breeder? I love Danes and have been stalking the rescues, but the available pets are so far into their life spans that it isn't looking like a good choice for our family. That said, I don't necessarily need a puppy.

And if anyone owns a Dane, please chime in about your dog! We're an active household with a lot of kids in and out. I think I've found a breed that will fit in with our chaos nicely. DH doesn't believe me that these are pretty low key dogs....

I would definitely get a rescue.

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend on her 2nd Great Dane. The first one was a great dog but died when he was 9, so short lived for a family pet.

They were both great dogs but the short life span would concern me as would supporting the dog breeding industry in general.

Nine is a ripe old age for a Great Dane and doesn't indicate a problem in the breeding. They do not live the longer lifespans of much smaller dogs.

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend on her 2nd Great Dane. The first one was a great dog but died when he was 9, so short lived for a family pet.

They were both great dogs but the short life span would concern me as would supporting the dog breeding industry in general.

Which shows you don't understand the first thing about it.

I highly encourage people to go to reputable breeders because they are currently the only ones testing their dogs for genetic diseases, and therefore they are the only ones saving the next generation of dogs from debilitating inherited traits. Dogs have endured decades of breeding for conformation (looks), which has created a ton of health issues. Now the best breeders strive to select for health. The dogs live with their owners, the puppies are acclimated to humans and their activities before they leave, and applicants are screened rather like the best rescues do, except that unlike a rescue, you know what you're getting in terms of temperament and genetics.

Puppy mills are at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of respect for the dog. You want to avoid those, and all slick puppy websites that make it look easy!

I have a friend on her 2nd Great Dane. The first one was a great dog but died when he was 9, so short lived for a family pet.

They were both great dogs but the short life span would concern me as would supporting the dog breeding industry in general.

I grew up on a farm with 2 Danes (among other dogs). They were fabulous! I agree with the PPs that the dogs are pretty low key and if you're active and want your dog to be active with you, they may not be the dog for you. Their exercise requirements are less than that of a Lab. They also have a shorter life span - as is typical with large breed dogs.

PP again.

If you want reputable breeders, you have to be prepared to drive at least out to Pennsylvania or Virginia, since this is an occupation that if done right, should not bring much money in for the breeder (small operation, dogs living in the house, not kennels, CHIC registered or at least tested for hips and eyes, hopefully both parents and grandparents).

And breeders usually sell you puppies.

I suggest you start with Great Dance fanciers' clubs and associations, NOT the AKC, and see their list of breeders.

For a great Dane, the time between puppyhood and senior years is pretty short, so I suggest you take what you can get.

If you're active, that breed might not be for you. They're VERY low key.

Your husband doesn't have to believe you, the idiot can read, can he? Shove some literature in front of him.

Basically the popular large breed dogs in the greater DC area are hounds, doodles, standard poodles and thats about it.

Can anyone recommend a reputable Great Dane breeder? I love Danes and have been stalking the rescues, but the available pets are so far into their life spans that it isn't looking like a good choice for our family. That said, I don't necessarily need a puppy.

And if anyone owns a Dane, please chime in about your dog! We're an active household with a lot of kids in and out. I think I've found a breed that will fit in with our chaos nicely. DH doesn't believe me that these are pretty low key dogs....