Be an Educated Puppy Buyer!!!
Courtesy of Georgia Hymmen: Daynakin Great Danes

Prior to purchasing a Great Dane, we strongly suggest that you do your homework. This would include finding out if the breed is right for you, and knowing what to look for in a good breeder and a healthy puppy. I would consider the following to be "red flags" and would be very hesitant about purchasing from that breeder.

No health testing on sire & dam At the very minimum hips should be OFA certified clear of hip dysplasia, eyes CERF'd & thyroid tested normal. There is no excuse for not doing health testing on adult breeding stock. Ask to see PROOF and certification of health testing. You can also check the information on the OFA and CERF websites.

Puppies removed from a litter prior to 7 weeks of age. It is crucial for proper canine social development for puppies to remain with the litter until at least that age.

Claiming show quality puppies when the breeder does not show and never has. It takes an experienced breeder to determine if a puppy is show quality. Show quality is more than color alone. Experience would include being in the breed for at least 10 years, showing and finishing a Championship on several dogs, and having produced several Champions.

Making claims of parents or grandparents being "showdogs". Learn to understand terminology. A UKC or International Champion is not the same as an AKC Champion. An AKC championship is far more difficult to get than any other type.

Registering dogs with a registry other than the American Kennel Club or Canadian Kennel Club. The Canadian Kennel Club should never be confused with the Continental Kennel Club. While both use the initials CKC, the Continental Kennel Club is only a tool for backyard breeders to register their non-AKC registerable dogs. Many puppy mills and back yard breeders use the Cont. Kennel Club to register their dogs because they cannot be registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club).

No contract, no guarantees, no "right of first refusal", no paperwork. When you leave with your puppy, you should know that the breeder takes an interest in you and the welfare of the puppy. The vast majority of "good" breeders will have a detailed sales contract, puppy care packet, complete vet records and more.

"Selling" registration papers. If the breeder is charging more for the puppy "with papers". Ethical breeders do not do that. Check out the AKC site at http://www.akc.org for rules regarding same.

Nothing (or very little) done. If any of the following have not been done; vaccines, worming, nails clipped, no socialization, no contract and return clause, no breeder support system. This shows a decided lack of concern and knowledge.

Puppies raised outside; or in dirty surroundings. Puppies need to be around people! And it goes without saying they need to be kept clean!


The Responsible Breeder:

1. The Responsible Breeder only places dog/pup by contract.

2. The Responsible Breeder places dogs/pups with a health guarantee.

3. The Responsible Breeder insists on the return of a dog/pup should the purchaser be unable to keep the dog/pup during that pet's lifetime.

4. The Responsible Breeder carefully interviews prospective owners and has specific requirements that are to be met such as: dog/puppy is to be altered if the breeder is not already practicing early altering. The dog/puppy is not allowed to roam outdoors in unfenced areas or unsupervised, etc. Interviews will include veterinarian, references, etc.

5. The Responsible Breeder is willing and able to educate. He/she happily answers any/all questions regarding the breed and his/her breeding program to any interested people, whether or not they are potential buyers.

6. The Responsible Breeder insists on being informed of any health, genetic, or behavioral problems the dog/puppy may develop in its lifetime and will strongly recommended that the owner periodically test for thyroid, eye conditions and other health issues known to the breed.

7. The Responsible Breeder does not have more dogs/puppies then he/she is able to keep clean, healthy and well socialized.

8. The Responsible Breeder spends individual time with each of his/her dogs/puppies.

9. The Responsible Breeder is very concerned with excellent temperament in his/her dogs/puppies as well as excellent health.

10. The Responsible Breeder makes him/herself available for advice to the owners throughout the life of the dogs/puppies he/she has placed at any time.

And most importantly, the responsible breeder helps breed rescue by insuring his/her dogs do not end up in rescue and helping Danes who do. For more from Georgia write: Daynakin@aol.com