Buying a Great Dane is not a decision to be taken lightly. A Great Dane is known as one of the giant breeds. That cute little puppy is going to GROW and GROW and GROW and GROW! Before you buy a Great Dane puppy, be sure it is the right addition to your home for you and your family. The Great Dane is not the dog for everyone nor for every family. However, given the right owner, it is the most rewarding of companions. Fortunately, the breed has a variety of innate characteristics which can be brought out; a pliability in temperament which can be developed to fit your desires.

You can save much of the care and effort of rearing a Great Dane puppy by choosing one which is in good health to start with. He should then have the will and ability to survive and flourish in spite of the adversities he may encounter in life. The owner will save himself from much work, expense and disappointment if he will be sure to choose a healthy dog, one bred from sound parents and one which has received adequate care and good food from the start.

Where you buy your puppy is important. The reputable breeder has a true love for his dogs, an attachment which prevents him from considering them just merchandise on the shelf. He does not sell only a dog, he sells confidence in the quality of his dogs and his friendship and dependability. These breeders have spent much time and effort to study bloodlines, to care for their dogs and to observe them day after day as they develop. He has had to have patience and more patience because it requires experience and direct observation, trial and error over a period of years until he can feel conscientiously that he has a good working knowledge of breeding, an understanding of the laws of heredity and of the bloodlines so that the offspring produced will be according to our Great Dane Standard. His dogs are bred according to the Breeders Code of Ethics as endorsed by the Great Dane Club of America, they are represented truthfully, correct papers are furnished and they are sound dogs worth the purchase price. The conscientious breeder has invested many dollars in his puppies, both through the care of their parents and in raising the puppies themselves. It is his responsibility to see that the puppies have a good start in life. He will expect, and is due, a fair price for his stock and should not be asked to give away any bargains. The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of the low price has been forgotten and it costs just as much to feed a poor puppy as a good one.

If a puppy or adult dog is offered to you on breeders terms - read your contract carefully. Is it a fair and honest arrangement for both parties? There are good and bad contracts. The honesty, reliability and knowledge of the breeder is of utmost importance. Remember, people are "people" all over the world. Some are honest, others are not. If you are in doubt about the reputation of a breeder, consult your local Great Dane Club or one of its affiliates.

A good breeder breeds for himself in the first place. His only motive is to improve the quality of his dogs. He is like the artist who hates to part with his own creation, there is such satisfaction in watching the birth and development of a litter of excellent specimens. Of course, he must part with them, he cannot keep them all, but he will not sell a dog unless the prospective buyer is willing to care for, supervise and train the young dog properly. Owning a Great Dane is a serious responsibility and to enjoy the position of a Great Dane owner incurs obligation. Let no one think that an animal is just a plaything or status symbol. When you purchase a dog, you are signing a contract with this dog to care for him in sickness and in health. The responsibility for the raising of a happy and healthy dog rests solely with you. Your patience, live and care can help make your dog's life a happy one. Your Great Dane's life should prove to be a pleasant, memorable and rewarding experience for both of you. He deserves to be properly fed, adequately trained and carefully groomed. This will help him enjoy the maximum health and comfort and, in turn, provide you will optimum pleasure and pride of ownership.

Visit different kennels and compare not only the puppies, but also kennel conditions. A clean, well- ventilated kennel is a must for rearing healthy puppies. It is well to remember that before your dog can be a great Great Dane he must be a good dog, healthy and sound - a good sound dog plus Dane type and characteristics and you have the world's most beautiful dog.

If you are seeking a definite show dog and will be unhappy if your Dane is not a "flyer" in the ring, then do not buy a puppy. It is impossible to predict how perfect a young puppy will be when he grows up. The experience breeder can pick the most "promising" puppies with some potentials, but he cannot honestly give you a guarantee that you are purchasing a future champion. A clear mark of the beginner is his statement that he can pick a champion in the "nest". If anyone could really do this, he would have his fortune made. It is only the unscrupulous breeder that takes advantage of the novice by making foolish promises to induce a sale.

The most important things to look for in a puppy are: bright eyes, a clean nose, firm pink gums, a clean lustrous coat. Watch the litter carefully. Do not be attracted to the quiet little puppy in the corner; he may be shy or sick. A healthy puppy is lively and friendly. Dogs by nature are alert, active creatures. The puppies should be in good flesh, ribs and hips bones well covered, the leg bones large an the feet round and similar to a cat's paw. The nails should be short and strong. Great Danes come in six beautiful colors; brindle, fawn, harlequin, mantle, black and blue. BEWARE of so-called "rare colors". A merle has a gray base color with black spots and often has a white collar and white blaze on the face. This is a miss-mark and occurs frequently in harlequin breeding. An all white, also occurring frequently in harlequin breeding is almost always deaf. A black with white collar and white forehead line is called a mantle and is now acceptable to show. Whites and merle Great Danes cannot be shown in conformation. (They CAN be shown in performance classes). Regardless of the color you might prefer, there is sure to be a puppy tail-wagger who will wag his way into your heart.

Now that you have selected the puppy for you, make the necessary preparations before you bring him home, and do not take him home before he is a least seven weeks of age. Even then, he is still a baby and not strong enough to roughhouse with children. An older puppy, three months and up, is better for children. The ears are usually cropped when the puppy is between 6 and 7 weeks of age, and he is not ready to "fly the nest" until they are healed and taped in an upright position. The breeder will give you full instructions in regards to future taping. We assume you have purchased this valuable family addition from a reliable breeder. If so, you will receive instructions regarding the feeding, when and what kind of protective shots are needed; know what the normal temperature of your dog is and how to take it. For your dog's well being and your own peace of mind, locate and make yourself known to a veterinarian in your area, preferably one that is familiar with Great Danes.

Your new puppy will want to explore and get acquainted. Make sure that his quarters are free of hazards and then let him explore to his heart's content. You will want to get acquainted with him, but go easy, do not add to his confusion and excitement by playing roughly or overwhelming him with attention and visitors. Speak softly to him, introduce him gradually to small children and other pets, one at a time. Provide a warm, draft- free place for him to sleep, away from household activities. Dane puppies, because of their weight, are quick to develop unsightly calouses on their elbows unless they have soft bedding to lie on. This is important and should be provided as soon as your puppy is brought home. Do not play with your new puppy too long or too violently or on a slippery floor; very young puppies can be overcome with exhaustion if not allowed to rest. Dane puppies are clumsy. They slip easily and a fall could cause permanent damage.

You have made a substantial investment in a good Great Dane puppy. It is only good sense to take care of and protect this investment; provide the proper fencing for your dog's exercise area. Your puppy will grow very fast and will require fencing six feet high when mature.

Your dog's good health is directly related to what he eats. The breeder will give you a recommended diet. Follow his recommendations. You will be asked to report after a few weeks concerning the condition of the puppy and, if possible, arrange for the breeder to see the dog in order to check on his progress. The reputable breeder will help you with any problems if he possibly can and will do so gladly.

Sometimes the raising of a puppy poses particular problems. The purchase of a mature dog should be considered. Few breeders have mature dogs for sale as pets, but occasionally they do. There are many sound reasons for the purchase of a grown dog. He is usually leash-trained and housebroken and he is instant protection. Give him time to get used to you and you to him. He has developed his personality, likes and dislikes. These can be altered, given time, but they must be taken into account meanwhile. Great Danes are highly adaptable dogs. Given respect, common sense and time, a new grownup in the home can be an ideal addition.

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