Great Danes are some of the most loveable dogs to own; they are tall, slender, attractive looking dogs, and they have a mild-mannered temperament that is great for families. However, a lot can go into finding a Great Dane that has been the product of ethical breeding practices, leaving potential buyers and breeders alike overwhelmed. Devin Harris Joplin, MO provides below guidelines for breeding Great Danes that may be helpful to know.
Important Factors for Breeding Great Danes
When it comes to purchasing or breeding animals, the biggest risk is often that we let our emotions take the lead! The reality is, Great Danes are wonderful dogs, but they have their fair share of health issues and needs that breeders and buyers alike need to be on the lookout for.
Each of these three categories of concern are foundational for a breeder of these large animals, or any large breed enthusiast, to understand.
Benefits of Health Testing
Health testing or health screening is extremely important when breeding Great Danes, not just for the ethical standing of the breeder and information of the buyer, but for the breed, at large.
Great Danes are susceptible to over 60 diseases, and almost all of these can be treated more effectively the earlier symptoms are noticed.
A high-quality breeder should be able to provide proof of health screening tests for hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and CERF-eye disease, to name a few. Buyers who notice that a breeder cannot immediately show documented proof that their Great Danes have passed these tests shouldn’t move forward without their fair share of caution!
Engage in Ethical Breeding Practices
In addition to health screening, other ethical breeding practices should be taken into consideration when breeding large dogs such as Great Danes. Some of these include making sure the environment is clean, namely, by giving the puppies a place to eliminate waste away from their sleeping area.
Others are less simple; a good breeder will not only provide proof of health screenings for puppies, but genetics testing for parents, and health records at least four generations prior to the current litter. They will also already have begun to encourage good behavior in the puppies, such as house-training and socializing.
Altogether, communication between a buyer and a breeder should be open, easy, and full of useful information about the specific puppies and the breed.
Learn From a Reliable Breeder
Finally, the best thing buyers looking to purchase their new best friend can do, is to find and observe a reliable breeder.
For example, as stated above, a reliable breeder will not only be forthcoming and knowledgeable regarding breeding practices of their puppies but they will make sure to detail the conditions under which their puppies are raised, and provide genetic records.
In addition to this, a variety of excellent reviews will be another acknowledgement for the type of rearing and caring the puppies receive prior to reaching out to the breeder.
Great Danes are wonderful animals and can be a rewarding pet to own, but it is important to understand the benefits of where and how the dog was breed, raised, and the potential health issues the dog may face.
Health screenings can protect puppies, sellers, and buyers alike. Ethical breeding practices are just as important. And finally, taking cues from a reliable breeder like can be educational as well as beneficial!