#great dane breeder

[dirtroaddanes]

Help a small business out 🥰

Go to our page, click the three ( … ) at the top right corner, then click on INVITE FRIENDS! 🩷🩵

We’d greatly appreciate it! And who doesn’t enjoy seeing puppy pictures anyway!?!

Page link —->. https://www.facebook.com/DirtyJeepDanes?mibextid=LQQJ4d

@highlight

[swagging-back-to]

not sorry but i do not buy the fact that fancy mice live to a maximum of three years but wild mice live to be at least five. especially when there have been fancy mice that have reached 6years. the oldest pet mouse was almost ten years old.

the short lifespan of fancy mice just tells me that improper care is normalized to such a degree that your mouse dying 2-4 years before theyre supposed to is considered standard. that expecting them to live longer than that is unrealistic.

[oscargender]

Idk unpopular opinion but. Buying a puppy from a responsible breeder who doesn’t allow any dog they’ve bred to end up in a shelter is a morally neutral act

[fallowhearth]

It really upsets me that keeping big cats as pets is both horribly unethical and also suicidal. I would love to have a large kitty cat in my house. I'd prefer an animal with the form factor and personality of a common housecat, large enough to put its front paws on my shoulders, but I'll take anything at this point. Dog lovers can have a very large dog as a pet. It's so unfair cat lovers cannot have a very large kitty. Instead of breeding horrible squashed noses and long hair, cat breeders should be trying to create the feline great dane.

[doberbutts]

So weird question: when i was young i had a traumatic experience where a dog (i don’t remember the breed, i think it was a chow, but it mighta been a mix) bit me on the nose

I’m going through therapy as a result of the fear of dogs i got and i’m doing well (i can pet my brother’s great dane without issue now)

But my goal is to one day own a a dog that is on the larger end, partially to help with my fear, and partially because i like dogs they just scare me

Any breeds i should avoid? Besides chow’s i mean

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you, and I am glad that you've sought help to work through this.

However, "breed of dog that isn't a chow" is a very vague qualifier, and so I don't really have an answer for you unfortunately. I do know that @molosseraptor has a whole service where she does an in-depth interview and matches people to breeds and breeders, perhaps you should take her up on that service if you are having trouble deciding. It also may be too soon in your journey yet to be thinking about breed.

[lostkidmustnotdie]

What each lotr character would have for a pet in my professional opinion (idea inspired by @mushroomates)

Gimli: giant fucking great dane or pittbull or some crazy fuck ass dog that he would get home and tackle to say hello

Merry: dog from expensive breeder. White fur crusty eyes. Fugly. He insists its cute. Probably named cupcake. Could also work for Sam. But also i could see merry absolutely hating that type of dog and just having a very normal cat.

Pippin: some sort of beagle mayhaps. Howls so fucking loud every second of the day. Entire shire hates it. He does not understand it does not need as much food as a hobbit and is very confused when it will not eat its 6th meal of the day

Gandalf: perhaps some sort of small bird or alternatively a snowy or gray owl

Sam: sweetest cutest puppy ever. Perhaps some sort of doodle or lab. Medium to small size. Dog is dumb as a rock but is a sweatheart. Or also could have the dog i described for Merry.

Frodo: a big fluffy wavy haired white cat. It does nothing. Frodo sits and reads and drink tea and the cat stares blankly, pondering.

Borimir: TWO OPTIONS. Feral ally cat who he insists hes not attatched to but in actuality considers it his child (think of wybee from coraline). OR. A daschaund that has some horrifically un-dog-like name like Jedediah or Kevin and talks to it like a human.

Aragorn: over-intelligent cat that scratches him on the daily. They understand each other. He knows what the cat’s meows mean like a language. Absolutely no baby talk will occur, the idea is unfathomable. That cat knows what he is.

Legolas: pet rock. Googly eyes included. Alternatively a very small bird like the one from secret life of pets or perhaps a caterpillar

[hunterbunter3000]

This might be a bit of a silly/weird question but how is sweetheart with animals?? Specially less 'liked' ones (cows, rats, piggies, snakes, etc)

(I'm sweetheart's biggest fan, I love her more than air itself 🥺)

AWWWW AND SHE LOVES YOU TOO BABES AND THIS IS NOT A SILLY ASK I LOVE IT 💗

She likes em! Wouldn't keep them as pets, except a snake, but she thinks they're cute!

She loves cows. Thinks they're stupid Lil blorbos and Price has no idea what that means (no one does except for Gaz, and he's struggling too 💀)

She's okay? With rats. Not her favorite, but if they're domesticated then she'll pet one. (She feeds them to her snake so it's a bit awkward for her lol)

With pigs, she would rather eat them 💀 like she would grab one and hold it by the cheeks and whisper "Your ribs would be delicious with barbecue sauce" or "I want you in my belly" with her mouth watering LOL

AND OMG SHE ADORES SNAKES (SO DO I- I LOVE SNAKES SO MUCH) She owns a snake! A ball python named Jake (thank you to the anon who said this 💗👌) omg the boys would scramble away from Sweetheart if she was holding Jake, except König and Roach.

Price: SWEETHEART LET IT GO

Sweetheart, holding Jake: Cap it's my pet! It's okay he won't bite any of you!

Soap, climbed on top of Ghost's shoulders: What if it tightens around ya neck and you DIE

Sweetheart: HE WONT DO THAT JAKE IS LITERALLY SO FAT TO DO THAT

She gives him to König who was waiting patiently to hold him and played with the snake with Roach, who was clapping his hands (they're so CUTE UGH)

NEVER

EVER

GIVE HER A SPIDER. NEVER

She will shoot that thing until it's mush

She likes turtles tho! She thinks they're so cute and calls them "little gentleman."

Her favorite animal of all time are dogs. SHE IS A DOG PERSON THRU AND THRU

Her cousin is a dog breeder so she grew up around alot of dogs and now she owns her own!

Dagger, a white pomeranian and knife-like teeth

Mr. Slickback or Slick, a Grey great Dane with a spiked collar (full name Mr. Slickback nicknack pattywack flapjack Nicodemus the second)

And Brutus, a big happy St. Bernard with a yellow daisy hankychief and a simple collar

(So she has three dogs and a ball python snake. It's perfect fr)

[grison-in-space]

As much as our vision of the wolf had altered, just a few minutes after the tennis ball incident it shifted once again, thanks to Chase, our then-yearling blue heeler. We had two mild-mannered, beautifully behaved Labs. Then there was Chase. Heelers (officially known as Australian cattle dogs, not to be confused with Australian shepherds) can be, well, problematic. Engineered from wild dingoes mixed with livestock dogs just a century ago and recognized by the AKC in the 1960s, they’re a new breed, with plenty of variation. The most difficult examples wear their feral hearts on their sleeves without apology. No matter how close an average dog’s genetic ties to wolves, heelers, by dint of their dingo heritage, and just a few generations separating them from life in the wild, take it to another level. The official breed description includes the phrase “a suspicious glint in the eye,” and the AKC National Specialty show for Australian cattle dogs includes a contest in which dogs are judged for having the “most ancestral” physical traits—which leads to musings about inner, lupine remnants as well. Without doubt, many heelers are affable companions, and they’re a wonderful, dynamic breed. But throw a few too many of those ancestral traits into the mix and you get a dog with issues.

Chase was one of those—a work in progress on a good day, a train wreck on the worst. We’d worked on her from when we’d gotten her at eight weeks. Though hideously bright, quick to learn tricks and all sorts of complex behaviors (how many dogs do you know who, when asked “Who’s been good?” sit up on their haunches and raise a single paw, and on command, put their toys away one by one in a basket?), we hadn’t yet been able to corral her borderline-psychotic tendency to rush unknown dogs with a reactive, teeth-bared charge. In her mind, I’m sure she was defending us from impending onslaught. Any canine, from a Boston terrier to a Great Dane, that came too close would get the same bum’s rush. Chase, despite her blustery façade, usually ended up in abject retreat when the objects of her attack took exception—not that it stopped her the next time. Sure, she’d grow three-quarters out of it eventually, but keeping our miscreant teenage mutt leashed under those circumstances was a given. No self-respecting wolf could be expected to put up with her guff.

A Wolf Called Romeo (2014), Nick Jans.

I wasn't expecting a heeler to pop up in this book, and Jans' comments on Chase amuse the hell out of me: for one thing, those dingo crosses date back more accurately to the 1950s and were made by show breeders, and for another, the blustery asshole aggression displayed is almost certainly a consequence of the dogs' selection as cattle dogs, not anything that can be laid at the feet of the dingo. A dingo has more sense than that.

Nevertheless, even if Jans has uncritically accepted the historically dubious party line on heeler ancestry, his portrait of Chase is immediately recognizable. In the context of the book, she's about to slip her leash and charge the eponymous wolf Romeo, which the author correctly views as an incredibly dangerous accident for her: even another dog would be fairly justified in reacting incredibly poorly to her. Instead, the wolf pins her for a moment, then sends her racing back to her humans drenched in spit but perfectly unharmed.

I am reminded intensely of an instance in a dog park I saw as a child, in which my six month old pointer rushed a Rottweiler in a similar way, and I similarly went "ohno-ohno-ohno" and braced for the much larger dog to do my dog some fairly justified damage... and that dog simply hip-checked her and sent her spinning into the dust, confused and outraged. Better not to let that happen in the first place, and today I would certainly intervene well before that point, but I've never quite lost my profound gratitude for that dog's calm choice and grace under fire.

[theautisticdoctor]

Entry #016

Autism Service Dog Journey – Week 1

This burnout hit me hard, like smacked me right in the face and stomach and I feel like recovering is going so slow, too slow. I have been trying to get my energy and confidence back to where it was, but it’s just not happening. I have been researching ways to get myself back on my feet and one of the things I came across was the Autism Service Dog. In my country there’s a huge waiting list for these type of dogs, it’s not covered by health insurance yet and it costs about €25K to train one (and a €400 extra every two years to renew the license). There are other ways to get funding but there are massive waiting list, I’m not applicable due to age, or so much paperwork, so I would’ve had to rely on crowdfunding. Which sucks because I don’t like being in the spotlight unanonymously. Also getting a dog through one of those organisations will mean that I would lend a dog, but I also suffer massively from fear of abandonment. Like my cat is three years old, but thinking about the day she’ll be gone gives me already massive anxiety although I know it won’t happen for another 17 years – and nobody dare tell me otherwise because she’s going to be at least 20 years old. I talked to some friends of mine who have a lot of experience with training dogs, and I made the decision to train an autism service dog for myself. To help me manage the challenges I face daily, because I know a (service) dog could make a significant difference in my life. She will offer me support that I wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere. I will deal with how to get the appropriate official certifications later.

So after months, if not years of extensive research (thank you recurrent hyperfixation) I decided to finally give it a go and I bought a puppy last week. I created a more than extensive training plan / program for us and talked a lot with the breeder about the health and characteristics of her parents. I’m not sure how I am going to combine it with my work yet, but up until now they are very supportive.

Breed

Generally I found that the best breeds are the Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Great Danes, and the Australian Shepherds. But most importantly, when selecting a breed you should consider the temperament and trainability. If you are suffering from dog allergies I’d suggest to go with a hypoallergenic breed, although it is not a certainty you won’t have a reaction. The temperament should be calm and stable and the dog should be responsive to training, intelligent, and eager to learn and work. Also you should be able to match the energy level of the dog, for example the working dogs, like shepherds require a lot of activity throughout the day. Furthermore, depending on the tasks or goals you have for your service dog the size of the dog might be an important factor. For example, I really want my service dog to be able to apply deep pressure, so I need a larger breed in order to achieve this goal. However, while breed traits are important and overall true and applicable, each dog is an individual. You should assess the temperament and compatibility of each specific dog with your goals and needs. Talk to the breeder, ask them how their parents are like, how previous nests grew up to be, observe the puppies or dog and talk to professional trainers. Also nurture and therefore training is a big complement part to nature. After a ton of research, talking to breeders, talking to a befriended trainer and the making of a dozen pros-cons lists, I finally decided that the Belgian Shepherd was the perfect fit for me. So, I am now a proud owner of a Belgian Malinois Shepherd puppy, named Pallas.

Belgian Malinois Shepherds are known for their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty. While they are often seen in roles like police or military work, they can also make exceptional service dogs with the right training. Their high energy and strong work ethic make them well-suited for tasks that require a lot of focus and precision. They are very sensitive and reactive which makes them a good fit with me, because I need her to sense my emotions, my hunger and thirst, but also my flashbacks. They are very big so she will be able to give me deep pressure but also needs a lot of leadership, which is a quality I want to train and develop. I spent quite some time observing her parents, who are for malinois very gentle, calm and soft. So I expect to see those qualities back in her, and I already do. Although she is a puppy she is not hyperactive, listens very well, behaves very well and is already really socialised to people, other animals small and big, and just the outdoor buzzing life.

Goals

My goals for a service dog are to provide deep pressure therapy in certain situations, to assist me with sensory overload, to notice and notify me of certain emotions, bodily feelings, negative / distressing stimming and flashbacks, and to help me in social interactions. She’s not really there to give me practical support or assistance, but rather to give me emotional support and to be a trusted companionship.

Training

Training a service dog is no piece of cake. It requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of both the dog's needs and my specific needs. Together with a dog trainer I created a training program that fits my needs and also covers the challenges of training a puppy into a service dog. The first phase I called the “Puppy Preschool Program”, which covers building a strong relationship with my dog, socialisation and basic obedience. Since she’s really just a baby, it’s about learning to trust me and follow my commands. She’ll learn how a clicker works and how she is eligible for treats. She’s going to learn commands like sit, follow, stay, lay down and leave. She also needs to be socialised, that means plenty of exposure to other dogs, cats, livestock, people and motorised vehicles. When she’s graduated from this she’ll enrol into “Puppy High School”, which covers advanced obedience and public access training. Exposing her to different environments will help build her confidence and adaptability. Because, I need her to stay calm in public access places and I need her to behave and listen to me. This means no barking, no tugging, no begging, and not reacting to distractions. She’ll also learn more commands, like fetch, apport, catch, hug, kiss, nudge, guide and paw. It’s going to lay down the foundation for the third phase where she’ll have to do tasks without any commands but by her own notice of signs and signals. Because, after this she’ll do “Puppy College” which are the advanced specific tasks like notifying me of emotions, negative / distressing stimming, flashbacks and bodily feelings, providing assistance with sensory overload and during social interactions and applying deep pressure. After this I am able to call her my autism service dog. Although even after this initial training is complete, it is important to keep continuity in reinforcing commands and keep adapting her to any new needs that arise.

Progress

I have my pup of 10 weeks for a small week now and the transformation I’ve already witnessed is nothing short of miraculous. She’s already such a source of emotional support, for example I fell down in the dark after 4 days because I tripped over something and she came running towards me and started licking my dislocated wrist and hugging me. In the first days she did a lot of puppy nipping, but I managed to get her to almost completely stop doing that in just a week. She walks with me on a leash without tugging and she already listens to the commands sit and follow. She is very gentle in meeting other people, other dogs and she is so amazingly sweet with my cat, it’s like I’m living a dream. Our bond is really building strong and it’s amazing to see the progress in such a short time already. It’s also amazing to see the effect on me, I have been outside walking, I’ve been talking to people on the street and if I don’t want to talk I simply tell her “no, you’re not getting cuddles from this person” loud enough for the others to hear so they don’t interact with us.

If you're considering training an autism service dog for yourself, I think patience is essential because training takes time and each dog learns at their own pace. Also, consistency matters with all animals and dogs in particular. They need consequent, regular, consistent training sessions to have success in progressing. I can definitely recommend working with (experienced) trainers who can provide valuable insights and support, although I am aware that they are very pricey. But most and foremost building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog is essential and could already benefit you in your symptoms.

If you have the ability to get an autism service dog through an organisation I think you will save yourself a lot of time and have more reassurance the process will work out okay, which I can therefore definitely recommend. But maybe we should advocate as a community to make the autism service dogs more accessible for everyone with a diagnosis. Instead of making them only available to people who have the means to get their dogs training for such ridiculous prices. Because according to the Assistance Dogs International all programs must be nonprofit, but then also, how can they ask for €260 per 45 minutes of training excluding driving reimbursement and if you write or app the trainer it will cost another €100. I really fail to see how that is a nonprofit organisation and not just a lucrative business model. It is something that should be able to be done for way cheaper.

Feel free to reach out if you have any tips, thoughts, suggestions, or advice for me, I’d really appreciate them all. I’d absolutely love to hear your stories. And if you have any questions or need advice on training your own autism service dog from me just ask, nevertheless I will definitely share more of my journey with Pallas in the near future.

[border-collie]

"Yeah I got my Great Dane from a responsible breeder" and the dane is fawnequin

[dirtroaddanes]

Bleu Cheese

A blue harlequin great dane female. Rtg May 1 st.

[raygirlramblings]

Inspired by @asch2inspire ‘s delightful take on the Scooby gang I just love the idea of Scooby being a therapy dog.  Like, the idea you just rip a cute dog character out of a show because it would be ‘too babyish’ is so dumb when there are so many other ways to adapt the character and make it fit a more ‘mature’ setting.

So overnight I came up with doofy ideas of my own XD

Shaggy suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks, and has done since puberty.   

He used to do weed hoping it would help but it only made the paranoia more extreme so he quit.  He does however take CBD (as well as prescription medication) to soothe his nerves.  But his time doing weed introduced him to stoner culture and he really loved the mellow energy and tie-dye aesthetic so he never dropped it.  So people assume he’s a stoner when in fact he isn’t.  He is pro-weed though and is all in favour of legalisation and medical marijuana. 

Shaggy adopted Scooby from a shelter he volunteered at.  Scoob came from a puppy mill and was unadoptable because he’s the absolute opposite of what breeders look for in a great dane.  He was due to be put down but Shaggy saved him and the two have been inseparable since.

Scoob is Shaggy’s emotional support animal (fully registered and everything).  When Shaggy is anxious Scoob helps guide him away from trouble, and when Shaggy has panic attacks Scoob lays on his lap and helps him get control of his breathing.

Shaggy and Scoob volunteer at hospitals and care centres introducing Scoob to kids and teaching them about emotional support animals as well as the importance of Adopt, Don’t Shop.  Scoob is so chill he doesn’t mind kids petting him.  

They both still love food, though obviously Shaggy is very conscious and responsible about feeding Scooby right (being a illegally bred puppy means he has various health issues which need to be monitored).  Doesn’t mean he won’t sneak his buddy a bit of hot-dog or half a sandwich now and then ;)  I saw a head cannon somewhere that Shaggy makes his own Scooby Snax for him to share with Scooby and I love it.  It’s a kind of organic brownie cut into chunks which is safe for humans and dogs.

Ultra instinct Shaggy is still very much a thing.  In fact Shaggy can fight like a cornered mongoose in the right circumstances.  But he rarely does as his anxiety tends to keep him controlled, along with his general love for living things, and of course his best buddy Scooby :)  He’s definitely a runner, not a fighter, but heaven help you if you intentionally hurt his friends.

Scooby is 100% loyal to Shaggy at all times.  In fact Shaggy knows to trust or mistrust people based on whether Scooby warms up to them.  Scooby is an excellent judge of character.  

Like fine if you don’t want the dog to talk, but who doesn't love a delightful, devoted service animal companion???

[klint-vanzieks]

Hello, Prosecutor van Zieks! I have an interest in identifying dog breeds and I was wondering what breed Balmung is! Just a larger-than-average greyhound? Is he part Great Dane, or Irish Wolfhound?

sending lots of pats to Balmung, and hugs for you if you want them!! :)

-CC

Mx. CC-

Balmung is a purebred Sloughi, actually. His breeder is from Spanish Morocco, and arrived in England as a refugee with her four dogs and younger sister. I heard them barking one day at the market, and as the barking did not sound like any breed of dog I knew, I found myself too intrigued to do anything but investigate the matter.

My parents primarily kept Great Danes as part of the staff, but I fell in love with Madame Kashif's dogs on sight. I introduced myself, and she introduced herself in turn, and I cajoled my father into inviting her to a hunt on the family forest grounds, as a welcoming to England. I admit, I wanted to see what they were capable of.

When one of her dogs had puppies, while my mother was heavily pregnant with my youngest brother, I bought the whole litter. My father decreed to me that I would be responsible for the whole of their care, as the price of my admittedly-rash decision to take them all home. Moriarty did not care for my pack of dogs, but I loved them all.

Balmung remains with me even now, although sometimes I do still hear his littermates barking in the distance. I do wonder where the rest of them ran off to...?

Yours in the spirit of the Great Hunt,

Prosecutor van Zieks

[doberbutts]

Sorry if this is dumb, but if you don't mind me asking, what's the difference between "Weekend Warrior Bullshit" and someone there to actually work their dogs? I'm asking because as someone in a working breed who's considering getting into breeding these dogs in the future, I seriously want them to be able to do what they were created to do. But if I can't do that without living on a farm with cattle and sheep, for example, I'll happily leave breeding to the people who actually need these dogs to put food on the table as I think that's what's best.

Well it's not to say that people who can't truly work their working breeds shouldn't breed. I'm a weekend warrior bullshitter myself so there's obviously a lot of market for dogs who only really do that.

Basically, almost anything that you can earn a title for is "weekend warrior bullshit". IGP, herding trials, hunt tests, those are great sports but they are not necessarily "real work" when discussing what truly qualifies as work.

Dogs who hunt with their owners for sustenance, dogs who move livestock on an actual farm, police and military dogs, those are "real work".

I've discussed several times in the past how it irritates me that people are so hung up on titles titles titles. Don't get me wrong, I like sports, so if I want to buy a dog to play sports I'm buying a dog from titled parents and from breeders who pursue titles. And I do think titles are one avenue of proving your dog can do the work- in an ideal world the dogs doing the "real work" should easily be able to title. Otherwise, unfortunately, you're relying on someone's word and people tend to lie or be willfully ignorant to the realities of their breeding programs.

However... I grew up pretty Appalachian. Most people did not buy food from the store but hunted and farmed it themselves, or worked out community exchange with their neighbors. This is also due to religious pressure in my specific part of the Appalachians but I've found similar experiences up and down the mountain range. Proving your dog can pass a couple weekend hunt tests is great and all but that doesn't prove that your dog can be out in the woods with you sunup to sundown for the entirety of the hunting season to ensure your family eats that winter. Your dog chasing sheep in a pen for 15 minutes at a time doesn't prove your dog can reliably keep the flock in line yearround with predators, new additions, and births complicating matters.

And it irks me, and others like me, when people say "well MY dog is FIELD CHAMPION TITLED so his worth at playing hunting every other weekend is SUPERIOR to your untitled dog that literally keeps you alive in the winter". Like thanks I think we come from two different planets actually.

That being said, there's plenty of crossover, people who DO use their dogs to keep them alive that ALSO play at sports. And unfortunately the easiest way to meet them is to go to sporting events and talk to people and see who is doing it off the field in real settings vs who just shows up on the weekends.

This is compounded of course by breeds whose jobs no longer exist or are no longer legal. As the swiss mountain dog breeds were beginning to spread to other countries, the tractor was invented. Suddenly no one needs a workhorse of a dog because a tractor is cheaper and more reliable due to being a machine. So what was already a very niche thing became so abysmally rare that these breeds almost disappeared entirely, and only survive today due to enthusiasts and sports. Some breeds fell out of favor for their historic use- no one uses purebred danes for boar hunting anymore and the very few dane crosses are dramatically outnumbered by easier, cheaper, hardier breeds and mixes. Dog fighting and animal baiting is illegal so gladiator breeds can do sports, become pets, or get a new purpose. Some breeds we don't have a solid consensus on their use- what was the techichi, the landrace that became chihuahua, used for? No one knows because the people who made them went through multiple genocides and the few that are left don't want to talk to colonizers (which, like, fair).

So it's not so much "you must work your dog x amount in order to breed" but rather "if you are looking for real historic work, your first task is seperating those who do it for fun vs those who do it to survive, AND understand there's a lot of overlap here"

[puppyexpressions]

5 Toy Breeds That Worry Vets the Most

Guest Post by Dr. Marty Becker

Let me say this up front: I love all dogs. Every single one I see in my practice brings a smile of joy to my face. But I often have concerns about certain small dog breeds, either because they may be prone to specific health problems or because they have reached such heights of popularity that mass production by puppy mills or careless breeders has put them at risk of overpopulating shelters instead of homes.

Because of this, there are some dogs I would like to see less of in my practice. Not because I think they’re bad — there’s no such thing as a “bad” dog in my book. Instead, I would like to see fewer of these types of dogs, and I would like them all to have better health and ample opportunities for loving, lifelong homes.

Lovable but Trouble

Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: You might be surprised to hear me say this — Cavaliers are wonderful little dogs with sweet temperaments. They easily capture the hearts of their owners, but it’s their own hearts that I worry about. Because of their limited gene pool, Cavaliers are prone to early onset of a common heart problem in dogs: mitral valve disease. Because of this, their life spans can be as short as six to 10 years. These dogs should live up to 14 years or more. Some of them do, but not enough. Veterinary researchers and breeders are seeking an answer to this health concern, but until they find one, I’d like to see this breed’s skyrocketing popularity come back down to Earth.

Teacup Chihuahua: The great thing about Chihuahuas is their long life spans. It’s not unusual for these tiny dogs with the ginormous personalities to live 15-plus years with regular wellness care. Some of them even live into their 20s. For a dedicated owner, that’s a huge bonus. But it worries me that so many of these entertaining but bossy little dogs end up in shelters. There are so many in states such as California and Arizona that they are often airlifted or trucked to other states, where they are less common and in higher demand. Until that problem is solved, I’d like to see fewer of them walk through the doors of my practice.

Teacup Yorkshire Terrier: The terrors, er, Terriers of the Toy Group, Yorkies are mischief makers who are full of themselves — and that’s saying a lot, given their minuscule size. I love their independent nature and their sense that they are as big as Great Danes, but they can have health and behavioral problems that get them into trouble. Among their health concerns are portosystemic shunts, luxating patellas and collapsing tracheae. They’re also easily injured because of their tiny size. Behavior wise, it’s all too easy to ignore house-training or training in general. That can turn what should be a smart, highly trainable, well-behaved dog into a little tyrant. These are all among the reasons that it’s not unusual to find Yorkies and Yorkie mixes available in shelters or through rescue groups. As a veterinarian and dog lover, I’d love to see fewer Yorkies, all with better health and good homes with people who will give them the combination of love and training they need to thrive.

Teacup Puggle: This popular hybrid, or designer, dog (a combination of a Pug and Beagle) has a lot going for him. For starters, he’s cute and sweet. But as a blend of two very different breeds, he can have some issues that may become prominent and problematic after the cute factor wears off. Take his shedding — please! Both Pugs and Beagles shed heavily. When you combine the two breeds into a single dog, you’re going to wind up with a shedder — and often, people don’t realize this before they get one. Another factor is size. It’s not unusual for Puggles to grow bigger than buyers expect. And they can have the breathing problems associated with Pugs, as well as the high energy level associated with Beagles. Those are all problems that can land them in shelters or with rescue groups, seeking a family who recognizes and understands their quirks.

Teacup anything: It’s easy to understand the appeal of teeny-tiny dogs. We humans are attracted to extremes, and the idea of a dog who fits into the palm of a hand is almost irresistible. But it must be resisted. Micro dogs weighing three pounds or less at adulthood are more prone to serious health problems and generally live shorter lives. It’s hard on them, and it’s hard on their families to lose them at an early age. There are plenty of small dogs who are healthy; let’s not encourage the breeding of tiny, unhealthy dogs simply so we can have bragging rights about whose dog is the smallest.

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Harlequin Great Danes: The Majestic Gentle Giants

Great dane puppies for sale

Harlequin Great Danes are among the most striking and elegant members of the Great Dane breed, known for their unique black-and-white coat pattern. Their eye-catching appearance, combined with their gentle demeanor, makes them one of the most sought-after dogs for families and pet lovers worldwide. This article explores the key traits, care requirements, and reasons why a Harlequin Great Dane could be the perfect companion for you.

What Makes a Harlequin Great Dane Unique?

The hallmark feature of a Harlequin is their distinct coat pattern, which consists of a white base with irregular black patches spread throughout the body. No two Harlequin Great Danes have identical markings, making each one truly unique. Their regal appearance adds to their charm, giving them an air of elegance wherever they go.

Temperament: Gentle and Loving

Despite their imposing size, Harlequin Great Danes are known as gentle giants. They are affectionate, loyal, and great with children, making them excellent family pets. These dogs thrive on human interaction and love to be part of everyday activities. Their calm nature makes them well-suited for families, while their protective instincts ensure they are excellent watchdogs without being aggressive.

Caring for a Harlequin Great Dane

Owning a Harlequin Great Dane comes with responsibilities, given their size and unique needs. Here are some care tips:

Exercise Needs: Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy and prevent boredom. Daily walks and playtime in a spacious area are recommended.

Diet: A well-balanced diet is crucial to support their growth and maintain strong bones. High-quality dog food formulated for large breeds works best.

Health Care: Like all Great Danes, Harlequins are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia and bloat. Routine vet visits and preventive care are important to keep them in good shape.

Training and Socialization: Start training early to manage their size and energy. Harlequins respond well to positive reinforcement and early socialization helps them become well-mannered adults.

Why Choose a Harlequin Great Dane?

Unique Appearance: Their beautiful coat pattern is unmatched, making them stand out among other breeds.

Family-Friendly: Harlequins are gentle, affectionate, and patient with children.

Loyal Companions: These dogs form strong bonds with their families and will always stand by their owners.

Impressive Presence: Their size and elegance make them attention magnets wherever they go.

Easy to Train: Their calm nature and eagerness to please make them ideal for training.

Finding Your Perfect Harlequin Great Dane

If you’re looking for Harlequin Great Dane puppies for sale, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder. At Pawsome Great Dane, we specialize in raising healthy, well-socialized puppies with love and care. With 15 years of experience, we ensure that each puppy is nurtured from a pure bloodline, with up-to-date vaccinations, health guarantees, and AKC paperwork.

Check out our available puppies here:

Harlequin Great Dane Puppies for Sale

Conclusion

A Harlequin Great Dane can bring elegance, loyalty, and joy into your life. Whether you’re looking for a family pet or a loyal companion, this breed offers the perfect combination of beauty and affection. With proper care, training, and love, your Harlequin Great Dane will grow into a gentle giant that brings happiness to your home for years to come.

Are you ready to welcome one of these majestic companions into your life? Visit Pawsome Great Dane and discover your perfect Harlequin puppy today!