The Family's Guide to Choosing a Great Dane Breeder: Questions That Matter

Timeline Reality:

• Quality breeders typically have 6-18 month waiting lists
• The best breeders often breed only 1-2 litters per year
• Puppy selection usually happens at 6-8 weeks old
• Ideally, plan to visit the breeder in person or at least virtually, before taking your puppy home

Investment Understanding:

• Quality Great Dane puppies typically cost $2,000-$4,000+
• Health testing adds significant costs that responsible breeders absorb
• Often, show-quality dogs command premium prices (We have a flat fee because we put the same love and consideration into all of our dogs)
• The most expensive puppy isn't always the best choice for your family

What You Should Know About Yourself:

• Your experience level with large dogs (For me, Great Danes fall into exotic animals as much as dogs due to their unique requiremnts)
• Your activity level and exercise commitments
• Your preferences for male vs. female (size differences are significant)
• Whether you're interested in showing, performance events, or just companionship

The Right Questions to Ask:

"Can you explain your breeding philosophy and strategy?"

✅ Good Answer: They should articulate specific goals like temperament, health, or structure improvements. They might mention linebreeding strategies, outcrossing decisions, or working toward breed standards. Quality breeders can discuss their long-term goals spanning multiple generations.

❌ Red Flag: "We just breed our pets" or vague answers about "producing healthy puppies" without specifics.

"Why did you choose this specific pairing?"

✅ Good Answer: They should discuss how the sire and dam complement each other's strengths and offset weaknesses. Quality breeders can explain concepts like coefficient of inbreeding (COI), discuss pedigree analysis, and explain expected outcomes. For deeper insight into this process, see our post "Laying the Foundation: Science, Mentorship, and Our First 7Sisters Litters" where we detail our progressive breeding strategy.

❌ Red Flag: "She was in season" or "We liked both dogs" without deeper genetic planning.

"Who are your mentors in the breed?"

✅ Good Answer: They should name specific, accomplished breeders who guide their decisions. Quality breeders often co-breed with mentors, attend breed education events, and stay connected to breed clubs.

❌ Red Flag: No mentors, or they claim to be entirely self-taught.

"What health testing do you perform?"

✅ Good Answer: At minimum: cardiac clearance, thyroid testing, and hip evaluation and eye testing. Advanced breeders may discuss genetic testing, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) screening, and breed-specific concerns. They should provide copies of all health clearances.

❌ Red Flag: "The vet says they're healthy" without specific testing, or refusal to provide documentation.

Understanding Their Puppy Program:

"How do you socialize your puppies?"

✅ Good Answer: Detailed socialization protocols starting around 3 weeks, exposure to various sounds/surfaces/people, early neurological stimulation (ENS), and structured puppy curriculum. They should welcome families visiting to help socialize puppies.

"How do you match puppies to families?"

✅ Good Answer: Temperament testing, lifestyle questionnaires, ongoing communication about family needs, and prioritizing best fit over "first come, first served." Quality breeders often maintain some control over puppy placement.

"What ongoing support do you provide?"

✅ Good Answer: Lifetime support for questions, willingness to take dogs back if needed, regular check-ins, feeding/training guidance, and connections to other puppy families. Many maintain private Facebook groups for ongoing community.

"What contracts and guarantees do you offer?"

✅ Good Answer: Written contracts covering health guarantees, spay/neuter requirements for pet puppies, return policies, and clear expectations for both parties. They should explain why contracts protect both families and dogs.

⚠️ Immediate Concerns:

• Always has puppies available - Quality breeding requires careful timing
• Won't let you visit - Legitimate breeders welcome visits
• Can't provide health clearances - Non-negotiable for responsible breeding
• Sells to pet stores - Responsible breeders place puppies personally
• Multiple breeds - Expertise requires focus
• Pressure to decide quickly - Good breeders want thoughtful matches
• No questions about you - They should screen families carefully
• Won't take dogs back - Lifetime commitment is standard

🚩 Subtle Warning Signs:

• Focus on "rare" colors or sizes over health/temperament
• Marketing "Euro" or "European" Great Danes that don't conform to the Great Dane breed standard
• No involvement in dog shows, performance events, or breed clubs
• Can't discuss pedigrees beyond one generation
• Vague answers about feeding, training, or care recommendations
• No other breeder references or professional relationships

✅ Outstanding Signs:

• Active in breed community - Shows, clubs, education events
• Mentors other breeders - Sharing knowledge indicates expertise
• Continuing education - Attends seminars, reads research, evolves practices
• Transparent about challenges - Honest about breed limitations and difficulties
• Long-term relationships - Families who return for second dogs
• Professional references - Veterinarians, other breeders, breed experts
• Detailed puppy records - Weight charts, vaccination records, early observations
• Thoughtful breeding frequency - Limited litters allow focus on quality

✅ Bonus Points:

• Co-breeding relationships with established breeders
• Participation in breed health studies or research
• Multiple generations of their own breeding
• Success in various venues (conformation, performance, therapy work)
• Recognition from breed organizations or kennel clubs

What You Should See:

Clean, Safe Facilities:

• Dogs should be clean, well-groomed, and healthy-looking
• Living areas should be spacious, clean, and well-maintained
• Multiple areas for exercise, play, and rest
• Safe fencing and appropriate housing for the climate

Happy, Well-Socialized Adult Dogs:

• Dogs should be friendly and comfortable with strangers
• Clear relationships between dogs and breeder
• Dogs living as family members, not just breeding stock
• Opportunity to meet both parents if possible

Puppy Areas:

• Clean whelping areas with appropriate temperature control
• Age-appropriate toys and enrichment
• Evidence of early socialization (various surfaces, sounds)
• Puppies should be alert, playful, and healthy-looking

Questions During Your Visit:

• "Can you show me the health clearances for both parents?"
• "What does a typical day look like for the puppies?"
• "How do you handle puppy selection and matching?"
• "What happens if this puppy doesn't work out for our family?"
• "Can we meet some families who've gotten puppies from you?"

Evaluating the Adult Dogs:

Temperament Observations:

• Both parents should demonstrate stable, friendly temperaments
• Dogs should be comfortable with strangers but not overly excited or fearful
• Clear bond between dogs and breeder
• Ask about the dogs' daily routines and activities

Physical Assessment:

• Good body condition - neither overweight nor underweight
• Clean ears, bright eyes, healthy coat
• Appropriate size and structure for Great Danes
• Ask to see any titles or achievements

Puppy Evaluation:

Health Indicators:

• Clean ears and eyes with no discharge
• Good body condition and muscle tone
• Active and alert when awake
• No signs of illness (coughing, lethargy, diarrhea)

Temperament Signs:

• Curiosity about new people
• Appropriate response to handling
• Good interaction with littermates
• Recovery from startle responses

Required Testing:

Cardiac Clearance:

• Cardiac evaluation by a veterinary cardiologist
• Look for OFA Cardiac clearance or equivalent
• Critical due to Great Dane susceptibility to heart conditions

Hip Evaluation:

• OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification preferred
• PennHIP evaluation is also acceptable
• Look for "Fair" or better ratings
• Both parents should be evaluated after 24 months of age

Thyroid Testing:

• Complete thyroid panel including autoantibodies
• OFA thyroid clearance preferred
• Should be normal or acceptable
• Important for long-term health and temperament

Eye Clearance:

• CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exam
• Performed by veterinary ophthalmologist
• Clear of hereditary eye diseases

Advanced Testing: Progressive breeders may also perform:

• Genetic testing for known mutations
• DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) screening protocols
• Stomach tacking recommendations
• Additional breed-specific testing

Documentation You Should Receive:

• Copies of all health clearances for both parents
• OFA certification numbers you can verify online
• Veterinary reports from testing
• Pedigree information showing health testing on ancestors

Important Note About Missing Documentation: If any health testing documentation is missing, there may be valid reasons. Always ask your breeder to explain why something is missing rather than assuming it's a red flag. For example, some breeders work with dogs from other countries that have equivalent but different testing protocols, or they may be working with younger dogs that haven't yet reached the age for certain OFA testing requirements. A responsible breeder will be transparent about why documentation might be missing and what alternative testing or timing applies.

Red Flags in Health Testing:

❌ Warning Signs:

• Refusal to provide documentation
• "The vet says they're healthy" without specific testing
• Testing performed by non-specialists
• Claims that testing is "unnecessary" for their lines

Understanding Results: Not every dog needs perfect scores, but you should understand:

• How the breeder interprets and uses results
• Why they chose to breed dogs with specific clearances
• What the results mean for your puppy's future health
• Whether both parents complement each other's strengths

During the Selection Process:

• Honest communication about your experience, lifestyle, and expectations
• Patience with their process - good matching takes time
• Willingness to wait for the right puppy rather than any available puppy
• Respect for their expertise in puppy selection and placement
• Understanding of contracts and commitment to follow through

After You Get Your Puppy:

• Regular updates on your dog's development and health
• Following their feeding and care recommendations initially
• Prompt communication about any health or behavior concerns
• Honoring contract requirements for spay/neuter, showing, etc.
• Maintaining the relationship beyond just problem-solving

Long-term Partnership:

• Sharing your dog's achievements and milestones
• Being willing to help socialize future litters
• Providing references for other potential families
• Contributing to breed health studies if requested
• Considering them for future puppies

Questions That Impress Good Breeders:

• "What feed do you recommend for their first year?"
• "How do you suggest we continue socialization after we bring puppy home?"
• "What early training goals should we focus on?"
• "How often would you like updates on puppy's development?"
• "What would you do if this puppy developed a specific health condition?"
• "Can you explain the coefficient of inbreeding for this litter?"
• "What traits from each parent are you hoping to see in the puppies?"
• "How do you evaluate temperament in young puppies?"

Demonstrating Your Commitment:

• Research their breeding program before visiting
• Ask for references from other puppy families
• Discuss your long-term plans for the dog
• Show flexibility in timing for the right match
• Express interest in breed community involvement

Create Your Comparison Framework:

Non-Negotiables:

• Complete, age appropriate, health testing on both parents
• Willingness to let you visit and meet adult dogs
• Clear contracts and health guarantees
• Lifetime support and willingness to take dog back
• Good reputation in the breed community

Strong Preferences:

• Active involvement in breed community
• Mentorship relationships with established breeders
• Detailed socialization and puppy development programs
• Multiple generations of their own breeding
• Good communication style and availability

Nice to Have:

• Geographic proximity for easy visits
• Specific color or markings preferences
• Show potential (if that interests you)
• Specific bloodlines or pedigree preferences
• Established puppy families for references

Deal-Breakers:

• Unwillingness to provide health testing documentation
• Refusal to let you visit or meet the dogs
• No health guarantees or support after purchase
• Pressure tactics or "limited time" offers
• Multiple breeds or constant availability of puppies
• Poor references or reputation in the community
• Unwillingness to take dogs back if needed
• Focus on profit over proper placement

Subtle Concerns That Should Make You Pause:

• Reluctance to discuss challenges or limitations
• No involvement in breed education or community
• Vague answers about breeding decisions
• Limited knowledge about pedigrees or genetics
• Poor communication or responsiveness
• Inconsistent information between visits or conversations

Helpful Organizations:

• Great Dane Club of America (GDCA) - National breed club with breeder directory
• American Kennel Club (AKC) - Breeder marketplace and breed information
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) - Health testing database
• Local Great Dane clubs - Regional breed clubs often have breeder referrals

Questions for Your Veterinarian:

• What health testing should I verify with potential breeders?
• What Great Dane health concerns should I be aware of?
• Can you recommend any local breeders?
• What should I look for in health documentation?

Research Tools:

• OFA health testing database for verifying clearances
• AKC breed directories and event listings
• Great Dane specialty show results and breeder participation
• Online pedigree databases for researching bloodlines such as Quintessa