| Dogma |
Thank you for your consideration in potentially adopting one
or more of our puppies. Please read our Puppy Application
and Adoption Policy before filling out our application. A
complete application is required from all prospective buyers.
We reserve the right to not place a puppy with anyone we
choose, for any reason.
If we decide not to place a puppy for any reason, we will
refund any payments or deposits. If the buyer backs out on a
puppy for any reason...
The deposit will NOT be refunded!!!
In addition, we also require a verbal conversation with any
prospective buyer, prior to approving a home or accepting a
deposit. Upon receiving a Puppy Application, we are willing to
make the first attempt to make verbal contact. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to make any other attempts. If
you do not receive a call back with in 48 hours of leaving a
message. Please try again. Our number is (208)431-6203.
Once a applicant is approved and a puppy has been chosen,
not only by looks, but by temperament and adaptability to it's
potential new owners and environment, we require a NON-
REFUNDABLE deposit in the form of cashier's check or
Pay Pal with an additional 3.9 % charge added to payments.
Once a verbal agreement has been made, we will wait 3-5
business days on a deposit before returning a puppy to
available status. We are not willing to hold puppies with out
deposits, so don't ask. Once a puppy has been chosen and a
deposit is received, weekly pictures and updates will be sent of
your puppy so you can keep up on it's progress and growth.
Deposits are $500 on Limited AKC Pet registration and
$800.00 for puppies on full AKC Show or Co-owners
registration; which is to be paid no later than 3-5 days before
delivery of the puppy. Payment plans are accepted, but the
puppy will NOT be delivered or received until full payment
has been made. We rarely give full registration on our
puppies. All pet puppies are sold on limited AKC
registration with spay/neuter contracts. We require that all
pet puppies be spayed/neutered by at least 24 months of age,
unless a prior verbal agreement with us has been made about
earlier or later sterilization, NO EXCEPTIONS. We
require veterinarian confirmation that the puppy has been
altered. We take our contracts very seriously. We hold
limited AKC registration papers until we receive proof that
the puppy has been altered. Once we receive proof from a
licensed veterinarian we mail your limited AKC registration
papers to you via Postal Mail. If we do not receive
confirmation by the required 24 months of age that the said
puppy has in fact been altered health guarantee will become
completely void & we reserve the right to remove the puppy
from the buyers possession/premiss by any means necessary ,
with no refund of the purchase price or cost of damages to the
breeder. When purchasing a puppy from Silver Sage Danes,
we require that the buyer keep us updated and send photos on
a regular basis. Your Health Guarantee and any contract
agreement may be voided, if you do not keep us updated on
your puppy. This also includes keeping us updated of your
current address and phone numbers. We have a PUPPY
RETURN POLICY in our contract. If for any reason the
buyer is unable or is no longer willing to care for their Silver
Sage puppy/dog, it must be returned to Silver Sage Danes
with no cost to the breeder in any way along with its AKC
registration /certificate, this is so we can find proper
placement and keep our puppies off the streets, out of
shelters, and in permanent, loving homes. If you wish to place
your puppy/dog in a new home on your own then you must
have my prior written or verbal consent and you must provide
me with all new buyers information. Health guarantee is
valid for original purchaser only unless puppy returned is
placed by me. We require all puppies to have 'Silver Sage's'
at the beginning of the registered name on the AKC
registration /AKC certificate. We require that all puppies
be paid in full by 8 1/2 weeks of age , if you need more time
you will need written or verbal approval from us . When
shipping puppies, we will make arrangements to take all
puppies being shipped, to the airport at one time. If you are
not able to accept your puppy on the day we schedule for
airline drop off, then you may be asked to pay a fuel/service
fee for the return trip to the airport. Our normal shipping
day will be on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday . Puppy must
be at least 8 weeks old to fly by law and for the protection
and safety of it's health. SHIPPING IS WEATHER
PERMITTING ONLY! Please be prepared to pick up your
puppy in person, if we are unable to ship due to temperature
restrictions deposits will not be refunded due to us not being
able to ship for any reason, but we will try every shipping
option available ~ however there may be an additional cost.
Normal shipping fee is $350-$650 (depending on mileage,
customs, or puppies weight) this includes: *shipping
crate*health guarantee *plane ticket & also helps with
mileage and gas costs for us to get to the airport, which is 2
1/2 hours away in one direction.
If we have to board your puppy past 16 weeks of age, we may
require a per day boarding fee of $10/day.
All puppies will be vet checked, microchipped and have had at
least the first and second series of vaccinations & multiple
wormings by 10 weeks of age. All puppies are hand raised and
will be given plenty of one on one love and attention. They
will be well socialized with adults, children and other dogs.
Each puppy is temperament/personality tested at 6-9 weeks of
age. We will begin basic obedience, leash & house/crate
introduction at 5-8 weeks of age. No puppy will be available to
leave the next until they are 10 weeks of age.
All Puppies are sold on Contracts - No Exceptions. We
reserve the right to make changes to this policy at any time,
without any prior notification.
If you have any questions or concerns about our polices, ethics
or adoption process, please feel free to email or call us
anytime. There are no dumb questions and you are in no way
bothering us by asking one or hundreds of questions. We want
our puppies new owner's to feel confident and have the correct
knowledge and support in order to bring a Great Dane into
their family. We want to have a trusting bond and
friendship with you for many years to come.
Breeding Philosophy
Silver Sage Danes pre-screens all prospective buyers and do
our best to ensure they are prepared for all that is involved in
owning and raising one of these remarkable animals. Great
Danes are a truly unique and remarkable breed & with that
comes great responsibility. But the rewards are also great &
it’s truly a privilege to share one’s life with one of these
magnificent animals.
Each puppy leaves here well socialized, spoiled, and loved a
tremendous amount! Our puppies are handled and loved on
extensively from day one. I take great care to ensure that
they are exposed to just about everything that they will come in
contact with in their new homes.
If you think that one of our puppy(s) could potentially be the
perfect good fit for you and your family, please contact us via
e-mail or call us at (208)431-6203 and/or fill out our puppy
application. I am more than happy to provide you with
references and additional information from any of our past
puppy owners. Once I have spoken with you, had a chance to
review your application & call your references; I will let you
know whether or not you and your family have been selected
for one of our puppies. I do my best to select only the very best
homes and families for my furry, four-legged kids.
I take the job of placing my puppies in their new homes
EXTREMELY seriously! They don’t just go to the first
person with money! I plan to keep in touch with each and
everyone one of our puppies new families. It is extremely
important to me to know how our Danes are doing, physically
and emotionally. I put my whole heart, care, and love into
caring and raising them before they leave on to their new
adventures. Being able to know how they are growing and
developing, helps us to improve on our breeding program and
ensure that we are producing the ‘perfect’ Dane, physically
and emotionally.
I cannot stress enough about the importance in researching
and learning as much as you can on this breed before bringing
one into your life. There are a lot of wonderful resources on
the internet, the library, the book store as well as talking to
other Dane owners and breeders. I also can email you some
wonderful information I have compiled over the years, that I
send out to all my puppies new owners. I wonderful
information I have compiled over the years, that I send out to
all my puppies new owners. I expect and want the new owners
to feel confident and ready to raise, care, love, and spoil their
new Dane puppy.
Puppy Names
While the puppies are in our care we give them their names,
for our record purposes only. We love our babies and become
very attached to them. You are free to keep the name we have
given or are welcome to change it.
Puppy Prices
Blue: (pet/lmtd. reg.) $1800-$2500, co-ownership
(show/full reg.) $3000-$4000
Black: (pet/lmtd. reg.) $1500-$2200, co-ownership
(show/full reg.) $2500-$3500
I breed and raise Dane puppies, because I love and have a
deep passion for this breed. I do not make a living or money
off them. It takes a lot of money and time to care for a litter
of puppies before and after their arrival. The expenses begin
way before both parents are ready to breed. Both parents are
tested: cardiac, thyroid panel, OFA certified elbows and
hips, Bruccelosis tested and current on vaccination. The feed
costs to feed a pregnant, nursing Dane and growing puppies is
not cheap by any means, I only feed the highest quality of food
and treats. I hire a pet dietician to assist in our feeding
program, ensuring that each of our Danes is getting the
proper nutrition that is appropriate for them. They are given
all the appropriate worming and vaccinations before leaving
for their new homes. I want their immune systems as strong
as possible for the upcoming stress of going to a new
environment. At 8 weeks they go in for their health
examination and micro-chipping. If for any reason from the
time they’re born to the time they leave they require vet care
they are taken in. Then there is the costs of advertising and
keep my website up to date. Your phone bill goes up, as well as
your electric bill trying to keep everyone warm and cool.
Their bedding is changed on a daily basis, shavings cost
money, cleaning supplies, blankets, toys, and paper towels.
Oh and who could forget someone’s got to feed the puppies
parents all years before a litter ever hits the ground. The
puppies come with toys, treats, leash, collar, some food and
extensive informational packet. It costs money to register a
litter with AKC. There’s so many little expenses, many of
which I haven’t listed, especially all the countless hours of
labor, truly making this a labor of love! I don’t think people
realize all the expenses, both big and small that are required
to raise and care for a superior quality litter of puppies. I
came out $150.00 ahead once…. I bought all my Danes new
toys! So that’s the method to my madness…try not to end up
in the hole too deep!
Limited Registration
All pet/companion puppies are sold with limited registration;
on a mandatory spay/neuter contract. Proof of spay/neuter
from your vet must be provided to me by the time the puppy
reaching 12 months old. If proof of spay/neuter is not received
within the allotted time frame, the 4 year health guarantee
will be null and void and you will not receive your puppies
AKC registration papers.
Full Registration
Experienced Show Home: Show marked and show
temperament puppies that will be available to an experienced
show home and will not require a co-ownership. We will
however require that the puppies registered name begin with
our kennel name: Silver Sage’s…
Inexperienced Show Home: Show marked puppies may be
available to an inexperienced show home. However I will
require a co-ownership. Upon the completion of a successful
AKC or International Championship title I will remove my
name from the dog’s registration and you will be the sole
owner of the dog. If you are “approved” for one of our puppies
with the intention of showing we require that the puppies
registered name begin with our kennel name: Silver Sage’s…
Breeding Home: Breeding homes will be considered on a case
by case basis. If you are “approved” for a puppy we require that
the sire or dam is pre-screened for health or temperament
problems; that the beginning of the puppies registered name
start with our kennel name: Silver Sage’s; also we are to be
informed before any breeding takes place of potential
sire/dam that you are considering for breeding to. They have
to be pre-approved by me first and I must have information
and background on the genetics and breeder you are working
with. *you must be an exceptional home as I have yet only
placed two of my puppies with full registration & that was on
a co-own to a show home*
Requirements
We require the following:
You must keep us informed of the puppy/dogs health
(physical and mental) and provide pictures/updates on a
regular basis. I’d prefer that you do it willingly but I know
life gets busy. So if I’m curious I’ll call or email you for an
update.
To be kept informed of the puppies current address, email
and phone numbers for the life of the puppy/dog.
You must provide your puppy with all routine/necessary
medical care.
Your puppy/dog will be kept as an inside pet.
That you take your puppy to the vet within 72 hours of
his/her arrival in your possession, otherwise health guarantee
will be null and void unless other arrangements have been
made. Your puppy, while in our care will have had a
minimum of 3 vet visits. If any other visits are required they
will be taken in.
That your puppy/dog will be returned to us if at any point in
the life of the puppy/dog you are no longer able to care for
him/her. I hope that, that never happens but I DO NOT
want my puppies/dogs to be placed in shelters or bounced
around for the remainder of their life.
Reward Program
We offer a reward program to our new puppy owners. When
you have successfully competed in agility, obedience
competitions or have completed a CGC, Therapy Dog training
program or have successfully titled your dog in the AKC or
International conformation ring you will be eligible for up to
a $100.00 refund from us for your efforts. If it is your
intention to do any of the following with your puppy let us
know when you first inquire and we can help you get started or
gather information about fulfilling these titles.
We also offer a referral reward program to our new puppy
owners. If you recommend family or friends to adopt a puppy
from us and are approved and adopt a puppy from us you will
be eligible for up to a $100.00 refund for each puppy adopted
from us by a referral.
Deposits
We require a nonrefundable fee of $500.00-$800.00 to hold
your puppy. The money you put down to hold your puppy is
applied towards the purchase of the puppy you choose. However
if you are unable, for ANY reason to buy your puppy your
$300.00-$500.00 will not be refunded so please be sure that
you are ready for this commitment! However if we change our
mind about you the money will be refunded. The deposit for
puppies placed with limited registration is $500.00, puppies
placed with full registration is $800.00.
Deposits/Payments must be made in the form of cash, postal
money orders, visa, or debit cards (3.9% additional fee). We
no longer acceptchecks. Paypal is also an option but you must
also include an additional 3.9% additional fee to cover the
Paypal fees.
Puppies must be paid for in full by the time they reach 7
weeks old unless, other arrangements have been made.
Payment plans can be arranged, but puppy has to be paid in
full before delivery.
Delivery of puppies
I am open to delivering puppies to their new homes or meeting
new puppy parents within a reasonable distance. An
additional fuel charge might be added, pending on the
distance I will have to travel to meet with you.
Shipping
I do prefer that all our puppies stay local but will not deny
my puppies a fabulous home because of distance. If I do ship
I prefer it to be within the USA, but may consider other
areas. If you’re interested contact me and we’ll go from there.
Many people contact us about the safety and process of flying
their new puppies to them. I have flown many Danes out and
also in, with no permanent, physical, or psychological damage
ever. It is a very safe, reliable and easy way to deliver puppies
that are way beyond the means of ground delivery for myself
and the new owners. If it was not safe or if I did not feel
comfortable doing so, believe me I would never put one of my
‘babies’ through it. I worry just as much about shipping them
as do the new owners. They are placed in an airline
regulation crate, large enough for the puppy to stand, turn
around, and sit comfortably. They are sent with food and
water, if the situation should arrive of a longer than normal
lay over. They are placed in a special cargo area, not with the
luggage, that is heated/cooled, pending on the weather. They
also can be accessed and checked on while the flight is in the
air if need be. They are the very last thing loaded on the
plane and the first thing taken off. They occasionally are
‘messy’ when they arrive, but for the most part they just want
to run around for a minute and then snuggle up in your lap
and take a good long nap. If you are still worried or have
concerns about this please feel free to contact us for another
possible delivery service or to have any questions answered.
All shipping expenses are the responsibility of the buyer &
must be paid in full by the time the puppy is 8 weeks old. An
estimate figure for shipping, crate, health certificate ranges
from is about $375.00 - $ 650.00.00, depending on location
and size of the puppy (within the USA).
Puppy Care Package
Your puppy will leave here in good health, happy & pre-
spoiled with his/her age appropriate
shot(s), wormed, micro- chipped, bathed and nails trimmed.
Along with your puppy, you will receive from us a packet with
the following contents: leash, collar, several toys, treats, food
sample, an extensive informational CD (I highly recommend
you read over it contents several times), vaccination history
and future dates for vaccinations needed and pedigree.
Inherited and other health concerns in the Great Dane
The following health conditions have been identified in the
Great Dane. Items so marked * can be identified through
testing and Silver Sage Danes test each breeding Dane has
performed and cleared before being considered for
breeding.
Height & Weight Data for Danes
Please keep in mind when reading the chart below that all
puppies follow their own guide & grow at their own rate. This
is just a general guide. Some Danes may actually be
smaller/weigh less than this chart indicates while others
may weigh more. Dane puppies need to stay slim as they are
more prone to joint & bone problems than the smaller breed
dogs.
Less is better when it comes to the first year. All Danes fed
adequately will eventually reach their genetic height &
weight. Don’t rush to own the biggest Dane baby on the block.
A Dane won’t reach their mature size until about 2-3 years
old. It is vital to have a slow, steady growth process.
A good way to gauge your individual puppy’s growth is that
they should be “ribby” and slightly “flanky” (a little on the
lean side, with the ribs & hip bones not evident). You should
be able to feel the ribs/hip bones but not see them.
Birth Weight 1-2 lbs
Week 1 2-3 lbs
Week 2 3-5 lbs
Week 3 4-7 lbs
Week 4 5-8 lbs
Week 6 12-20 lbs
Month 2 18-27 lbs 13-17 in
Month 3 30-45 lbs 17-22 in
Month 4 50-65 lbs 21-25 in
Month 5 65-85 lbs 25-30 in
Month 6 70-100 lbs 27-33 in
Month 7 75-110 lbs 27-33 in
Month 8 80-115 lbs 27-34 in
Month 9 85-120 lbs 28-34 in
1 year 90-135 lbs 28-36 in
Full GrownTypical Male 140-170 lbs 33-36 in
Full GrownTypical Female 110-140 lbs 30-33 in
Great Dane Breed Standard
The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity,
strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-
formed, smoothly muscled body. It is one of the giant working
breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be
so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move
with a long reach and powerful drive. It is always a unit-the
Apollo of dogs. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous,
never timid; always friendly and dependable.
This physical and mental combination is the characteristic
which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other
breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an
impression of great masculinity in dogs, as compared to an
impression of femininity in bitches. Lack of true Dane breed
type, as defined in this standard, is a serious fault. Size,
Proportion, Substance.
The male should appear more massive throughout than the
bitch, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio
between length and height, the Great Dane should be square.
In bitches, a somewhat longer body is permissible, providing
she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of
substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less
than 30 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he
be 32 inches or more, providing he is well proportioned to his
height.
The female shall not be less than 28 inches at the shoulders,
but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more, providing
she is well proportioned to her height. Danes under minimum
height must be disqualified.
The noble general appearance of the Great Dane combines a
tall, strong, well made body with pride, strength and
elegance. Through substance paired with nobility, balance,
well proportioned outline as well as a specially expressive
head, the Great Dane strikes the onlooker as a noble statue.
He is the Apollo amongst all dog breeds.
Behavior / Temperament: Friendly, kind and devoted to his
owners, specially to children; reserved towards strangers. A
self-assured, unafraid, easily guided and docile companion
and family dog is required. He must have a high resistance
to any provocation and must not be aggressive.
History of the Dane
The Great Dane is frequently referred to as the “Apollo of
Dogs”. It is claimed that drawings of a Great Dane-like dog
can be found on Egyptian monuments dating back several
thousand years BC. There is also an engraving from the late
17th Century which depicts Great Dane ancestors
participating in a boar hunt. Thus the breeds original
name… the Boar Hound. This explains the Danes ears.
Natural ears are long and hound-like; they were originally
cropped to prevent injury during boar hunts where both the
boar and the other Danes in the hunting party could injure
each others ears. Large blood vessels in the ear once damaged
can cause fatal blood loss. This is very much true today, but
since Great Danes no longer are hunters, the incident of
injury is less.
The original crop was very short, ugly and triangular.
Today's crop is for aesthetic reasons and is longer, more
graceful and balanced to the head size. Leaving Great Dane
ears uncropped is also for aesthetic reasons. It is a personal
preference. There is no true benefit for or against cropping
ears. Cropping Dane’s ears is prohibited in many European
countries. Here in America, it is acceptable both ways.
The name “Great Dane” can be misleading. While this
majestic breed is great, they certainly doesn’t come from
Denmark. This breed originated in Germany and has had
many names including Hatzrude, Saufanger, and
Metzgerhund. The official name Deutshe Dogge was
formally adopted in the 19thcentury making this the national
dog of Germany. The English translation of Deutsche
Dogge is German Dog. How this became Great Dane is
somewhat confusing and no one has come up with a definitive
explanation.
The first Great Dane Club was organized in 1886 in
Chicago. The Great Dane Club of America was only the
fourth breed club to become a part of the American Kennel
Club and when admitted to membership, was known as the
Great German Mastiff Club. Photographs from 1840 show
dogs with small coarse heads and unimpressive necks and
bodies. Some of these dogs have little body mass and weak
heads. All of the dogs possessed ears that were cut extremely
short. Today’s Great Dane is the product of breeding not for
hunting as Bore Hounds were originally useful, but for
length of leg, bolder head, and elongated body. Today’s Great
Dane is a hunter no longer.
Breeding programs have transformed the Great Dane into a
dandy of sorts. Therefore, the vintage idea of Great Dane
living outside and running large acreage, hunting for their
supper today, are downright silly and no longer true. With
all this change came shorter coats with very little fat under
the skin, not suitable for extreme temperatures hot or cold,
longer legs and larger bodies though impressive to look at can
lead to bone and joint problems if a Great Dane were to be as
active as their ancestors. Temperaments have also changed.
The fierce fighter and group hunter of yesterday, has given
way to a low-key, relaxed companion. Great Dane’s make
surprisingly wonderful apartment dogs for their low activity
level, and resistance to noise stimuli. They bark when they
have to and they don’t feel they have to very often. Today’s
Dane is as unrecognizable as a hunter as the Great Dane of
the past would have won beauty contests.
FAQ’s
First, start out with a good attitude & lots of patience.
Puppyhood only happens once so enjoy it.
They’ll never be this little again!
Puppy proof your house. Puppies are just like children and
get into everything, they need constant supervision!! Some of
what they get into could be hazardous to their health or your
belongings.
Schedule a new puppy exam with your vet.
Sign up for an age appropriate obedience class; make sure it’s
after your puppy’s last puppy shot.
Large breed puppy food, some soft puppy food couldn’t hurt.
The soft food may help; chances are your puppy isn’t going to
have much of an appetite during the first few days of his/her
time away from Mom & siblings. We feed Nutri-Source
Lamb and Rice All Life Stages formula and Nutri-
Source Chicken and Rice.
Water & food dish as well as some sort of elevated stand for
their dishes is a great idea due to the chance of bloat. Better
to be safe than sorry. Plant stands come in a variety of
heights and are available in the garden area of stores such as
Target, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart etc… They are affordable
and decorative only about $5.00 a piece.
Crate (the wire/metal crates are nice because they come with
a divider so you can adjust the size of the crate as your puppy
grows. That way you only have to purchase one crate instead
of 2-3 crates to accommodate for the growth of your Dane. I
also suggest that you buy a cover for their crate that way it
has more of a “den” feel for the dog. Possibly a “baby gate” to
block door ways and/or a stair case.
Treats: something soft & small while they are losing their
baby teeth.
Leash/collar w/ ID tag. As your puppy gets larger a
“gentle leader” is a great tool when you are on walks or in
public. You can find them at pet stores in the leash/collar
isle.
Our puppies are accustomed to going potty in a designated
potty area, dirt area off of the grass. You can also just take
your puppy outside when you see that he/she is getting in the
pool and say “Let’s go potty” or whatever term you are going to
use with your puppy. As the puppy grows just move the pool
closer to the door you will be taking him/her out to relive
him/herself.
Something to pick up puppy potty with when you are out on a
walk… you can purchase plastic poo bags at pet stores or you
can just use your plastic grocery shopping bags. Bags work
well when you’re out-n-about with your dog, they fit nicely in
your glove box or pocket. A long handled scoop is nice to have
at home.
Pets stain/odor remover and lots of paper towels or old rags
you can re-use to clean up accidents (chances are you’re gonna
need it at least a few times)
Dog toys: squeaky ones are great as well as plush toys. They
will be losing their baby teeth and most definitely will need
something to chew on. Be prepared to have to replace toys that
will probably get chewed up. Always watch or be around when
your puppy is chewing or playing with toys. Squeakers and
stuffing can be pulled out and swallowed very easily and can
cause un-needed pain and suffering. If the toy has ‘seen
better days’ it is probably time to throw it away and get a new
one and not risk the chance of inhaling parts of it.
Dog bed, but I suggest old or inexpensive blankets that can be
washed and reused in case of accidents or chewing. Then
when the puppy is passed all that a dog bed or crib mattress
works great. I like the crib mattress because I can buy the
vinyl, zippered cover for them so accidents don’t soak through
and they are easier to keep clean, less dust and odor in your
home. Changing a crib sheet is a lot easier and convenient
than taking a large dog bed to the laundry mat and over time
is more cost effective. I keep about 5 crib sheets on hand.
Grooming supplies: nail clippers, styptic powder/pencil (in
case you clip the pup’s nails to short). It’s a god idea to have
your vet show you how to clip the puppy’s nails (if you’ve never
done it before), a brush, and puppy shampoo (tear free,
hypoallergenic)
A potty training plan….Puppies do not have full control of
their bladders until about 8 months of age. I suggest feeding
on a schedule at first, it makes potty training easier. When
they are older I allow for free choice feeding so they can eat
whenever they choose to.
A good puppy/training book on hand as well as a Great Dane
book.
Last but not least… Patience, Patience, Patience!!! A
sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.
If you have any questions now or in the future I am always
available & happy to answer your questions.
Cost of Owning A Dane
You can improvise on some things and not spend as much on
certain items, but it this list gives you a good, general idea.
Remember everything is at a much larger scale than a small
dog. Of course you don’t have to go run out and buy everything
on the list. It just gives you an idea of how much things add
up for owning a big dog. Please do your homework. Prices are
based on a monthly to a yearly basis and will vary depending
on where items are purchased. This is just a general guideline
to give you an idea of the costs of raising and caring for a
Dane, so that ‘unexpected’ costs will not shock or surprise you
in the future.
How much will a Great Dane Puppy Cost?
Show Potential Puppy…$1800 to $3000 some are even $10,000.
Companion Pup….. $500 to $1,800.
Rescue - usually adult……$250-500.
Shipping: $350-650.00 one way. Pets must have a least one
parvo vaccine, be eight weeks of age, and must have a Health
Certificate and exam before Flying. Check your airlines
regulations. Not all airlines ship pets.
Vet Costs: Pet Insurance……..$30+ a month. It will save
you some money on Vaccinations, exams,
x-rays & emergencies.
Heartworm pills …..$90
Puppy checkups and vaccines ….$100
Routine vet care - average ..$250
Advantage Flea and Tick control……
Spay/neuter …………….$200+
Cropping (if not paid by breeder)…………..$350 and up
Bloat Surgery……..$1200+
Puppy Training:
Baby Gate………… $40
Collars, at least 2 will cost…. $25
Six foot leash ……$15
Crate (Size 700#) …$134
Big dog wire crate 37 wide x 54 deep x 45 high…….$239.95
Crate Pad (for 700#)……. $50
ID tag……………$ 6
Dog license (pet=15 intact=40)….$15
Nature’s Miracle, stain remover……..$17.95 gallon
Obedience Classes ……..$100
Handling Classes $5 for each class (daily cost)
Pooper scooper……… $18
Anti-chew spray -Bitter Apple…….$4.99
Rolled up newspaper……..50 cents (Smack yourself with it
when your puppy piddles on the floor,
because... You were NOT watching!)
Puppy Feeding Supplies:
Dog Bowls (2)……. $30
Raised double bowl holder……$20 or use plant stands $9+
Premium adult dog food ($2.00-$4.00 per day)
Grooming Supplies: Nail Grinder, Dremmel …$60
Nail clippers….. $10.00 for large dog
Shampoos and bathing supplies …….$40
Brushes……… $5-10
Tooth Brush………….. 2.95
Tooth Paste………..3.95
Extras Toys (4 toys) ………$40+++
Fencing………… $500-1000++
Books about great Danes…..$20 each
Boarding 2 weeks minimum………….$280 (usually around
$10-$12 a day.)
Ear Wrapping Supplies:
Tape by Johnson and Johnson. 1- 1 1/2inch……………1.89
Sharp and Bandage scissors
Skin Bond- Helps everything stick to the ear better.
Medi-Sol - Adhesive Remover. Goo Gone works as well.
Helps to remove tape and Skin Bond
easier. 4 OZ. $11.95
Alcohol-To clean pups ears inside and out.
Cotton Balls and Q-tips- Use with Alcohol to clean ears.
Astringent Ear powder-If your puppy’s ears are wet inside.
Helps reduce ear odor. (This is good
for uncropped ears as well).
Surgery performed by a vet: $400-$1200
Miscellaneous:
Treats…………$25-$75
Bedding for Dane size…..$30-90
You will need more than 4 toys ….$200
Chewed up reading glasses ….$200
SUV to transport Danes ………..$25,000+ (or other large
vehicle)
New landscaping………..$2,500+++
New Furniture after the old ones get chewed up
Remote controls & Game controllers.
Eye glasses.
Leather designer shoes & purses.
New Carpet
Carpenter work, replacing chewed up decks and wood around
the house.
Paint.
As you will soon find out when you invite a Dane to become a
loving part of your family, the costs don’t ever compare to the
love, loyalty, companionship and laughs that a Dane will
bring to your life!!!!
or more of our puppies. Please read our Puppy Application
and Adoption Policy before filling out our application. A
complete application is required from all prospective buyers.
We reserve the right to not place a puppy with anyone we
choose, for any reason.
If we decide not to place a puppy for any reason, we will
refund any payments or deposits. If the buyer backs out on a
puppy for any reason...
The deposit will NOT be refunded!!!
In addition, we also require a verbal conversation with any
prospective buyer, prior to approving a home or accepting a
deposit. Upon receiving a Puppy Application, we are willing to
make the first attempt to make verbal contact. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to make any other attempts. If
you do not receive a call back with in 48 hours of leaving a
message. Please try again. Our number is (208)431-6203.
Once a applicant is approved and a puppy has been chosen,
not only by looks, but by temperament and adaptability to it's
potential new owners and environment, we require a NON-
REFUNDABLE deposit in the form of cashier's check or
Pay Pal with an additional 3.9 % charge added to payments.
Once a verbal agreement has been made, we will wait 3-5
business days on a deposit before returning a puppy to
available status. We are not willing to hold puppies with out
deposits, so don't ask. Once a puppy has been chosen and a
deposit is received, weekly pictures and updates will be sent of
your puppy so you can keep up on it's progress and growth.
Deposits are $500 on Limited AKC Pet registration and
$800.00 for puppies on full AKC Show or Co-owners
registration; which is to be paid no later than 3-5 days before
delivery of the puppy. Payment plans are accepted, but the
puppy will NOT be delivered or received until full payment
has been made. We rarely give full registration on our
puppies. All pet puppies are sold on limited AKC
registration with spay/neuter contracts. We require that all
pet puppies be spayed/neutered by at least 24 months of age,
unless a prior verbal agreement with us has been made about
earlier or later sterilization, NO EXCEPTIONS. We
require veterinarian confirmation that the puppy has been
altered. We take our contracts very seriously. We hold
limited AKC registration papers until we receive proof that
the puppy has been altered. Once we receive proof from a
licensed veterinarian we mail your limited AKC registration
papers to you via Postal Mail. If we do not receive
confirmation by the required 24 months of age that the said
puppy has in fact been altered health guarantee will become
completely void & we reserve the right to remove the puppy
from the buyers possession/premiss by any means necessary ,
with no refund of the purchase price or cost of damages to the
breeder. When purchasing a puppy from Silver Sage Danes,
we require that the buyer keep us updated and send photos on
a regular basis. Your Health Guarantee and any contract
agreement may be voided, if you do not keep us updated on
your puppy. This also includes keeping us updated of your
current address and phone numbers. We have a PUPPY
RETURN POLICY in our contract. If for any reason the
buyer is unable or is no longer willing to care for their Silver
Sage puppy/dog, it must be returned to Silver Sage Danes
with no cost to the breeder in any way along with its AKC
registration /certificate, this is so we can find proper
placement and keep our puppies off the streets, out of
shelters, and in permanent, loving homes. If you wish to place
your puppy/dog in a new home on your own then you must
have my prior written or verbal consent and you must provide
me with all new buyers information. Health guarantee is
valid for original purchaser only unless puppy returned is
placed by me. We require all puppies to have 'Silver Sage's'
at the beginning of the registered name on the AKC
registration /AKC certificate. We require that all puppies
be paid in full by 8 1/2 weeks of age , if you need more time
you will need written or verbal approval from us . When
shipping puppies, we will make arrangements to take all
puppies being shipped, to the airport at one time. If you are
not able to accept your puppy on the day we schedule for
airline drop off, then you may be asked to pay a fuel/service
fee for the return trip to the airport. Our normal shipping
day will be on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday . Puppy must
be at least 8 weeks old to fly by law and for the protection
and safety of it's health. SHIPPING IS WEATHER
PERMITTING ONLY! Please be prepared to pick up your
puppy in person, if we are unable to ship due to temperature
restrictions deposits will not be refunded due to us not being
able to ship for any reason, but we will try every shipping
option available ~ however there may be an additional cost.
Normal shipping fee is $350-$650 (depending on mileage,
customs, or puppies weight) this includes: *shipping
crate*health guarantee *plane ticket & also helps with
mileage and gas costs for us to get to the airport, which is 2
1/2 hours away in one direction.
If we have to board your puppy past 16 weeks of age, we may
require a per day boarding fee of $10/day.
All puppies will be vet checked, microchipped and have had at
least the first and second series of vaccinations & multiple
wormings by 10 weeks of age. All puppies are hand raised and
will be given plenty of one on one love and attention. They
will be well socialized with adults, children and other dogs.
Each puppy is temperament/personality tested at 6-9 weeks of
age. We will begin basic obedience, leash & house/crate
introduction at 5-8 weeks of age. No puppy will be available to
leave the next until they are 10 weeks of age.
All Puppies are sold on Contracts - No Exceptions. We
reserve the right to make changes to this policy at any time,
without any prior notification.
If you have any questions or concerns about our polices, ethics
or adoption process, please feel free to email or call us
anytime. There are no dumb questions and you are in no way
bothering us by asking one or hundreds of questions. We want
our puppies new owner's to feel confident and have the correct
knowledge and support in order to bring a Great Dane into
their family. We want to have a trusting bond and
friendship with you for many years to come.
Breeding Philosophy
Silver Sage Danes pre-screens all prospective buyers and do
our best to ensure they are prepared for all that is involved in
owning and raising one of these remarkable animals. Great
Danes are a truly unique and remarkable breed & with that
comes great responsibility. But the rewards are also great &
it’s truly a privilege to share one’s life with one of these
magnificent animals.
Each puppy leaves here well socialized, spoiled, and loved a
tremendous amount! Our puppies are handled and loved on
extensively from day one. I take great care to ensure that
they are exposed to just about everything that they will come in
contact with in their new homes.
If you think that one of our puppy(s) could potentially be the
perfect good fit for you and your family, please contact us via
e-mail or call us at (208)431-6203 and/or fill out our puppy
application. I am more than happy to provide you with
references and additional information from any of our past
puppy owners. Once I have spoken with you, had a chance to
review your application & call your references; I will let you
know whether or not you and your family have been selected
for one of our puppies. I do my best to select only the very best
homes and families for my furry, four-legged kids.
I take the job of placing my puppies in their new homes
EXTREMELY seriously! They don’t just go to the first
person with money! I plan to keep in touch with each and
everyone one of our puppies new families. It is extremely
important to me to know how our Danes are doing, physically
and emotionally. I put my whole heart, care, and love into
caring and raising them before they leave on to their new
adventures. Being able to know how they are growing and
developing, helps us to improve on our breeding program and
ensure that we are producing the ‘perfect’ Dane, physically
and emotionally.
I cannot stress enough about the importance in researching
and learning as much as you can on this breed before bringing
one into your life. There are a lot of wonderful resources on
the internet, the library, the book store as well as talking to
other Dane owners and breeders. I also can email you some
wonderful information I have compiled over the years, that I
send out to all my puppies new owners. I wonderful
information I have compiled over the years, that I send out to
all my puppies new owners. I expect and want the new owners
to feel confident and ready to raise, care, love, and spoil their
new Dane puppy.
Puppy Names
While the puppies are in our care we give them their names,
for our record purposes only. We love our babies and become
very attached to them. You are free to keep the name we have
given or are welcome to change it.
Puppy Prices
Blue: (pet/lmtd. reg.) $1800-$2500, co-ownership
(show/full reg.) $3000-$4000
Black: (pet/lmtd. reg.) $1500-$2200, co-ownership
(show/full reg.) $2500-$3500
I breed and raise Dane puppies, because I love and have a
deep passion for this breed. I do not make a living or money
off them. It takes a lot of money and time to care for a litter
of puppies before and after their arrival. The expenses begin
way before both parents are ready to breed. Both parents are
tested: cardiac, thyroid panel, OFA certified elbows and
hips, Bruccelosis tested and current on vaccination. The feed
costs to feed a pregnant, nursing Dane and growing puppies is
not cheap by any means, I only feed the highest quality of food
and treats. I hire a pet dietician to assist in our feeding
program, ensuring that each of our Danes is getting the
proper nutrition that is appropriate for them. They are given
all the appropriate worming and vaccinations before leaving
for their new homes. I want their immune systems as strong
as possible for the upcoming stress of going to a new
environment. At 8 weeks they go in for their health
examination and micro-chipping. If for any reason from the
time they’re born to the time they leave they require vet care
they are taken in. Then there is the costs of advertising and
keep my website up to date. Your phone bill goes up, as well as
your electric bill trying to keep everyone warm and cool.
Their bedding is changed on a daily basis, shavings cost
money, cleaning supplies, blankets, toys, and paper towels.
Oh and who could forget someone’s got to feed the puppies
parents all years before a litter ever hits the ground. The
puppies come with toys, treats, leash, collar, some food and
extensive informational packet. It costs money to register a
litter with AKC. There’s so many little expenses, many of
which I haven’t listed, especially all the countless hours of
labor, truly making this a labor of love! I don’t think people
realize all the expenses, both big and small that are required
to raise and care for a superior quality litter of puppies. I
came out $150.00 ahead once…. I bought all my Danes new
toys! So that’s the method to my madness…try not to end up
in the hole too deep!
Limited Registration
All pet/companion puppies are sold with limited registration;
on a mandatory spay/neuter contract. Proof of spay/neuter
from your vet must be provided to me by the time the puppy
reaching 12 months old. If proof of spay/neuter is not received
within the allotted time frame, the 4 year health guarantee
will be null and void and you will not receive your puppies
AKC registration papers.
Full Registration
Experienced Show Home: Show marked and show
temperament puppies that will be available to an experienced
show home and will not require a co-ownership. We will
however require that the puppies registered name begin with
our kennel name: Silver Sage’s…
Inexperienced Show Home: Show marked puppies may be
available to an inexperienced show home. However I will
require a co-ownership. Upon the completion of a successful
AKC or International Championship title I will remove my
name from the dog’s registration and you will be the sole
owner of the dog. If you are “approved” for one of our puppies
with the intention of showing we require that the puppies
registered name begin with our kennel name: Silver Sage’s…
Breeding Home: Breeding homes will be considered on a case
by case basis. If you are “approved” for a puppy we require that
the sire or dam is pre-screened for health or temperament
problems; that the beginning of the puppies registered name
start with our kennel name: Silver Sage’s; also we are to be
informed before any breeding takes place of potential
sire/dam that you are considering for breeding to. They have
to be pre-approved by me first and I must have information
and background on the genetics and breeder you are working
with. *you must be an exceptional home as I have yet only
placed two of my puppies with full registration & that was on
a co-own to a show home*
Requirements
We require the following:
You must keep us informed of the puppy/dogs health
(physical and mental) and provide pictures/updates on a
regular basis. I’d prefer that you do it willingly but I know
life gets busy. So if I’m curious I’ll call or email you for an
update.
To be kept informed of the puppies current address, email
and phone numbers for the life of the puppy/dog.
You must provide your puppy with all routine/necessary
medical care.
Your puppy/dog will be kept as an inside pet.
That you take your puppy to the vet within 72 hours of
his/her arrival in your possession, otherwise health guarantee
will be null and void unless other arrangements have been
made. Your puppy, while in our care will have had a
minimum of 3 vet visits. If any other visits are required they
will be taken in.
That your puppy/dog will be returned to us if at any point in
the life of the puppy/dog you are no longer able to care for
him/her. I hope that, that never happens but I DO NOT
want my puppies/dogs to be placed in shelters or bounced
around for the remainder of their life.
Reward Program
We offer a reward program to our new puppy owners. When
you have successfully competed in agility, obedience
competitions or have completed a CGC, Therapy Dog training
program or have successfully titled your dog in the AKC or
International conformation ring you will be eligible for up to
a $100.00 refund from us for your efforts. If it is your
intention to do any of the following with your puppy let us
know when you first inquire and we can help you get started or
gather information about fulfilling these titles.
We also offer a referral reward program to our new puppy
owners. If you recommend family or friends to adopt a puppy
from us and are approved and adopt a puppy from us you will
be eligible for up to a $100.00 refund for each puppy adopted
from us by a referral.
Deposits
We require a nonrefundable fee of $500.00-$800.00 to hold
your puppy. The money you put down to hold your puppy is
applied towards the purchase of the puppy you choose. However
if you are unable, for ANY reason to buy your puppy your
$300.00-$500.00 will not be refunded so please be sure that
you are ready for this commitment! However if we change our
mind about you the money will be refunded. The deposit for
puppies placed with limited registration is $500.00, puppies
placed with full registration is $800.00.
Deposits/Payments must be made in the form of cash, postal
money orders, visa, or debit cards (3.9% additional fee). We
no longer acceptchecks. Paypal is also an option but you must
also include an additional 3.9% additional fee to cover the
Paypal fees.
Puppies must be paid for in full by the time they reach 7
weeks old unless, other arrangements have been made.
Payment plans can be arranged, but puppy has to be paid in
full before delivery.
Delivery of puppies
I am open to delivering puppies to their new homes or meeting
new puppy parents within a reasonable distance. An
additional fuel charge might be added, pending on the
distance I will have to travel to meet with you.
Shipping
I do prefer that all our puppies stay local but will not deny
my puppies a fabulous home because of distance. If I do ship
I prefer it to be within the USA, but may consider other
areas. If you’re interested contact me and we’ll go from there.
Many people contact us about the safety and process of flying
their new puppies to them. I have flown many Danes out and
also in, with no permanent, physical, or psychological damage
ever. It is a very safe, reliable and easy way to deliver puppies
that are way beyond the means of ground delivery for myself
and the new owners. If it was not safe or if I did not feel
comfortable doing so, believe me I would never put one of my
‘babies’ through it. I worry just as much about shipping them
as do the new owners. They are placed in an airline
regulation crate, large enough for the puppy to stand, turn
around, and sit comfortably. They are sent with food and
water, if the situation should arrive of a longer than normal
lay over. They are placed in a special cargo area, not with the
luggage, that is heated/cooled, pending on the weather. They
also can be accessed and checked on while the flight is in the
air if need be. They are the very last thing loaded on the
plane and the first thing taken off. They occasionally are
‘messy’ when they arrive, but for the most part they just want
to run around for a minute and then snuggle up in your lap
and take a good long nap. If you are still worried or have
concerns about this please feel free to contact us for another
possible delivery service or to have any questions answered.
All shipping expenses are the responsibility of the buyer &
must be paid in full by the time the puppy is 8 weeks old. An
estimate figure for shipping, crate, health certificate ranges
from is about $375.00 - $ 650.00.00, depending on location
and size of the puppy (within the USA).
Puppy Care Package
Your puppy will leave here in good health, happy & pre-
spoiled with his/her age appropriate
shot(s), wormed, micro- chipped, bathed and nails trimmed.
Along with your puppy, you will receive from us a packet with
the following contents: leash, collar, several toys, treats, food
sample, an extensive informational CD (I highly recommend
you read over it contents several times), vaccination history
and future dates for vaccinations needed and pedigree.
Inherited and other health concerns in the Great Dane
The following health conditions have been identified in the
Great Dane. Items so marked * can be identified through
testing and Silver Sage Danes test each breeding Dane has
performed and cleared before being considered for
breeding.
Height & Weight Data for Danes
Please keep in mind when reading the chart below that all
puppies follow their own guide & grow at their own rate. This
is just a general guide. Some Danes may actually be
smaller/weigh less than this chart indicates while others
may weigh more. Dane puppies need to stay slim as they are
more prone to joint & bone problems than the smaller breed
dogs.
Less is better when it comes to the first year. All Danes fed
adequately will eventually reach their genetic height &
weight. Don’t rush to own the biggest Dane baby on the block.
A Dane won’t reach their mature size until about 2-3 years
old. It is vital to have a slow, steady growth process.
A good way to gauge your individual puppy’s growth is that
they should be “ribby” and slightly “flanky” (a little on the
lean side, with the ribs & hip bones not evident). You should
be able to feel the ribs/hip bones but not see them.
Birth Weight 1-2 lbs
Week 1 2-3 lbs
Week 2 3-5 lbs
Week 3 4-7 lbs
Week 4 5-8 lbs
Week 6 12-20 lbs
Month 2 18-27 lbs 13-17 in
Month 3 30-45 lbs 17-22 in
Month 4 50-65 lbs 21-25 in
Month 5 65-85 lbs 25-30 in
Month 6 70-100 lbs 27-33 in
Month 7 75-110 lbs 27-33 in
Month 8 80-115 lbs 27-34 in
Month 9 85-120 lbs 28-34 in
1 year 90-135 lbs 28-36 in
Full GrownTypical Male 140-170 lbs 33-36 in
Full GrownTypical Female 110-140 lbs 30-33 in
Great Dane Breed Standard
The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity,
strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-
formed, smoothly muscled body. It is one of the giant working
breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be
so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move
with a long reach and powerful drive. It is always a unit-the
Apollo of dogs. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous,
never timid; always friendly and dependable.
This physical and mental combination is the characteristic
which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other
breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an
impression of great masculinity in dogs, as compared to an
impression of femininity in bitches. Lack of true Dane breed
type, as defined in this standard, is a serious fault. Size,
Proportion, Substance.
The male should appear more massive throughout than the
bitch, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio
between length and height, the Great Dane should be square.
In bitches, a somewhat longer body is permissible, providing
she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of
substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less
than 30 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he
be 32 inches or more, providing he is well proportioned to his
height.
The female shall not be less than 28 inches at the shoulders,
but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more, providing
she is well proportioned to her height. Danes under minimum
height must be disqualified.
The noble general appearance of the Great Dane combines a
tall, strong, well made body with pride, strength and
elegance. Through substance paired with nobility, balance,
well proportioned outline as well as a specially expressive
head, the Great Dane strikes the onlooker as a noble statue.
He is the Apollo amongst all dog breeds.
Behavior / Temperament: Friendly, kind and devoted to his
owners, specially to children; reserved towards strangers. A
self-assured, unafraid, easily guided and docile companion
and family dog is required. He must have a high resistance
to any provocation and must not be aggressive.
History of the Dane
The Great Dane is frequently referred to as the “Apollo of
Dogs”. It is claimed that drawings of a Great Dane-like dog
can be found on Egyptian monuments dating back several
thousand years BC. There is also an engraving from the late
17th Century which depicts Great Dane ancestors
participating in a boar hunt. Thus the breeds original
name… the Boar Hound. This explains the Danes ears.
Natural ears are long and hound-like; they were originally
cropped to prevent injury during boar hunts where both the
boar and the other Danes in the hunting party could injure
each others ears. Large blood vessels in the ear once damaged
can cause fatal blood loss. This is very much true today, but
since Great Danes no longer are hunters, the incident of
injury is less.
The original crop was very short, ugly and triangular.
Today's crop is for aesthetic reasons and is longer, more
graceful and balanced to the head size. Leaving Great Dane
ears uncropped is also for aesthetic reasons. It is a personal
preference. There is no true benefit for or against cropping
ears. Cropping Dane’s ears is prohibited in many European
countries. Here in America, it is acceptable both ways.
The name “Great Dane” can be misleading. While this
majestic breed is great, they certainly doesn’t come from
Denmark. This breed originated in Germany and has had
many names including Hatzrude, Saufanger, and
Metzgerhund. The official name Deutshe Dogge was
formally adopted in the 19thcentury making this the national
dog of Germany. The English translation of Deutsche
Dogge is German Dog. How this became Great Dane is
somewhat confusing and no one has come up with a definitive
explanation.
The first Great Dane Club was organized in 1886 in
Chicago. The Great Dane Club of America was only the
fourth breed club to become a part of the American Kennel
Club and when admitted to membership, was known as the
Great German Mastiff Club. Photographs from 1840 show
dogs with small coarse heads and unimpressive necks and
bodies. Some of these dogs have little body mass and weak
heads. All of the dogs possessed ears that were cut extremely
short. Today’s Great Dane is the product of breeding not for
hunting as Bore Hounds were originally useful, but for
length of leg, bolder head, and elongated body. Today’s Great
Dane is a hunter no longer.
Breeding programs have transformed the Great Dane into a
dandy of sorts. Therefore, the vintage idea of Great Dane
living outside and running large acreage, hunting for their
supper today, are downright silly and no longer true. With
all this change came shorter coats with very little fat under
the skin, not suitable for extreme temperatures hot or cold,
longer legs and larger bodies though impressive to look at can
lead to bone and joint problems if a Great Dane were to be as
active as their ancestors. Temperaments have also changed.
The fierce fighter and group hunter of yesterday, has given
way to a low-key, relaxed companion. Great Dane’s make
surprisingly wonderful apartment dogs for their low activity
level, and resistance to noise stimuli. They bark when they
have to and they don’t feel they have to very often. Today’s
Dane is as unrecognizable as a hunter as the Great Dane of
the past would have won beauty contests.
FAQ’s
First, start out with a good attitude & lots of patience.
Puppyhood only happens once so enjoy it.
They’ll never be this little again!
Puppy proof your house. Puppies are just like children and
get into everything, they need constant supervision!! Some of
what they get into could be hazardous to their health or your
belongings.
Schedule a new puppy exam with your vet.
Sign up for an age appropriate obedience class; make sure it’s
after your puppy’s last puppy shot.
Large breed puppy food, some soft puppy food couldn’t hurt.
The soft food may help; chances are your puppy isn’t going to
have much of an appetite during the first few days of his/her
time away from Mom & siblings. We feed Nutri-Source
Lamb and Rice All Life Stages formula and Nutri-
Source Chicken and Rice.
Water & food dish as well as some sort of elevated stand for
their dishes is a great idea due to the chance of bloat. Better
to be safe than sorry. Plant stands come in a variety of
heights and are available in the garden area of stores such as
Target, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart etc… They are affordable
and decorative only about $5.00 a piece.
Crate (the wire/metal crates are nice because they come with
a divider so you can adjust the size of the crate as your puppy
grows. That way you only have to purchase one crate instead
of 2-3 crates to accommodate for the growth of your Dane. I
also suggest that you buy a cover for their crate that way it
has more of a “den” feel for the dog. Possibly a “baby gate” to
block door ways and/or a stair case.
Treats: something soft & small while they are losing their
baby teeth.
Leash/collar w/ ID tag. As your puppy gets larger a
“gentle leader” is a great tool when you are on walks or in
public. You can find them at pet stores in the leash/collar
isle.
Our puppies are accustomed to going potty in a designated
potty area, dirt area off of the grass. You can also just take
your puppy outside when you see that he/she is getting in the
pool and say “Let’s go potty” or whatever term you are going to
use with your puppy. As the puppy grows just move the pool
closer to the door you will be taking him/her out to relive
him/herself.
Something to pick up puppy potty with when you are out on a
walk… you can purchase plastic poo bags at pet stores or you
can just use your plastic grocery shopping bags. Bags work
well when you’re out-n-about with your dog, they fit nicely in
your glove box or pocket. A long handled scoop is nice to have
at home.
Pets stain/odor remover and lots of paper towels or old rags
you can re-use to clean up accidents (chances are you’re gonna
need it at least a few times)
Dog toys: squeaky ones are great as well as plush toys. They
will be losing their baby teeth and most definitely will need
something to chew on. Be prepared to have to replace toys that
will probably get chewed up. Always watch or be around when
your puppy is chewing or playing with toys. Squeakers and
stuffing can be pulled out and swallowed very easily and can
cause un-needed pain and suffering. If the toy has ‘seen
better days’ it is probably time to throw it away and get a new
one and not risk the chance of inhaling parts of it.
Dog bed, but I suggest old or inexpensive blankets that can be
washed and reused in case of accidents or chewing. Then
when the puppy is passed all that a dog bed or crib mattress
works great. I like the crib mattress because I can buy the
vinyl, zippered cover for them so accidents don’t soak through
and they are easier to keep clean, less dust and odor in your
home. Changing a crib sheet is a lot easier and convenient
than taking a large dog bed to the laundry mat and over time
is more cost effective. I keep about 5 crib sheets on hand.
Grooming supplies: nail clippers, styptic powder/pencil (in
case you clip the pup’s nails to short). It’s a god idea to have
your vet show you how to clip the puppy’s nails (if you’ve never
done it before), a brush, and puppy shampoo (tear free,
hypoallergenic)
A potty training plan….Puppies do not have full control of
their bladders until about 8 months of age. I suggest feeding
on a schedule at first, it makes potty training easier. When
they are older I allow for free choice feeding so they can eat
whenever they choose to.
A good puppy/training book on hand as well as a Great Dane
book.
Last but not least… Patience, Patience, Patience!!! A
sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.
If you have any questions now or in the future I am always
available & happy to answer your questions.
Cost of Owning A Dane
You can improvise on some things and not spend as much on
certain items, but it this list gives you a good, general idea.
Remember everything is at a much larger scale than a small
dog. Of course you don’t have to go run out and buy everything
on the list. It just gives you an idea of how much things add
up for owning a big dog. Please do your homework. Prices are
based on a monthly to a yearly basis and will vary depending
on where items are purchased. This is just a general guideline
to give you an idea of the costs of raising and caring for a
Dane, so that ‘unexpected’ costs will not shock or surprise you
in the future.
How much will a Great Dane Puppy Cost?
Show Potential Puppy…$1800 to $3000 some are even $10,000.
Companion Pup….. $500 to $1,800.
Rescue - usually adult……$250-500.
Shipping: $350-650.00 one way. Pets must have a least one
parvo vaccine, be eight weeks of age, and must have a Health
Certificate and exam before Flying. Check your airlines
regulations. Not all airlines ship pets.
Vet Costs: Pet Insurance……..$30+ a month. It will save
you some money on Vaccinations, exams,
x-rays & emergencies.
Heartworm pills …..$90
Puppy checkups and vaccines ….$100
Routine vet care - average ..$250
Advantage Flea and Tick control……
Spay/neuter …………….$200+
Cropping (if not paid by breeder)…………..$350 and up
Bloat Surgery……..$1200+
Puppy Training:
Baby Gate………… $40
Collars, at least 2 will cost…. $25
Six foot leash ……$15
Crate (Size 700#) …$134
Big dog wire crate 37 wide x 54 deep x 45 high…….$239.95
Crate Pad (for 700#)……. $50
ID tag……………$ 6
Dog license (pet=15 intact=40)….$15
Nature’s Miracle, stain remover……..$17.95 gallon
Obedience Classes ……..$100
Handling Classes $5 for each class (daily cost)
Pooper scooper……… $18
Anti-chew spray -Bitter Apple…….$4.99
Rolled up newspaper……..50 cents (Smack yourself with it
when your puppy piddles on the floor,
because... You were NOT watching!)
Puppy Feeding Supplies:
Dog Bowls (2)……. $30
Raised double bowl holder……$20 or use plant stands $9+
Premium adult dog food ($2.00-$4.00 per day)
Grooming Supplies: Nail Grinder, Dremmel …$60
Nail clippers….. $10.00 for large dog
Shampoos and bathing supplies …….$40
Brushes……… $5-10
Tooth Brush………….. 2.95
Tooth Paste………..3.95
Extras Toys (4 toys) ………$40+++
Fencing………… $500-1000++
Books about great Danes…..$20 each
Boarding 2 weeks minimum………….$280 (usually around
$10-$12 a day.)
Ear Wrapping Supplies:
Tape by Johnson and Johnson. 1- 1 1/2inch……………1.89
Sharp and Bandage scissors
Skin Bond- Helps everything stick to the ear better.
Medi-Sol - Adhesive Remover. Goo Gone works as well.
Helps to remove tape and Skin Bond
easier. 4 OZ. $11.95
Alcohol-To clean pups ears inside and out.
Cotton Balls and Q-tips- Use with Alcohol to clean ears.
Astringent Ear powder-If your puppy’s ears are wet inside.
Helps reduce ear odor. (This is good
for uncropped ears as well).
Surgery performed by a vet: $400-$1200
Miscellaneous:
Treats…………$25-$75
Bedding for Dane size…..$30-90
You will need more than 4 toys ….$200
Chewed up reading glasses ….$200
SUV to transport Danes ………..$25,000+ (or other large
vehicle)
New landscaping………..$2,500+++
New Furniture after the old ones get chewed up
Remote controls & Game controllers.
Eye glasses.
Leather designer shoes & purses.
New Carpet
Carpenter work, replacing chewed up decks and wood around
the house.
Paint.
As you will soon find out when you invite a Dane to become a
loving part of your family, the costs don’t ever compare to the
love, loyalty, companionship and laughs that a Dane will
bring to your life!!!!
If it's not a Dane...
It's just a Dog!
It's just a Dog!
