

How much are your puppies?
The price is $1,500.00, which includes the cost of the veterinarians health certificate, but not shipping
(if applicable), which is charged at actual
cost. All puppies come with a one year
VPI insurance policy.
What's the difference between a pet puppy and a show puppy?
Every breed has a standard by which it is judged in AKC shows. This
written standard is of the ideal or perfect dog. Recognizing that there
are in reality no perfect dogs, the purpose of showing is part of the continuous
process to develop breed type, which more closely resembles the standard.
It's hard, because we are not just breeding for looks. My goal as a breeder
is to have great breed type, but also good temperament, soundness, and health, in
my Great Danes. So it is out of each litter that some dogs are evaluated
as being more perfect that others, and these may be considered as potential show
puppies.
I want a show puppy but don't plan to show. I just don't want a
puppy with problems.
That's not the same thing. Pet puppies should not have health problems.
The differences should only be in the dogs conformation not soundness.
I have no interest in showing. What are
my chances of getting a puppy?
I am very concerned with the quality of life my puppies will have.
Great Danes do best as members of a family and living in a home situation.
I would much rather place a show potential puppy as a pet in a really good home,
than in an average show home.
What if I get a pet and then decide to show him/her later?
Pet puppies are given a limited AKC registration. Dogs with limited
registration can compete in all AKC performance events (obedience, agility,
tracking), but cannot compete in conformation events. Limited registration
also prohibits any offspring from being registered, so the dog should never be
bred. If the puppy develops into a show quality dog, and you become
interested in showing or having your dog shown, the breeder (that's me) can
convert the registration to unlimited.
I want a show puppy but have never actually shown a dog before. How
do I get started?
If you live nearby, I can help. Otherwise,
I'd recommend that you go to a library and check out a few books to get an idea
of the process. Then go to a dog show or two before you even think about
getting a show puppy. Hang out ring-side and watch how it's done.
Watch the people ringside, see who's not too busy and looks friendly (yes there
are not nice people at shows too) and ask them to explain what's going on.
Remember to take what people say about their dogs with several grains of salt.
I myself was lucky in that my first Dane was beautiful. He could have just
as well been plain. Just because he's at a show does not mean he's a
wonderful example of the breed, heck just because he wins doesn't mean he's
wonderful. I'm preaching so I'll stop. In short, if you love dogs,
like to learn, and you want to show you'll learn what you need to know in time.
I've never had a Great Dane, but think I want one. What should I
know about them?
Better minds than I have put together books and information on these wonderful
dogs. One of my favorite on-line sources is the Great Dane Club of
Americas web sites 'Before
You Choose A Great Dane'. It's both fun and informative.
Is there a difference between the temperament of the Fawn and
Harlequin Great Danes?
Absolutely! I'm told that Fawns and Brindles were bred from different dogs than
Harlequins, Mantles, Blacks, and Blues. Mixed color breeding is not
sanctioned by
our parent organization (Great Dane Club of America), although it does
occur. Usually this is done to get the very typey heads common in Fawns. Fawns are softer
and more laid back than Harlequins. Harls are more energetic and goofy. Most of the dogs in rescue come from Harlequin breeding for two
reasons. First there are more non-show dogs, due to color requirements.
Second, they
are much more active. A Harlequin breeder once handed a young Dane
to a friend of mine at a show to hold for her. Before walking away she said "Don't look at it, don't
touch it, don't talk to it". This girl thought that was rather harsh as this
young Dane was standing quite and peaceful and seemed a love. So she looked at
her and said "aren't you a pretty girl". The dog was then for several minutes
airborne, leaping, spinning, and in general carrying on. She managed to settle
her somewhat before the owner returned. Whereupon she took one look at her dog and
said to my friend, "you talked to her didn't you"? I learned the difference
between them that day. Harlequin's are wonderful, but they are different.
Is there a difference between the temperament of male and female Great Danes?
Yes, although both are typically very affectionate, gentle and loving. I
can't give you details, it's just a feeling that boys are sweeter, more
consoling, more just wanted to check on you, touch you, see you, than the
females. A friend of mine describes it (correctly so) like this.
Girls look at you and say "love me, love me, love me," boys look at you and say
"please let me love you". Also, boys don't take scolding as well as girls.
They may both steal a pork chop off the counter but boys will be genuinely sorry
that you yelled at them, after all they couldn't help themselves. Whereas
girls will just think that if they can do it faster the next time then the boy
will get all the blame, ha, ha, ha (them laughing, not me).
Your web site says that all puppies come with a one year
VPI insurance
policy. What's that?
VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) is the Nation's #1 pet medical insurance plan. As a breeder my main goal is to sell healthy puppies and I want them to stay
that way. But I also know that puppies entering a new home are exposed to
new challenges, making them vulnerable to diseases and complications unrelated
to breeding. From minor problems to life-threatening situations, whether
it's a recurring ear infection, being injured in an accident or contracting a
serious illness, there will come a time when your Dane needs medical attention.
But these days, that can cost hundreds-even thousands-of dollars. VPI
will allow you to provide medical care for your Dane without having to worry
about the cost. And, you can use any licensed veterinarian in the world.
What happens after the year is up?
VPI is renewable for the life of your Dane. They also offer supplemental Vaccination & Routine
Care Coverage.
I looked at the VPI web site. Which plan do you offer
and how does it work?
With each puppy I provide the VPI Standard Plan
with the option that for an additional payment from you, we can upgrade
it to the VPI
Superior Plan. VPI provides reimbursements directly to you for a comprehensive list of
veterinary services. You simply file a claim for the service that your pet
receives, and VPI will send you the appropriate reimbursement. You are
free to use the services of any veterinarian you choose. For more
information please go to their site:
www.petinsurance.com
Doesn't AKC offer an insurance policy?
Yes, once a dog is registered, its owners will be entitled to 60 days of
introductory, no-cost healthcare insurance through the
AKC
Pet Healthcare Plan and are automatically
included in an outreach program designed to enhance the dog-owning experience.
New owners receive a complimentary copy of AKC Puppies magazine and a
list of local and national breed clubs. The AKC will keep owners up to date on
exciting dog events held around the country, on legislation affecting dog
owners, and on advances and alerts on canine health. Owners will be made aware
of programs such as Companion Animal Recovery, which can return a lost dog to
its home, and the Canine Good Citizen tests, which reward dogs for good manners
and promote the benefits of responsible dog ownership.
When are the puppies ears cropped?
Cropping is usually done at between 6-7 weeks of age.
I am interested in getting the cropping
done myself because the vet who did my last Dane's ears did a wonderful job.
Standing ears are (in my opinion) dependent upon their growth cycle. If we
wait until they are old enough to be placed then they will need to be taped much
longer than they would if done earlier. I travel over two hours to
Gainesville, Florida to have my
puppies ears cropped and they are beautiful. My puppies also tend to have
good 'ear leather' which means that with diligent taping many ears are standing
at 4-5 months of age.
Can I have a natural eared pet puppy?
Understand that I cannot guarantee this request. If it can be determined
at 6-7 weeks of age that a puppy will be a pet then I am not opposed.
On your application you advise you give rebates on obedience titles.
What does that mean?
I want to encourage you to train your Great Dane in obedience and/or agility.
If the dog earns his obedience CD or agility NA title, I will rebate
$100.00 upon proof of title. If the AKC CDX or OA title is then earned,
then I will rebate an additional amount so that the total rebate (including
prior rebate's) equals 50% of the purchase price of the puppy. If the AKC
UD or AX title is then earned, then I will rebate the remaining 50% of the
purchase price.
Have you ever actually paid these rebates?
YES, YES, YES!!! I am absolutely thrilled to have paid CD and CDX rebates!
Please tell me about the temperament of your dogs?
Puppies need early and constant socialization with other dogs
or they tend to be dog aggressive. In other words if they are raised with
another dog or introduced as a puppy you should have no problems but if
un-socialized to other dogs then I would not let run loose in a dog park. This is
true for any Great Dane and most breeds of dog.
OK, I want a puppy. What do I do now?
I breed occasionally (about every other year) and only when I plan to keep a
puppy from the litter. If you see a litter of puppies listed or a breeding
announcement or you want to get on a waiting list for a future breeding then you
should fill out an
application and send it in.
Then what?
All potential puppy buyers will be screened. This includes an in home visit and family interview.
I live in another state. How will you do an in home visit?
Out of area home visits are usually done by a local Great Dane rescue worker.
This is in exchange for a donation that I make to their organization.
What kind of family interview?
Basically to make sure that everyone who lives in the house is comfortable with
having a new Great Dane puppy. While you may be exited about the prospect
of the new arrival your spouse of other family member may be less than
enthusiastic. Maybe they think all the dirty work will fall to them, maybe
this will put a kink in their travel plans, etc. This is an excellent
opportunity to ask questions, outline responsibilities, get advice, and make
sure everyone is on the same page.
Why a home visit?
According to the people who surrender them, the number one reason a Great Dane
gets turned into rescue is "I did not realize just how big he/she was going to
get". That's really a catch phrase though. It indicates that
the person just did not think their decision through. Home visits, done by an experienced dog person, will make sure
everything is in order, identify potential problems, and answer everyone's
questions.
Sounds like too much trouble to me, I just want a dog, not give my life
story or have strange people in my home.
If you feel that I am being too nosey or asking unnecessary questions then
please consider the sheer numbers of Great Danes in rescue. It is my
intention to place each puppy in a permanent home and not have that puppy or any
of it's offspring end up in rescue. How can I as a breeder possibly ask
fewer questions or care less than those working everyday to place Great Danes
who usually through no fault of their own end up looking at a death sentence if
they don't get another home.
Why I will not place a Dane without a home visit
OK, what happens after the screening and home visit?
Remember many people could want a puppy. Assuming you are approved then
once the puppies are born I require a 400.00 deposit to absolutely hold one
for you. I require a deposit because it gets very complicated dealing with
several families at once and the deposit guarantees you a place in line as it
were.
What if I want a specific puppy?
Usually deposits give priority, i.e., second pick, third pick, fourth pick (I
get first), etc.
For example, say there are 8 puppies in a litter, three boys and five girls.
During evaluation it is determined that one boy and three girls are show prospects.
You made a deposit for first male pet puppy. Then you get to choose which of
the two pet boy puppies you want.
What if you don't have any pet puppies available after evaluation?
It gets very complicated because as I said earlier I'd much rather place a show
potential puppy as a pet in a really good home, than in an average show home.
I only care that I get a show puppy for me to show. My absolute priority
is that every other puppy receive a great home also. So say my
applications turn up several wonderful pet homes and a few mediocre or
questionable show homes. Then
all my puppies will be placed into pet homes.
What if I change my mind and don't want a puppy after all?
Barring medical reasons (yours or the puppies) all deposits are usually
non-refundable. Remember I only take a deposit once the puppies are born.
Once I have deposits on each available puppy I'm turning people away. If I
happen to have a waiting list then I would return the deposit, but often once
you tell someone that the puppies are all spoken for they go elsewhere.
If you have a question that was not answered here, please feel free to contact me at ilaminton@aol.com