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