99 Fun Facts About Dogs

1. All dogs can be traced back 40 million years ago to a weasel-like animal called the Miacis which dwelled in trees and dens. The Miacis later evolved into the Tomarctus, a direct forbear of the genus Canis, which includes the wolf and jackal as well as the dog.^g
2. Ancient Egyptians revered their dogs. When a pet dog would die, the owners shaved off their eyebrows, smeared mud in their hair, and mourned aloud for days.^b
3. Small quantities of grapes and raisins can cause renal failure in dogs. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, cooked onions, or anything with caffeine can also be harmful.^c
4. Apple and pear seeds contain arsenic, which may be deadly to dogs.^c
5. Rock star Ozzy Osborne saved his wife Sharon’s Pomeranian from a coyote by tackling and wresting the coyote until it released the dog.^d

Dogs have sweat glands in between their their paws

6. Dogs have sweat glands in between their paws.^e
7. In 2003, Dr. Roger Mugford invented the “wagometer,” a device that claims to interpret a dog’s exact mood by measuring the wag of its tail.^d
8. Dogs have three eyelids. The third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” keeps the eye lubricated and protected.ⁱ
9. A dog’s shoulder blades are unattached to the rest of the skeleton to allow greater flexibility for running.^e
10. Puppies are sometimes rejected by their mother if they are born by cesarean and cleaned up before being given back to her.^c
11. The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in seventeenth-century England. During heavy rainstorms, many homeless animals would drown and float down the streets, giving the appearance that it had actually rained cats and dogs.^d
12. During the Middle Ages, Great Danes and Mastiffs were sometimes suited with armor and spiked collars to enter a battle or to defend supply caravans.^h
13. Pekingese and Japanese Chins were so important in the ancient Far East that they had their own servants and were carried around trade routes as gifts for kings and emperors. Pekingese were even worshipped in the temples of China for centuries.^b

The shape of a dog’s face can help predict how long a dog will live

14. The shape of a dog’s face suggests how long it will live. Dogs with sharp, pointed faces that look more like wolves typically live longer. Dogs with very flat faces, such as bulldogs, often have shorter lives.^d
15. After the fall of Rome, human survival often became more important than breeding and training dogs. Legends of werewolves emerged during this time as abandoned dogs traveling in packs commonly roamed streets and terrified villagers.^d
16. During the Middle Ages, mixed breeds of peasants’ dogs were required to wear blocks around their necks to keep them from breeding with noble hunting dogs. Purebred dogs were very expensive and hunting became the province of the rich.^d
17. The most dogs ever owned by one person were 5,000 Mastiffs owned by Kubla Khan.^d
18. The American Kennel Club, the most influential dog club in the United States, was founded in 1884.^e
19. The most popular male dog names are Max and Jake. The most popular female dog names are Maggie and Molly.^d

Some scholars speculate that Dorothy’s dog, Toto, may represent the Egyptian god of death, Anubis

20. Scholars have argued over the metaphysical interpretation of Dorothy’s pooch, Toto, in the Wizard of Oz. One theory postulates that Toto represents Anubis, the dog-headed Egyptian god of death, because Toto consistently keeps Dorothy from safely returning home.^d
21. Weird dog laws include allowing police offers in Palding, Ohio, to bite a dog to quiet it. In Ventura County, California, cats and dogs are not allowed to have sex without a permit.^d
22. The first dog chapel was established in 2001. It was built in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, by Stephan Huneck, a children’s book author whose five dogs helped him recuperate from a serious illness.^c
23. Those born under the sign of the dog in Chinese astrology are considered to be loyal and discreet, though slightly temperamental.^h
24. In Iran, it is against the law to own a dog as a pet. However, if an owner can prove the dog is a guard or hunting dog, this restriction doesn’t apply. Muslim reticence concerning dogs is perhaps due to the fact that rabies has always been endemic in the Middle East.^d
25. The Mayans and Aztecs symbolized every tenth day with the dog, and those born under this sign were believed to have outstanding leadership skills.^d
26. The ancient Mbaya Indians of the Gran Chaco in South America believed that humans originally lived underground until dogs dug them up.^b

Plato once said that ”a dog has the soul of a philosopher”

27. Plato once said that “a dog has the soul of a philosopher.”^d
28. French poodles did not originate in France but in Germany (“poodle” comes from the German pudel or pudelhund, meaning “splashing dog”). Some scholars speculate the poodle’s puffs of hair evolved when hunters shaved the poodle for more efficient swimming, while leaving the pom-poms around the major joints to keep them warm.^b
29. The name of the dog on the Cracker Jacks box is Bingo. The Taco Bell Chihuahua is a rescued dog named Gidget.^d
30. The first dogs were self-domesticated wolves which, at least 12,000 years ago, became attracted to the first sites of permanent human habitation.^f
31. Dachshunds were bred to fight badgers in their dens.^d
32. Laika, a Russian stray, was the first living mammal to orbit the Earth, in the Soviet Sputnik spacecraft in 1957. Though she died in space, her daughter Pushnika had four puppies with President John F. Kennedy’s terrier, Charlie.^d
33. Dalmatians are completely white at birth.^d
34. The term “dog days of summer” was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans to describe the hottest days of summer that coincided with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.^b
35. Alexander the Great is said to have founded and named a city Peritas, in memory of his dog.^b
36. In ancient Greece, kennels of dogs were kept at the sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus. Dogs were frequently sacrificed there because they were plentiful, inexpensive, and easy to control. During the July 25 celebration of the kunophontis (“the massacre of dogs”), dog sacrifices were performed to appease the ancestors of Apollo’s son, Linos, who was devoured by dogs..^g
37. Dog trainers in ancient China were held in high esteem. A great deal of dog domestication also took place in China, especially dwarfing and miniaturization.^d
38. The ancient religion Zoroastrianism includes in its religious text titled the Zend Avesta a section devoted to the care and breeding of dogs.^b
39. The earliest European images of dogs are found in cave paintings dating back 12,000 years ago in Spain.^g
40. The dog was frequently depicted in Greek art, including Cerberus, the three-headed hound guarding the entrance to the underworld, and the hunting dogs which accompanied the virgin goddess of the chase, Diana.^b
41. During the Renaissance, detailed portraits of the dog as a symbol of fidelity and loyalty appeared in mythological, allegorical, and religious art throughout Europe, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Diego Velázquez, Jan van Eyck, and Albrecht Durer.^b
42. A puppy is born blind, deaf, and toothless.^c

The Basenji is the world’s only barkless dog

43. The Basenji is the world’s only barkless dog.^e
44. A dog most likely interprets a smiling person as baring their teeth, which is an act of aggression.^f
45. The origin of amputating a dog’s tail may go back to the Roman writer Lucius Columella’s (A.D. 4-70) assertion that tail docking prevented rabies.^d
46. One of Shakespeare’s most mischievous characters is Crab, the dog belonging to Launce in the Two Gentlemen of Verona. The word “watchdog” is first found in The Tempest.^d
47. President Franklin Roosevelt created a minor international incident when he claimed he sent a destroyer to the Aleutian Islands just to pick up his Scottish Terrier, Fala, who had been left behind.^d
48. Within hours of the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center, specially trained dogs were on the scene, including German Shepherds, Labs, and even a few little Dachshunds.^d
49. It costs approximately $10,000 to train a federally certified search and rescue dog.^d
50. The smallest dog on record was a matchbox-size Yorkshire Terrier. It was 2.5" tall at the shoulder, 3.5" from nose tip to tail, and weighed only 4 ounces.^d
51. Hollywood’s first and arguably best canine superstar was Rin Tin Tin, a five-day-old German Shepherd found wounded in battle in WWI France and adopted by an American soldier, Lee Duncan. He would sign his own contracts with his paw print.^d
52. At the end of WWI, the German government trained the first guide dogs for war-blinded soldiers.^d
53. A dog can locate the source of a sound in 1/600 of a second and can hear sounds four times farther away than a human can.^c
54. Touch is the first sense the dog develops. The entire body, including the paws, is covered with touch-sensitive nerve endings.^e
55. Eighteen muscles or more can move a dog’s ear.^e
56. The names of 77 ancient Egyptian dogs have been recorded. The names refer to color and character, such as Blackie, Ebony, Good Herdsman, Reliable, and Brave One.^d
57. In Egypt, a person bitten by a rabid dog was encouraged to eat the roasted liver of a dog infected with rabies to avoid contracting the disease. The tooth of a dog infected with rabies would also be put in a band tied to the arm of the person bitten. The menstrual blood of a female dog was used for hair removal, while dog genitals were used for preventing the whitening of hair.^h
58. In early Christian tradition, Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, is sometimes depicted with a dog’s head.^g
59. The oldest known dog bones were found in Asia and date as far back as 10,000 B.C. The first identifiable dog breed appeared about 9000 B.C. and was probably a type of Greyhound dog used for hunting.^g
60. There are an estimated 400 million dogs in the world.^d
61. The U.S. has the highest dog population in the world. France has the second highest.^d

Dog nose prints are as unique as human fingerprints

62. Dog nose prints are as unique as human finger prints and can be used to identify them.^c
63. Bloodhound dogs have a keen sense of smell and have been used since the Middle Ages to track criminals.^e
64. It is much easier for dogs to learn spoken commands if they are given in conjunction with hand signals or gestures.^a
65. Dogs in a pack are more likely to chase and hunt than a single dog on its own. Two dogs are enough to form a pack.^a
66. Dogs can see in color, though they most likely see colors similar to a color-blind human. They can see better when the light is low.^c

Studies show that petting a dog lowers blood pressure

67. Petting dogs is proven to lower blood pressure of dog owners.^a
68. Dogs have lived with humans for over 14,000 years. Cats have lived with people for only 7,000 years.^h
69. Zorba, an English mastiff, is the biggest dog ever recorded. He weighed 343 pounds and measured 8' 3" from his nose to his tail.^d
70. The average dog can run about 19 mph. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on Earth and can run at speeds of 45 mph.^c
71. One female dog and her female children could produce 4,372 puppies in seven years.^c
72. The most popular dog breed in Canada, U.S., and Great Britain is the Labrador retriever.^d
73. Greyhounds appear to be the most ancient dog breed. “Greyhound” comes from a mistake in translating the early German name Greishund, which means “old (or ancient) dog,” not from the color gray.^g
74. The oldest dog on record was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey who lived 29 years and 5 months. In human years, that is more than 160 years old.^d
75. Most experts believe humans domesticated dogs before donkeys, horses, sheep, goats, cattle, cats, or chickens.^h
76. A person standing still 300 yards away is almost invisible to a dog. But a dog can easily identify its owner standing a mile away if the owner is waving his arms.ⁱ
77. Dogs with big, square heads and large ears (like the Saint Bernard) are the best at hearing subsonic sounds.^c
78. Dogs can smell about 1,000 times better than humans. While humans have 5 million smell-detecting cells, dogs have more than 220 million. The part of the brain that interprets smell is also four times larger in dogs than in humans.^a

Studies show that some dogs can detect cancer by smelling a person's breath

79. Some dogs can smell dead bodies under water, where termites are hiding, and natural gas buried under 40 feet of dirt. They can even detect cancer that is too small to be detected by a doctor and can find lung cancer by sniffing a person’s breath.^c
80. Dogs have a wet nose to collect more of the tiny droplets of smelling chemicals in the air.ⁱ
81. Dogs like sweets a lot more than cats do. While cats have around only 473 taste buds, dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. Humans have approximately 9,000.^a
82. Different smells in the a dog’s urine can tell other dogs whether the dog leaving the message is female or male, old or young, sick or healthy, happy or angry.^a
83. Male dogs will raise their legs while urinating to aim higher on a tree or lamppost because they want to leave a message that they are tall and intimidating. Some wild dogs in Africa try to run up tree trunks while they are urinating to appear to be very large.^a
84. In Croatia, scientists discovered that lampposts were falling down because a chemical in the urine of male dogs was rotting the metal.^a
85. Dogs are about as smart as a two- or three-year-old child. This means they can understand about 150-200 words, including signals and hand movements with the same meaning as words.^a
86. Countess Karlotta Libenstein of Germany left approximately $106 million to her Alsatin, Gunther III, when she died in 1992.^d
87. A lost Dachshund was found swallowed whole in the stomach of a giant catfish in Berlin on July 2003.^d
88. In Australia, a man who was arrested for drug possession argued his civil rights were violated when the drug-sniffing dog nuzzled his crotch. While the judge dismissed the charges, they were later reinstated when a prosecutor pointed out that in the animal kingdom, crotch nuzzling was a friendly gesture.^d
89. The Beagle came into prominence in the 1300s and 1400s during the days of King Henry VII of England. Elizabeth I was fond of Pocket Beagles, which were only 9" high.^d

Golden Retrievers may improve a person’s chance of attracting a date

90. The best dog to reportedly attract a date is the Golden Retriever. The worst is the Pit Bull.^d
91. The Akita is one of the most challenging dogs to own. Some insurance companies have even characterized it as the #1 “bad dog” and may even raise an Akita owner’s homeowner insurance costs.^d
92. The Beagle and Collie are the nosiest dogs, while the Akbash Dog and the Basenji are the quietest.^d
93. One survey reports that 33% of dog owners admit they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages on answering machines while they are away..^d
94. Thirty percent of all Dalmatians are deaf in one or both ears. Because bulldogs have extremely short muzzles, many spend their lives fighting suffocation. Because Chihuahuas have such small skulls, the flow of spinal fluid can be restricted, causing hydrocephalus, a swelling of the brain.^d

Intense grief over the death of a pet dog is normal and natural

95. The grief suffered after a pet dog dies can be the same as that experienced after the death of a person.^a
96. There are almost 5 million dog bites per year; children are the main victims. Dog bites cause losses of over $1 billion a year.^d
97. A person should never kick a dog facing him or her. Some dogs can bite 10 times before a human can respond.^d
98. The most intelligent dogs are reportedly the Border Collie and the Poodle, while the least intelligent dogs are the Afghan Hound and the Basenji.^d
99. One kind of Pekingese is referred to as a “sleeve” because it was bred to fit into a Chinese empress’ sleeves, which was how it was often carried around.^d

References
^a Bailey, Gwen. 2002. What Is My Dog Thinking? San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press.
^b Brewer, Douglas, Terence Clark, and Adrian Philips. 2001. Dogs in Antiquity: Anubis to Cerebrus The Origins of the Domestic Dog. Warminster, UK: Aris & Phillips.
^c Budiansky, Stephen. 2000. The Truth About Dogs: An Inquiry into the Ancestory, Social Conventions, Mental Habits, and Moral Fiber of Canis familiaris.New York, NY: Penguin Putnum, Inc.
^d Choron, Harry and Sandra Choron. 2005. Planet Dog: A Doglopedia. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Co.
^e Coren, Stanley. 2004. How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind. New York, NY: Free Press.
^f Fogle, Bruce D.V. M. 1995. The Encyclopedia of the Dog. New York, NY: DK Publishing, Inc.
^g Merlen, R. H. A. 1971. De Canibus: Dog and Hound in Antiquity. London, UK: J. A. Allen & Co. Ltd.
^h Riddle, Maxwell. 1987. Dogs throughout History. Fairfax, VA: Denlinger’s Publisher, Ltd.
ⁱ Stefoff, Rebecca. 2003. Dogs. New York, NY: Benchmark Books. Copyright © 2007-2013 Random Hist

Heart disease in Great danes

Heart Disease in the Great Dane
 Cardiomyopathy and Congenital Disease.

A variety of heart diseases are reported in the Great Dane. Among them are dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)--a progressive, life-threatening disease unfortunately not uncommon in the Dane, and then a variety of congenital heart defects, to include: mitral valve defects, triscuspid valve dysplasia--both potentially fatal valvular defect, aortic and subaortic stenosis (SAS)--other potentially fatal defects of structure, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)--a common congenital defect in dogs that is usually correctable, and persistent right aortic arch (PRAA or VRA)--another congenital, correctable defect.

Congenital heart defects, as Patterson (JSAP; 1989: Hereditary congenital heart defects in dogs) noted "comprise probably the most common class of malformations found in dogs, occurring with a frequency approaching 1% in animals presented to veterinary clinics. The frequency is significantly higher among purebred dogs than in dogs of mixed breeding and specific anatomical malformations occur with highest frequency in certain breeds. Genetic studies of patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot and persistent aortic arch have confirmed that these are specific heritable defects, the genes for which are concentrated in a number of different breeds. Each of these defects is inherited in a complex manner consistent with a polygenic basis." 

The last two congenital defects listed above (PRAA & PDA) are reported sporadically in the dog, with PDA being the most common canine congenital heart defect. Both are the result of fetal structures which persist after birth, resulting in problems for the growing pup, so both are thought to be "timing gene" defects. Both are correctable by surgery as noted. PDA shows a female predominance in some breeds; in PRAA the persistent fetal structure essentially "strangles" the esophagus, causing constriction of the esophagus with regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia and dysphagia (poor eating ability), so can be confused with non-heart diseases such as megaesophagus. Congenital valve defects result in reduced heart efficiency, and if severe are typically fatal in the first year of life with the puppy likely demonstrating lethargy, poor appetite, even syncope (fainting) and sudden death. SAS is a narrowing of a major area of blood flow, and although mild cases may go undetected, a diagnosis of SAS often requires careful treatment & death may occur regardless. All these congenital heart conditions can be the cause of "unthrifty" puppies and/or sudden inexplicable death. All can have a "graded expression," meaning the defects of structure can be mild, moderate, or severe, resulting in more or less obvious symptoms of disease. All are considered to be inherited diseases. Generally all are associated with heart murmurs (of various sorts), and an expert auscultation (exam with a stethoscope by a cardiologist or internist) can often offer a preliminary diagnosis of congenital heart disease. The OFA Cardiac clearance exam and registry is a suitable screening method for congenital heart disease. 

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is in a different category. This is typically an adult-onset disease and is progressive in nature, so signs of disease are not obvious for months and even years. It is largely males that are affected in this breed, with average age of onset of clinical symptoms seen at 5 years (3-7 years range typical). In an earlier paper in the JAVMA (Meurs, et al, Mar2001) concerning DCM, Dr. Meurs outlined the clinical features of DCM and offered some comments on potential inheritance of the disease. Preliminary data has suggested that DCM in the Great Dane is typically inherited in an X-linked recessive fashion. What this pattern of inheritance means is explained in the paragraph below, but essentially implicates the healthy dams of DCM sons because they are carriers. Recent research has not confirmed this pattern, and breeder anecdote offers two scenarios: one which supports the notion of X-linkage, another that suggests a possible "dominant" inheritance associated with a sire-to-son pattern. It's difficult to say if this means the Great Dane is dealing with two seperate forms of DCM, or perhaps the pattern of inheritance is simply multifactoral (and so both parents are involved in the inheritance of DCM).

Cardiovascular diseases generally have their origin in the reduced effectiveness of the heart to function as a blood pump. This requires of course muscle. In DCM, the smooth muscle of the heart, the myocardium, fails to maintain it's contractility, and essentially gets "stretched out" so that the heart enlarges. DCM literally means enlarged heart muscle disease. The result is a heart that fails to function effectively, and a distinctive pattern of measurements can be found for DCM via echocardiology. The details of why and how exactly this occurs are currently unknown. However Dr. Meur's research on dystrophin points the way to one potential explanation. Dystrophin is a membrane-associated protein that helps regulate the integrity of the muscle cells; it fails to function properly in such diseases as muscular dystrophy, and when dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells die. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder in humans. In DMD typically there are frame-shift & in-frame mutations (i.e. via deletion) in the DNA. The result is a defective protein as the DNA made is a "nonsense" strand or has portions that don't code for a useful dystrophin protein.

Cardiomyopapthy comes in several forms: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is exceeding rare in dogs & typically not a primary disease (i.e. it results from other disease). DCM and ACM (arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy) are primary heart diseases that are heritable in nature and involve the heart muscle. For a precise discussion of DCM and it's relationship to ACM, another form of "cardio" that does occur in dogs and may occur in the Great Dane, see it here...

The Great Dane is at risk for both congenital and adult-onset heart disease. So it's important that our dogs, especially our breeding stock, be examined for signs of heart disease. Although it might be the case that a simple auscultation by an expert would be able to offer a preliminary diagnosis of many congential forms of heart disease, it's generally recommend that breeding stock receive echocardiograms routinely (at least every 2 years beginning at age 2) for breeding clearance. This exam ideally should include a full physical and a history, and be done by a competent cardiologist. This generally takes up to an hour; the dog is examined, then an ultrasound performed & taped (audio & visual) and the results interperlated. Radiographs (xrays) or other further tests may be deemed necessary, particularly if the initial cardiac testing is for suspected illness &/or any anomalies come up on the ultrasound/physical exams. A thorough exam screens for all gross heart diseases & anomalies. Regular screening exams on adult dogs are recommended for breeding stock in breeds like ours where adult-onset heart disease is found. So a one-time OFA Cardiac clearance is not an effective screening tool for such as DCM and SAS.

Permission to reprint as submitted for educational purposes is given.
Submitted by JP Yousha, Chair, H&W Committee, GDCA, updated 2009.

https://www.facebook.com/FurRealPetPortraits

https://www.facebook.com/FurRealPetPortraits

RESCUE FIRST but Why To Buy a Registered Great Dane

As cute as Goliath is...he is a merle and can not be shown or bred.  

Why choose a Registered Great Dane?

It is strongly recommended that buyers wishing a purebred puppy purchase ONLY a registered Great Dane. It is only in this way that you will be guaranteed a purebred puppy and it reflects the commitment and sincerity of the breeder.

Purchasing an unregistered Great Dane is unwise on many fronts. Will this 'breeder' stand behind the puppy? What if inherited health issues arise - are they prepared to replace the puppy or refund your money? Have the parents been tested clear of eye, thyroid or hip problems? Can you call them for advice on your puppy or with any problems you may encounter? Likely not.
We recommend that you begin your search with reputable breeders who are members of the Great Dane Club of Canada. Should one not be able to supply you with the type of puppy you are looking for, they can refer you to other known reputable breeders.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Great Dane Puppy

In choosing a purebred puppy you assure yourself of many characteristics, which your adult dog will have. A healthy puppy is round and robust. It should be friendly and outgoing-a bundle of kisses and tail wags. At the puppy stage, they should be playful. The coat should be shiny and the eyes bright. A mentally sound puppy should not be shy or reserved. This may be the sign of an unsteady or nervous temperament.

You should inquire about the health of the Great Danes in the breeder's line and the temperament of the dogs. Although it is not always possible to meet the sire of the puppies it should usually be possible to meet the dam. Her manner will provide you with a good indication of the temperament of the line. A good breeder knows the background of the puppies and should be a good source of information to the to the purchaser. They should be available for support throughout your dog's life. All breeders with years of experience will have encountered some health issues. Any long time breeder who claims to have never had health issues should be avoided.

Registration

Registration of your new Great Dane is the responsibility of the breeder of your dog. The Canadian Kennel Club is the registration body for puppies born in Canada while the American Kennel Club is the registration body in the United States of America. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club under the jurisdiction of the Federal Department of Agriculture's Animal Pedigree Act administers the conditions of registration. This Act states that registration papers must be provided for any animal sold as purebred, at no additional cost to the purchaser within six months of the date of sale. The Act provides for stiff penalties for those persons not adhering to these conditions.

Terms of Sale

The terms of sale of your Great Dane puppy should be in writing between you and the breeder. This agreement should contain information about the expectation that the breeder has of the purchaser such as the signing of a non-breeding contract, the diet to be fed, the immunization protocol to be followed. For example, there it may be wise to discuss the matter of ear cropping. Although many breeders !crop the ears on the puppies they sell, they are others who refuse to allow any of their puppies to be cropped. Most breeders tend to be more flexible.
If you are uncertain about any of the terms of sale it is important that they be clarified prior to the sale. If you cannot accept the terms it is best not to proceed with the purchase until both you and the breeder are in agreement over the terms of the sale. Details may become very important if a problem does arise in the future. Even the with most conscientious breeders problems may arise. Some breeders feel that if any part of the agreement is violated that the whole agreement is invalid.
Colours of Great Danes

Danes come in six acceptable colors for showing:
 Fawn, Brindle, Black, Blue, Boston (Mantle), and Harlequin.
Fawn: a golden yellow with a black mask on the face.
Brindle: Golden base coat with defined black striped laid over as chevrons..almost tiger striped appearance.
Black: Solid black colored dog..
Blue: a steel gray solid color
Boston/Mantle: this pattern is best described as marked like a penguin, must have a white tail tip or is not considered a true Boston.
Harlequin: A white dane with torn black patches distributed over the body.

For more details please go to the breed standard.

These colors are acceptable to show in conformation for a Canadian championship. Although a mismarked Dane can be born in a litter, they are registrable as they are purebred, from registered parents. A mismark is a colour not acceptable for competition in conformation (ie. merle, harls with too much black, blacks with large white spots on their body, brindles with little or no fawn base color, etc) Aside from the colour, mismarked colored Danes still can preform in functions sanctioned by the Canadian kennel club, just not in conformation. They are as equally wonderful a pet as a conformation-marked Dane.

Don't be fooled - there are no 'rare' coloured Great Danes.

 Don't walk, run from any breeder claiming to have a 'rare' coloured dane.

What should I expect from my Breeder?

What is expected of me?

Determining if a breeder is a reputable one can be confusing to a beginner. Ideally you should be able to visit the breeders home and see for your self what kind of environment your puppy comes from. Gut feelings can be very important!

Reputable breeders will:

- be proud to show you their dogs. They will be clean, healthy and happy.
- require you to sign a contract outlining the sale conditions upon which they will sell you a puppy.
- inform you of the health clearances done on the parents
- provide you with a pedigree
-do ALL the necessary health testing on the parents (OFA, Cardiac, etc)
 
As well, you should expect to be questioned by your breeder! Any reputable breeder will want to know a lot about you, your lifestyle, and your plans for the puppy. If you are interested in a pet puppy (not to show in conformation) you should be required to spay/neuter your puppy. These people invest a lot of time, love and money into improving their lines. They will be concerned about where their puppies go.

Breeders who will not supply you with the information above, or seem uninterested or unwilling to be upfront with you should be avoided. An excellent checklist for anyone questioning the ethics of a breeder can be found here: http://www.nopuppymillscanada.ca/reputable_breeders.htm

Puppy Growth

Great Danes, as a giant breed grow very quickly, but do not fully mature until they are about two years of age or older. Some breeders do not feel that they are fully mature until 3 or 4 years of age. In this growing process they do pass through some very awkward stages. Growth plates are changing, bones are moving, cartilage is forming. Injuries during a puppy's first year may become permanent problems for the dog. Too much exercise at an early age is detrimental to good development. Forced exercise is not recommended for this breed - puppies should be allowed to play until they are tired.
The following weight chart gives an overview of the growth pattern of Great Danes.

Age Weight Height

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 inches
Month 3 30-45 lbs 17-22 inches
Month 4 50-65 lbs 21-25 inches
Month 5 65-85 lbs 25-30 inches
Month 6 70-100 lbs 27-33 inches
Month 7 75-110 lbs 27-33 inches
Month 8 80-115 27-34 inches
Month 9 85-120 lbs 28-34 inches
One Year 90-135 lbs 28-36 inches
Full Grown
Males
140-170 lbs 33-36 inches
Females
110-140 lbs 30-33 inches

Puppy Nutrition & Health

Feeding:

There are different schools of thought regarding food. Some breeders use a high quality commercial kibble, while others implement a raw diet (sometimes called B.A.R.F.).

Your best bet is to feed your new Great Dane puppy according to the diet sheet provided by your breeder. Different lines (families) may do better on one type of diet than another. Your breeder has invested alot of time into their dogs - they know what works!

Immunization / Vaccination

Traditionally all dogs received their first immunization at six weeks of age, followed by a 2nd vaccine four weeks later and a 3rd four weeks after that. At six months of age there was to be another dose and a usually a rabies vaccine as well. This was to be followed by yearly vaccines.

Many veterinarians and breeders no longer believe that it is beneficial or wise to subject the immune system of a young puppy to this number of vaccines. The protocol for the reduced numbers of vaccines is still being developed. Most breeders are immunizing their puppies in some form and will be able to share information regarding the vaccines they are recommending with the new owner.
There are breeders who feel that vaccination in any form is detrimental to the health of your puppy and recommend a homeopathic or holistic approach. The experience breeders have had with their dogs will determine the advice they provide.

Much work is still being done by veterinarian research centers to determine what vaccines are beneficial and necessary for the optimum health of your puppy.

Information cited with permission from :  http://www.gdcc.ca

Which Bones are Safe to Give Your Dog

Here are a few simple tips from Dr. Judy (Holistic Vet)
 
1.  Never feed ANY cooked bone.  Cooked bones can splinter and fragment causing damage to the digestive tract.

2.  Long bones such as marrow bones and some knuckle bones are hard enough to crack some dog’s teeth. These are ok, but only allow your dog to chew on them for a few minutes at a time in order to minimize tooth damage.

3.  Soft bones such as chicken or turkey necks, chicken backs, legs, breasts, and wings, patellas (knee caps) and others that are cartilage are the best to feed, but must be fed RAW.  Raw chicken bones??  Yes!   My only caution is to introduce these raw treats gradually to allow your dog’s digestive tract to adapt.  Dogs that are fed a BARF diet get them on a regular basis ground into the food.  The benefits of this type of bone are many:

     The raw meat that is attached to the bones provides a healthy source of protein.

     The bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous 

     The cartilage provides the building blocks for sturdy joints

     There is no better toothbrush in the world – I have even seen this type of treat remove tartar from teeth – amazing!

Real bones can be a real treat for your dog.  Don’t let your pet miss out on this valuable addition to its diet!

  No ham bones, no lamb bones (they splinter easily)

Another important point is giving dogs appropriate sized bones.  Gnawing on bones can result in the cracking of the tips of the fourth premolars. These cracked teeth can lead to root infections and suborbital abscesses that require tooth reconstruction or extraction.

  Always supervise your dog when he's busy with a dog bone.

AND NEVER GIVE RAWHIDE TREATS.  EVER.  

http://laycockdanes.blogspot.ca/2012/12/rawhide-to-give-or-not-to-givethat-is.html

 

Rawhide - To Give or NOT to Give...That is The Question...

Today alone, I came upon several people discussing giving rawhides to their dogs.  Surprisingly to me, many great pet owners have no clue of troubles associated with giving them as chew treats.  So with the help of WebMd hace this information to share with you.  So...read up :)

Rawhide chews are a popular treat for dogs. You might have heard that rawhide is good for your dog’s teeth and helps with his natural instinct to chew. But are there any drawbacks to giving your dog rawhide treats? Are there other alternatives that work just as well? Here’s what you need to know.

1. What are rawhide dog treats made of? 

Rawhide treats come from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. During manufacturing, the hides are cleaned and cut or ground. Then they’re pressed into chewable dog treats of different shapes and sizes. To make them more appealing for dogs, some rawhide treats contain beef, chicken, or liver flavorings.

2. What are the benefits of rawhide? 
All dogs need to chew. It’s a natural instinct. Some even spend hours chewing every day. Chewing can provide your dog stimulation and help relieve anxiety. Especially with puppies, treats like rawhide bones can be a great substitute for your leather shoes and the legs of the dining room table!
Chewing also keeps dogs’ jaws strong, teeth clean, and breath a bit fresher. Dogs that chew regularly on rawhides and other bones or toys have less plaque and tartar build-up on teeth. 

3. Are there risks associated with rawhide dog treats? 
Given the amount of rawhide consumed by dogs each year, the risks are relatively small. Still, risks can be serious, so don’t ignore them. Weigh the risks and benefits of giving rawhides based upon your dog's chewing needs and behaviors.
These are the most common rawhide risks:

• Contamination. As with pet toys, rawhide chews can contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals. And, as with other pet (or human) foods, Salmonella or E. coli contamination is possible. Even humans can be at risk when coming into contact with these bacteria on rawhide treats.
• Digestive irritation. Some dogs are simply sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in their manufacture. This can cause problems, including diarrhea.
• Choking or blockages. Rawhide bones and other edible chews can pose a choking and blockage risk. In fact, this is a much bigger risk than contamination or digestive irritation. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. Depending on its size and where it is located, a vet may be able to remove these pieces fairly easily through the throat. But sometimes, abdominal surgery is needed to remove them from the stomach or intestines. If it isn’t resolved, a blockage can lead to death.

4. How can I make rawhide chews safer for my dog?
If you decide to offer your dog rawhide, you can take certain precautions to make them safer. To minimize your risk of exposure to contaminants, wash your hands thoroughly after handling these treats. Have young children and family members with immune system problems avoid handling them at all.


To protect your dog:

• Ask your vet about how much is safe to give your dog. The general rule is the smaller the dog, the fewer the chews. Especially at first, give one at a time. Then wait a day to see how your dog’s intestinal system responds.
• Separate your dog from other pets so he or she can relax while chewing. This way, your dog will be less likely to gulp large pieces whole. Doing this might be especially important if you have a dog that is very territorial around food.
• Offer different types of rawhide, but only when you can supervise and see how your dog is handling the treat. Is she swallowing big bites? Is he starting to gag or choke? If so, take the treat away and check with your vet about other types of rawhide or other types of chew treats or toys.
• Take the rawhide chew away from your dog once it is small enough to swallow whole. If it is hard to get your dog to give up the rawhide chew, try asking him to sit and then offer another type of treat.

Watch for signs of bacterial contamination, gastric irritation, or a blockage. Contact your veterinarian if your dog has signs such as:

• Gagging
• Regurgitation
• Repeated swallowing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, with or without blood
• Fever
• Lack of energy
• Signs of pain
• Refusal to eat or weight loss

5. Should certain dogs avoid rawhide treats?
Does your dog have a history of diarrhea or other digestive troubles after chewing on rawhide treats? Or does your dog tend to swallow big chunks of rawhide, putting him or her at risk for a blockage? If so, try alternatives for keeping teeth clean and satisfying your dog’s urge to chew.
Talk with your veterinarian or pet store merchant. Describe your pet’s size, personality, and needs to figure out what might work best. Sometimes a hard rubber chew works well. Some types can be filled with food such as peanut butter to get your dog interested and keep him occupied.
Whether or not your dog has problems with rawhide chews, you might want to try a variety of chewing treats and toys, including rawhide, natural marrow bones, and hard rubber toys to fully satisfy your dog’s chewing and other needs.

Explaining The Death of a Pet to a Child

a child's ability to understand what death means depends on his/her emotional and cognitive development, but outlined the generally understood guideline of how children perceive death and dying:

Under 2: A child can feel and respond to a pet's death, based on the reaction of those around him or her. A child picks up the stress felt by family members, no matter what the cause.

2 to 5: The child will miss the animal as a playmate, but not necessarily as a love object. They will see death as a temporary state – something like the way leaves fall off a tree in fall but grow back in the spring. As they perceive the trauma around them, however, they may regress in their behavior (e.g., thumb sucking).

5 to 9: Children begin to perceive death as permanent, but they may indulge in "magical thinking," believing that death can be defied or bargained with. This is also the period when children recognize a correlation between what they think and what happens. For instance, a child may resent taking care of the pet and wish – however briefly – that the pet would die. If the pet then dies, the child is often consumed with guilt. Parents need to reassure children that they did not cause the pet's death.

10 and up: Children generally understand that all living things will eventually die, and that death is total. Understanding and accepting are two different things, however. They may go through the normal stages of grief that grownups do: denial, bargaining, anger, guilt, depression and acceptance.  Or they may react in other ways:

Depending on the age, the child may regress (sucking their thumb or temper tantrums that they had outgrown).

An older child may withdraw from friends and family for a while. Schoolwork may suffer and they may seem uninterested in extracurricular activities.

Children may fear abandonment. If a pet can die, then they may reason that their parents could die as well.

 The worst course of action is to lie (to say the animal went away) or to use confusing euphemisms, such as the phrase "put to sleep." Children will eventually learn the truth, and lying can breed resentment and destroy trust between parent and child. "Later in life, when the child learns the truth, they'll wonder what else the parent lied about," she says.

Likewise, euphemisms can cause anxiety or confusion because children take what you say literally. "If you say a pet is put to sleep, the child may suffer sleep anxiety,"  One child who was told his cocker spaniel just "went away." He awaited his dog's return, and upon learning the dog had been buried wanted to unearth the dog. "If you say 'God has taken your pet because he was special,' the child may resent God, and fear who might be next."

Be open and honest. This includes the pet's health and euthanasia.  If a pet is terminally ill and needs to be euthanized, the child needs to be told as soon as possible by the parent.  Again, avoid those tempting euphemisms that cloud understanding, such as telling a child the pet was put to sleep. Use the words death and dying to make your meaning clear.

Some children want to be present during euthanasia and most will be very curious about the process. You should answer their questions. As for allowing the child to be present, some veterinarians are firmly against it; others say it depends on the child's age and maturity.

Make sure the child understands what "dying" means. Explain that the animal's body stopped working. Depending on your religious beliefs and what the child can understand, you might explain the concept of a soul. However, it is important for the child to know that the pet has died and will not be coming back.

Be available to let your child discuss his/her feelings about what happened. You may want to hold your own service to memorialize the pet and to say goodbye formally. Some people plant trees in a special spot in the yard, others bury the pet in a cemetery so the family can visit. Encourage your child to show his/her feelings by talking or writing about the fun times they had with their pet.

Show your own feelings. This tells the child that the pet was special and that they are not grieving alone. You can also encourage your child to open up, which can help the healing process.

Tell your child's teachers about the loss, so they will understand why your child is behaving differently.

Don't blame the veterinarian. Some parents, especially those who fear explaining euthanasia to their children, find it easier to lay it all on the vet. This is not only unfair to the veterinarian, but potentially harmful to the child. He or she may grow up distrusting veterinarians and, by extension, doctors and other medical professionals.

In addition, parents shouldn't throw the responsibility of telling the children what needs to be done on the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help the parent explain why euthanasia may be the most humane option, and answer questions the child may have.

Parents often want to ease their child's hurt by rushing out and buying another pet.  This is a mistake. The last thing you want to do is convey the impression that the pet – a family member – is replaceable.  Wait until the child expresses an interest in another pet.

Children are very resilient, and they usually learn to accept their pet is gone. If a child persists with nightmares or seems unable to cope, however, it may be necessary to talk with a counselor.