TEMPERAMENT

Where did it all go wrong? How in the world could an article with this title be directed towards the Great Dane? Sadly, this topic not only needs to be discussed, but should be a prime concern for every breeder and owner of our wonderful breed.

Over the last 20 years or so I have probably been the breed mentor for a couple dozen individuals that now judge Danes. Once we have gotten past the barrage of questions on color and markings, I am then able to get to my "hit list". My big three have been and continue to be breed type, proportions and temperament. These are in no particular order since the prioritization often is determined on what is presented in the ring on a given day. But our topic today is temperament...

"The Apollo of Dogs"... There is no debate (no should there be) as to what the Dane should represent in its majestic appearance and demeanor in the ring. Some terminology used in our standard - "...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." If you haven't already done so, please have these words tattooed on your forehead. We simply cannot condone the nervous, insecure and downright timid dogs that we see all too frequently. Far too often it is either the same dog or dogs from the same owner/breeder. ("Three things cannot be hidden long: the sun, the moon and the truth." - Abba Eban) I know that there will always be the new owner with the 6 month old puppy neither of which has ever seen a dog show or another dog. First of all, shame on anyone that does not properly socialize their dog at an early age. I do a show training class every week and the lack of socialization runs across all breeds. Most disturbingly it too often occurs with people that know better. Taking a manic puppy to a show and simply giving it to your handler with the hopes that it will keep four feet on the ground and not go after another dog or person does you and your dog a grave injustice. More importantly it serves to degrade the opinion of our breed.

But the problem of incorrect temperament stretches far beyond the puppy class. In the adult classes as well the BOB ring it is not uncommon to find less than desired temperament. Now I know that there have been the rare horror stories about the Dane that has attacked someone at a show. Although true, these are extremely rare. What is much more common is the wide-eyed look and attempt to draw away from the judge when they approach to examine the head. There are judges that don't approach dogs very well but this is far from the crux of the problem. Let us not mince words about the temperament of our breed nor try to find rationale for inappropriateness. The prevalence of mommy-itis is staggering. These dogs have been coddled and pampered to the point that they are just like a spoiled brat. They don't know what is acceptable and are seldom, if ever, MADE to do it right. They are given a command or some form of correction but there is no follow through. If Snookums decides to mind, great. If they don't mind they just get away with it until the next time. Remember that the next time may not be shrinking away from an inspection in the ring. It could be the child running by ringside. ("Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." - Knute Rockne)
I see certain individuals that bring insecure dogs into the ring on a regular basis. Since I have never seen too much compelling evidence as to the hereditary predisposition for such behavior, I always have placed the blame at the feet of the owners. Becoming accustomed to keeping your dog strung-up so that it can barely breathe in order that the judge can complete an examination may not be the desired tact. ("It often takes more courage to change one's opinion than to keep it." - Willy Brandt)
I know many of our most successful breeders have grave concerns about the state of affairs regarding temperament in our Danes. I am not adverse to saying something to someone at ringside if I think they need to get their dog in proper mental order. I, for one, do not want to hear about the Dane that ate the face off of a child at ringside.

"The people to fear are not those that disagree with you, but those who disagree with you and are too cowardly to let you know." - Napoleon

"We are all pilgrims on the same journey - but some pilgrims have better road maps." - Nelson Demille
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those that do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Einstein

BILL