Anybody who has ever owned a Great Dane would agree that these dogs are simply the greatest! The Dane has been crowned with numerous nicknames which include the Apollo of Dogs and Boar hound. The best name that describes the Great Dane’s passive nature is the Gentle Giant.

As an owner, breeder, and handler of Great Danes for six years, I have experienced this magnificent animal’s colorful behaviors from birth through training and sickness. Never will a person find a more docile dog than that of a Great Dane.

I began showing in Junior Showmanship when I was ten with my first fawn Great Dane, Savannah (Legacy’s Forces of Nature). My first show was in Atlanta, where some say my legacy began. Next year I will be sadly leaving the world of Junior Showmanship, but not completely.

Hannah Fick is the newest addition to Great Dane Junior Handlers. Her first show as a Junior was in Atlanta where she placed third in her class, showing Royale (Ch. Stone Valley’s Rocky Raccoon RAE, CD). I was lucky enough to catch this wonderful girl and get her point of view on how much she enjoyed the world of dogs, especially when looking over the back of a dog that is just about as tall as her!

Q: How did you first get started in showing dogs?
A: I started showing our fawn Great Dane, MacKenzie (Daneacres Jubilee Once Upon A Thrill) and I loved it and wanted to show more.

Q: Why did you choose a Great Dane to be your first show dog for Junior
Showmanship?
A: My family has had Great Danes since before I was born. I first started to show MacKenzie. Since then, I am now showing Royale (Ch Stone Valley's Rocky Raccoon RAE, CD). I hope to one day I will get my own dog that will just belong to me.

Q:Are there any special times you have had with your Great Dane in the ring?
A: This past Saturday, I went to the Newnan Match and I won my class with 4 other Juniors in it. I then got to compete for Best Junior Handler and I won that class too! I was so excited. I won two ribbons and a nice red overnight bag.

Q:Are there any obstacles you must overcome with having a Great Dane in Junior
Showmanship?
A:Yes. When I get taller, I am going to have to learn a different way of stacking. MacKenzie and Royale are very well behaved, so controlling them is not a problem. I usually have the biggest dog in my class.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Junior Showmanship?
A: My favorite thing is the competition with other children that are the same age as me. I have met some great new friends that I look for at every show that I go to. My next show is in Tennessee and I hope that some of them will be there so I can see them!