Breed Type

If nothing else I cannot be accused of not tackling the tough subjects.

The above title evokes different images in the minds of Dane advocates. To some (and aren’t we all guilty of this from time to time) breed type is what we are presenting to the world in our own breeding program. To others it is a somewhat definable but yet seldom seen attribute of our breed. I have had discussions on this topic over the years with many “old-timers” and, far and away, they feel that breed type is sadly lacking in today’s show ring. Let’s take a look…

One of my standard lines when I have given seminars is to ask the following… If you went up to the man-on-the-street (not necessarily a dog show person ) and you asked them…”What comes to your mind when you hear the term Great Dane?” … what response do you think you would get? I think that is all but a rhetorical question. The single aspect of our breed that most people consider first is great size. This is also true of dog show persons that show other breeds. I cannot tell you how many times I have had a person from another breed ask me,,,”What has happened to the size in the Dane?” This issue is certainly multi-faceted. Those that historically have not had dogs on the larger side of the spectrum are quick to pronounce that bigger does not mean better. This is absolutely true. Others will harken back to previous times when we stated…”All things being equal, the larger specimen should be given preference.” This conundrum faces judges every time they adjudicate our breed. It is often the case that the larger exhibits are not necessarily the best in structure and balance. Some of our greatest winning Danes have not been of giant proportions.

My words do not say it as succinctly as our standard…”THE APOLLO OF DOGS.” There is no doubt about it when you see it in the ring. For this very reason the Dane is held in esteem by most people that show dogs. It is truly a sight that brings chills. Many of you have been spectators and/or exhibitors of the Eukanaba Tournament of Champions. One aspect of this series is that the winner of BIS has a replica of that breed put on top of the trophy for that year. Guess which breed was put top of the inaugural trophy for this most prestigious award? You’re right, the Great Dane. There is a reason for this. There is simply no other breed that presents the awe-inspiring look of a Dane. What you want to consider proper breed type is a decision that you will have to make for yourselves. The same is true for the judges. We all develop a mental picture of an ideal and then try to find the one that most closely fits that picture.

I cannot preach right or wrong because there is a lot of grey in this equation. However, the stature and presence of the Great Dane is the very hallmark of the breed.

Please address your comments, and questions to…

Bill Stebbins
cherdane2@msn.com

  Bill