Oh wow, Babs, cool, it's a small world! Who is the breeder you are friends with in Illinois? I don't know a lot of them here, but I do know a few. I may know them. I have met them all through Danes Online...it's a fantastic site. I'd love to see pics of your Danes!
I suggest to anyone here who may be considering a Dane that they go there and research. It's amazing how many issues there are with this breed compared to other breeds, and I always tell people that is why it is so important that you research them carefully so that they know Danes are the breed for them. They require a lot of commitment. Some people just think "Oh, cool, huge dog, I'll get one and keep him outside." That is a huge no-no with Danes (or any dog, in my opinion.) They have little body fat, so if you keep them in the cold they can't take it. They also overheat easily because of their large size when it is very hot. But most of all, these big babies absolutely love their familes so much that it causes emotional problems to be separated from them for very long.
It's also important that you research your breeder carefully, and get proof that the sire and dam had health clearances. I don't mean through a vet, I mean the actual certification by an organization such as OFA. A CHIC number is great (kind of an all-in-one certification of health through OFA), and more and more breeders are getting them now.
These guys are prone to cardiomyopathy (a heart problem which a sire and dam can be tested for each year), thyroid disease (also can be tested for in parents), wobblers (neck vertibrae problem that causes weakness in the limbs and possible inability to walk), and bloat, among other things. (Bloat isn't hereditary as far as researchers can determine, but it is something that people need to know about if they are thinking of Dane.) As puppies, their bones grow so rapidly that if given too much protein, they can develop a problem called HOD (Hypertropic Osteodystrophy). It is very painful and causes high fevers, and on occasions, puppies can die from it. Danes puppies *can not* be fed puppy food, even formulated for large-breed puppies. It has too much protein. You have to stay around 22-23%. Calcium is also to be avoided in Danes.
I also tell people that they should buy from breeders who are active in the show ring. These are the people who are going the extra mile to assure that their dogs measure up to the breed standard. Danes are so large that their physical conformation is important to issues such as neck structure (too long a neck has been suspected in contributing to Wobbler's) and overall soundness. It also will inform you, although it isn't always to be completely relied upon, that the parents have sound temperaments. This is also crucial in a dog the size of a Dane. You don't want a dog from questionable breeding who may bite you or your family or neighbors, because they can do a lot of damage.
All that said, they are wonderful dogs and worth every extra effort it takes to own them. They are truly a great breed of dog.
As you can see, I have finally figured out the pic feature LOL! I had to resize them to get them to fit. Maybe that is why yours hasn't worked?
