Sometimes, the inspiration for a new litter comes from the screen! Whether I am drawing on the strength and leadership of the Vikings, to name a bold group of pups, laughing at the goofy antics of Marmaduke, or seeing how much a Great Dane can act like a tiny dog in The Ugly Dachshund, movies […]
Signs of HOD in Puppies: What Owners Should Know
What are the common signs of HOD in puppies? Based on the provided sources, there is limited detailed information on the clinical signs of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in everyday practice. However, the sources do note the following specific signs and characteristics: • Bone Deformities (Bony Cuffs): In advanced cases of HOD, a radiographic (X-ray) sign […]
How Superstitions Influence Our Relationships with Pets
While some people look for four-leaf clovers, I look toward Onyx and Shaggy. These two are more than just pets; they are my lucky charms and the secret assistant teachers for every new litter. Their presence helps guide the puppies’ early social development, ensuring each one grows up with a balanced temperament. At Duty Danes, […]
Exercise Guidelines for Giant Breed Puppies
How much exercise should a growing giant breed puppy get? Until a giant breed puppy’s growth plates fully close—which typically occurs between 11 and 12 months of age—you should avoid strenuous physical exercise. During this rapid growth phase, their immature skeletal system is highly susceptible to physical damage and orthopedic diseases. Instead of forced or […]
Why I Identify with the Great Dane: Traits and Values
If I had to compare myself to any animal, it would undoubtedly be the Great Dane. Often called gentle giants, these dogs embody a unique balance of strength and sensitivity that I strive for in my own life and breeding program. Just like a Dane, I believe in being a steady, patient presence for those […]
The Truth About Puppy Food Micro-Minerals
What micro-minerals are missing from commercial puppy food diets? Based on the sources, there are two conflicting viewpoints regarding whether micro-minerals are missing from commercial puppy foods: The Supplement Program Viewpoint. According to the creator of the Blackwatch feeding program, all commercial diets on the market are missing critical micro-minerals (also known as trace minerals). […]
A Letter to My 100-Year-Old Self: Reflections on Life
Dear 100-year-old me, I hope you are sitting on a sturdy porch in Florida, still surrounded by the lean-on-your-hip presence of a loyal Great Dane. I hope the legacy of Duty Danes has grown into the sanctuary we dreamed of, where temperament and service have changed lives just as much as these dogs have changed […]