So you have decided you want a Great Dane! Before purchasing your puppy have you carefully considered the facts regarding this noble breed. If not - reading this may help you decide whether it is the right breed of dog for you........ There are a few misconceptions about the Great Dane and Dane owners get asked them quite frequently. One of these is "He must cost you a fortune to feed". Although they are a very large dog, they do not have an enormous stomach or appetite. Though individuals may vary - he would cost little more than a Dobermann, German Shepherd or Labrador. Huge meals will do him more harm than good when he is growing. The idea that one should feed the likes of a side of lamb is totally ludicrous. As for eating two postmen a day - well we've had no complaints from Australia Post yet. "Great Danes are hard to train".... these dogs are very intelligent, and are not any harder to train that most. They are sometimes slower to respond, but this is due to their laid back nature. The fact that they are very large dogs means their training is of prime importance. Quite often dogs are returned to breeders because they are "too big, boisterous and unruly". It is the owners responsibility to ensure their dog is socially acceptable and well mannered. A Dane is too big a dog to be running amok. A puppies training should start as soon as you get him home. It's never too early to start. If you want your Great Dane to be a well mannered and good example of his breed, then you must contribute to this end. Obedient dogs dont just happen. Raising a Dane puppy is not a hit and miss affair. He has a lot of growing to do. He will have large bones that can be damaged in the wrong environment, i.e. slippery floors, flights of steps etc. This is a time when he must be carefully reared if he is to achieve adulthood in good health. The breeder should help you with his dietary needs, because these puppies need calcium and vitamins in varying amounts, it is wise to pay heed to the breeders advice. If you think you would like a show dog, then there are also some things you should know. You must purchase a puppy that is registered with the Victorian Canine Association in this State, or the controlling body in the other States if you purchase a puppy from an Interstate Breeder. You Must be a member of the controlling body in your State to exhibit your dog. There are five colours in the Great Dane Breed Standard, these being Fawn (beige colour), Brindle (fawn coat with black striping), Black, (black is black), Blue (from silver to deep slate) . Harlequin (white coat colour with irregular torn black or blue patches). All of these colours are acceptable in the showring. Before purchasing your puppy, you should first approach the Great Dane Club of Victoria for a puppy list, and attend some shows to see some Danes first hand. It is also a good idea to obtain a copy of The Standard to further your knowledge as well as a book written on the breed (obtainable from Pet shops, Libraries etc.) Even if you only want a pet you should endeavour to obtain your puppy from a reputable breeder. Not all Danes are show dogs, but a well reared, well bred one is more likely to fulfill your expectations than a weedy ill bred one. The Great Dane, whilst the loyal protector of you and your family, is not known for his ferocity or visciousness. The mere look of one is quite often enough to deter would be intruders. Note: Bad breeding or ill treatment may produce a savage Dane, however this is the exception not the rule. We do not condone this in our breed. If you are prepared to rear and care for a Dane in the way that will give you a big, beautiful companion and protector, ensure that he has suitable space in which to dwell, adequate exercise to keep him fit and healthy, a good fence to keep him from wandering and the hazards he could meet whilst wondering, and the devotion to him that he most surely will lavish upon you - then perhaps you are ready to include a Great Dane, the Apollo of dogs in your life.