THE PET When it comes to selecting a puppy - ignorance is not bliss. If you "only want a pet" and figure on spending as little as possible you are leaving yourself wide open for disappointment and trouble. When you consider the costs of feeding, worming, vetting (ie dew claw removal, injections) for the entire litter up to the age of minimum 8 weeks, (before which no breeder should let a puppy go) then a very cheap one can almost be guaranteed to have had a very dubious rearing indeed. Most people do not recognise the effort and expense involved in caring for a litter in order that it thrives and grows up to look the way it should. If you think you would like to acquire a Great Dane puppy, the first thing you should do is get as much information on the breed as you can, ask a few questions, contact the Great Dane Club regarding the Puppy Listing and start from there. Do not rush into anything, and look around before you make your final choice. A"PET QUALITY" will usually sell for less than a "SHOW QUALITY" puppy. This decision is made by the breeder on a conformation basis. It does not mean you are getting a "Runt" or a sick puppy, but in the breeders opinion the puppy in question does not have that special something that makes him a potential show dog. He may be mismarked and not suitable for the ring because his colour is unacceptable, but he should still portray the breeders and would be owners expectations of what constitutes a good example of the breed. THE SHOW PUPPY Again, dont rush in. The more information on the breed you have, the better. Even if you've decided on a particular colour, you should spend a bit of time looking at the breed as a whole. Attend some dog shows if you can, read some breed books, talk to various owners and breeders about their dogs before you make any decision. Be prepared to wait. Most breeders dont have puppies all the time, nor are they agreeable to the "impulse buyers" i.e. " I want a puppy right now for juniors birthday tomorrow". You should put in your order, even pay a deposit if need be, and keep in contact. Breeders are only too familiar with "window shoppers" and chances are they won't take you too seriously unless you make an effort to assure them you are genuinely interested. You should also consider joining the Great Dane Club of Victoria Inc., which will entitle you to a quarterly Dane Digest which often carries information and advice on the breed and keeps you informed about handlers classes and social functions etc. The Club is only too willing to assist newcomers on the training and handling of their dogs, so remember, dont just buy the first puppy you see, all puppies are cute but they do grow up. Be prepared to wait if necessary and try to learn as much as you can about THE GREAT DANE before you purchase one.