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The Importance of Buying a Puppy from a Preservation Breeder
The Importance of Buying a Puppy from a Preservation Breeder
When it comes to bringing a new Great Dane puppy to your home, it's important to consider where that puppy comes from. While there are many options available, including pet stores, backyard breeders, and commercial breeders, it's crucial to understand the difference between these sources and the impact your purchase can have on the future of the breed. One of the best options is to buy a puppy from a preservation breeder.
A preservation breeder is a breeder who is dedicated to preserving the integrity and characteristics of a specific breed. They should be members of breed clubs and adhere to strict breeding standards set by these organizations. This means that their puppies are not only healthy and happy, but they also conform to the breed standard set by the parent club. We are a member of the Great Dane Club of the Midsouth, and currently the sitting Vice President of the club, and a former board member.
the dog.
One of the most important reasons to buy a puppy from a preservation breeder is to ensure the health and well-being of the puppy. Preservation breeders take great care to ensure that their breeding dogs are free from genetic diseases and disorders that can be prevalent in certain breeds. They also pay close attention to temperament and personality, ensuring that their puppies are well-adjusted and sociable. This means that when you buy a puppy from a preservation breeder, you can be confident that you are getting a healthy, happy puppy that will make a great addition to your family.
Another important reason to buy a puppy from a preservation breeder is to ensure the future of the breed. Many breeds are at risk of becoming extinct due to overbreeding and lack of genetic diversity. Preservation breeders are committed to preserving the breeds they love by ensuring that their puppies are genetically diverse. This helps to ensure that the breed will continue to thrive for generations to come.
In addition to the above, preservation breeders are also a great resource for information and support throughout the life of your new puppy. They are passionate about the breed and will be happy to provide guidance and advice on everything from training and socialization to healthcare and nutrition. This means that you will always have a knowledgeable resource to turn to as you raise and care for your new puppy. At Duke and Duchess Danes, we will provide you lifetime support. The puppies we produce are our family, and we will always be available for them!
So why would anyone buy a puppy from anywhere else? Cost. A Great Dane puppy from a preservation breeder will generally cost 3 to 4 times as much as a backyard breeder, and for good reason. “Doing it right” is expensive. A foundation puppy will cost the breeder around $3500 - $5000, OFA health certifications will cost around $2000. Stud fees $1500-2000. Entry fees for shows, hotel costs, handler fees and other travel expenses traveling to shows can run around $10,000 dollars or more. Gear and equipment $2000 or more. Not mention the cost to breed and properly monitor the pregnancy, and the whelping of the litter. Generally, each stud or bitch will have about $20,000 or more and almost 3 years invested in them before they ever have a litter. There are also additional expenses due to prospects that “don’t turn out”, meaning you invested in a dog or bitch however they did not turn out to be a good representation of the breed and therefore will not be bred.
A backyard breeder will breed whatever they have that is able to reproduce. A backyard breeder will state that their dogs are “health tested” however they are referring to a basic vet check rather than OFA nationally recognized certifications by board certified specialists. A backyard breeder will buy a male and buy a female and let nature do its thing rather than find the right stud for the right bitch to produce puppies that better the breed. The price of a backyard breeder dog may be tempting, but you likely will end up with a Great Dane with a lot of serious health or behavioral issues.
Everything is bigger with a Great Dane, therefore, you need to make a wise investment. If you purchase a puppy with a poor temperament, those issues are much bigger in a giant breed than say a beagle. If you purchase a puppy that turns out to have medical issues, those costs will be much higher in a giant breed. Everything is more expensive with a Great Dane. And most important, Great Danes already have a short lifespan with an average of 7-9 years. In my time volunteering with rescue, I have seen so many poorly bred Great Danes die an early death between 2-5 years old due to heart issues. It is absolutely heart breaking. However, a well bred Great Dane will frequently live 10-14 years. And this is why we do what we do. To help better the breed.
If you still feel that buying from a preservation breeder is not for you, that’s OK! There are plenty of Great Danes in rescue that need you! I am more than happy to help get you in touch with some reputable rescues. Just PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not buy a puppy from backyard breeder. They are destroying the breed and adding to the over population of dogs. Every Great Dane in a shelter is from a backyard breeder, as no reputable breeder would ever allow one of their dogs to wind up in a shelter. Reputable breeders are committed for the life of the dog.
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