WELCOME TO DANE OUTREACH!

Dane Outreach is a group of Washington State volunteers dedicated to giving Great Danes a second chance. Danes who have been abandoned or neglected, or surrendered by an owner for other reasons, are cared for in our foster homes until they are adopted into a loving new family. We also endeavor to help current and future Dane owners by providing information about the breed, its requirements, the importance of responsible breeding, and by answering questions on care and training issues. In 2007 we rescued, placed, or otherwise assisted 178 Great Danes.

Will a Great Dane be a great choice?

Great Danes are fun to look at and big attention-getters. But a baby elephant can be a difficult housemate. Be sure a Great Dane is the right breed for you -- here is some information about the breed.

Available for Adoption

You must have an APPROVED Application for Adoption on file with us before you can meet a Dane. Approved applicants can also sign up to be notified when a new Dane is listed for adoption. Please "click here" to see if there is an elegant/goofy, quiet/rambunctious, couch-potato/squirrel-chasing Dane currently waiting to capture your heart and join your life.

Buying a Great Dane Puppy

Many people want to enjoy the puppy-days of a Dane and seek someone with a Dane puppy to sell. Please be very, very careful in this decision!

Finding a Good Breeder: Click here for more information.

Research: The Great Dane Club of America - Breeders listed on a "parent" (national) club's website are generally reputable, experienced breeders who can also refer you to other safe breeders.

Don't just "Google." Check with local rescues. Check "reporting" websites such as: www.ripoffreport.com and www.Citysearch.com; Check http://dw.courts.wa.gov for criminal charges and lawsuits.  Blue ribbons do not denote champions. (Purple, not blue, ribbons win points.) Check claims of "champions" or showing experience at www.AKC.org.

Pitfalls:

- Choosing color over quality (and don't fall for the "'rare' colors costs more" line)
- Price shopping without asking what the price includes. (Don’t compare apples to oranges.)
- Lack of Health Testing of Parents: Far more than a "vet visit," proper health testing of parents before breeding indicates a good breeder and can prevent serious diseases in puppies. VERIFY claims of testing: Check hip and elbow xrays (OFA) and thyroid at http://offa.org/search.html; check Eye testing (CERF) at http://www.vmdb.org/verify.html
- Poor Temperament: Danes are no longer always "Gentle Giants." Poor breeding practices (aggressive parents and lack of socializing litters and puppies) mean we are seeing aggressive Danes more often.

Tell Louise that Dane Outreach sent you!

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