Prices of puppies and the occasional adults that we sell are determined according to the individual conformation / quality, bloodlines, and full or limited registration (if adult; training and the costs incurred in raising said puppy or dog until the time of its sale). Prices are non-negotiable and full payment is expected at the time of the sale.
Our pet puppies range from $1200 - $1500 - (if ear cropping is requested through us the price will range from $1700 - $2000).
Show prospects are $2000 - $2500 - (with ear cropping included through us $2500 - $3000)
Both include health & temperament guarantee as well as lifetime breeder support
We occasionally have older puppies available that we have held back as potential show prospects.
PET Quality:
Pet quality puppies will have a *HEALTH GUARANTEE*. These puppies may or may not have disqualifying faults or undesirable qualities for the show ring. Many of our pet quality puppies could easily be show prospects.
Examples of disqualifying faults are: A bad bite, improper color/marking for the breed, undescended testicles (in males), etc., none of which will have any detriment to the dog living a healthy life as a pet. These pet quality pups are sold on a spay/neuter contract (registration papers are withheld until proof of spaying/neutering is submitted to breeder). All pups receive a *HEALTH GUARANTEE*
Full Registration
I will only sell a breeder/show potential puppy to individuals who are established, reputable breeders or show homes that share our same vision for the future of the breed and meet our expectations. This does not mean that we will not potentially sell to a novice, however, this will require that the individual have a mentor and any puppy sold will be placed on co-ownership until certain requirements are met.
We guarantee that your puppy will be free of the following congenital defects for 24 months:
Crippling Hip Dysplasia, Congenital heart defect (Cardiomyopathy), Addison's Disease, Wobbler's Syndrome, Von Willebrands Disease.
We also guarantee your pup will be free of the following health disorders for 24 months:
Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma), Lymphoma
We do offer to ship our puppies to individuals who choose to purchase and are not able to pick up. Should you have the need to ship your puppy to you, please be aware of the following guidelines:
Shipping is done through the most expedient flight available. We will always try to arrange a DIRECT flight to the puppies destination. Shipping charges are calculated and will be actual charges. We DO NOT add extra fees. Shipping fees will include: Airfare, health certificate of fitness to fly (as per airline requirements), Airline regulated crate. Should we not be able to fly the puppy out from our local airport (Albany International), we will ship from Hartford, CT; Newark, NJ; Laguardia, NY. We will be happy to provide an invoice and copy of receipts for all expenses incurred for shipping.
In the event we need to ship from an airport that is not our local airport, a flat gas fee of $35 will be charged.
Should you be within a reasonalbe driving distance, we will offer to bring your puppy to you for an additional fee or split the drive also for an additional fee. Should you need this service, please contact us for details.
We offer a temperment guarantee based on the following guidelines. All dogs should be socialized and taught basic obedience skills. We feel this is tremendously important since great danes grow so quickly. With such a growth rate, you must keep in mind that your 80# plus great dane at 6 months IS STILL A PUPPY. Our guarantee indicates that your puppy must attend at least 2 training classes prior to your puppies 1 year birthday. In addition to attending training classes, you MUST socialize your puppy. Socialization takes many forms. There are positive ways to socialize your puppy and there are inappropriate ways to socialze your puppy.
Positive social outlets are: Taking you puppy to PetsMart or Petco to shop (not to say hi to other dogs, to shop and SEE people and other dogs). Take your puppy to outside community events that are pet friendly (on leash of course). Take your puppy to a grooming salon for nail trims or baths. Leash walks through the neighborhood or on hikes. Traveling in the car on errands. To friends and family members homes if welcome. The more exposure your puppy gets, the more confidence and emotional stability will be created through adulthood. Doggy daycare can be a good social adventure for your puppy at an appropriate age and after appropriate vaccinations have been given. Make sure that you interview the daycare facility and that they will allow you a tour and to watch what type of interactions are allowed. Make sure that there are professionals who are qualified to read canine body language to prevent any mishaps from occuring.
Inappropriate socialization - Dog parks! We feel this is a BIG no, no for a puppy (and for most any dog). For one the health of your puppy can be at stake; second - a puppy does not have the appropriate obedience skills to remain safe from possible other dog dangers and lastly, other dogs can be a danger to your puppy creating lasting emotional scars on your dog or permanent injury. All it takes is once. Do not let your puppy rush up to say hi to other people or dogs just walking past.
The $1500.00 puppy vs. the $600.00 puppy
$1500.00 - Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC or FCI standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperment. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement one another.
$600.00 - The dam of this litter was possibly a pet store purchase or purchased from someone who "had a litter". The sire is a male who lives down the street or happens to be convenient. Neither owner has thought about paperwork or pedigrees or their dogs have registrations through an unrecognized and unacceptable registry for the breed -which they feel makes them eligible to breed. Neither owner has looked at the written AKC or FCI breed standard to determine how their dogs compare. The owners just think that it would be a joy to have puppies around or for the children to witness the miracle of birth.
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$1500.00 - Before this breeding ever took place, certain health clearances have been performed and parents were found to have no physical or genetic problems apparent that could be passed down to their offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal in breeding unless it is clear of defects by a qualified veterinarian. The health of the pups is guaranteed.
$600.00 - The breeder is unaware of the genetic problems in the breed or simply believes that their dog does not exhibit any of the problems so the dogs must be fine. The breeders' hope is to make money off of the sale of the puppies. If they can keep expenses down, they can buy (fill in the blank) they have been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.
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$1500.00 - The breeder is a professional and has a good reputation to maintain. The goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes towards the breeding program (future breeding, training, showing, health testing on new generations, etc.) always aimed toward the betterment of the breed. Both the mother and the pups are fed a high quality diet and have the best veterinary care available. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimulii. They are touched and talked to cuddled and possibly sung to. They are never sent home prior to 8 weeks of age. Buyers are interviewed to assure that the puppies are only placed in homes where they will receive only the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure that the puppies are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a contract of sale with health guarantee, vaccination records, copy of a 5 generation pedigree is available and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed, the puppy is sold with a limited registration and spay or neuter contract in place. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.
$600.00 - These puppies are born in a box in the garage or outside in a kennel and receive only basic or minimal care other than what the mother gives. They are weaned onto a low quality diet to keep expenses down. The mother may look run down and some of the pups look runty. Puppies are sold as quickly as possible since advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without vaccinations, routine wormings, guarantee's or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky, a registration for AKC or Canadian Kennel Club application will be received. Although the puppy is of questionable or poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop, flea market, or shelter.
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The above scenario on the $600.00 puppy is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see very often. Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads or other advertisements, I refer them or provide a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby that I love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal. As well as a breeder they can count on.
We recognize that this is a very personal decision. As a service to our clients, we do offer to have your puppies ears cropped by our dane knowledgeable veterinarian. Ear cropping is an art that is individual to each breed that is cropped. Should you choose that you would like to have your new puppy cropped, we ask that you review this section carefully on our policies.
All puppies must be paid in full in order for ears to be cropped. We respectfully ask that you understand that this is a cosmetic alteration of the buyers own choosing and we will not alter ANY puppies appearance without payment in full on the puppy and full payment for the ear cropping.
You MUST be committed to this procedure - we must book and pay for the kennel visit to our veterinarian ahead of time. Once the fee for ear cropping is received, we call and book your puppies appointment which we pay for in full at the time of booking. Once your puppy's appointment has been booked, the ear cropping fee is a non-refundable so you must be 100% positive about this procedure.
