Thank you for your interest in acquiring a puppy from Tolam Great Danes!
I am always happy to discuss my Danes, my breeding program, and answer questions about the breed, to help
people who are new to Great Danes. I am a trusting and sensitive person (to a fault, it seems at times) and I
care very deeply for my Great Danes. Unfortunately, I have been “burned” in the past by individuals who care
more about their selfish, dishonest intentions and pocketbooks, instead of doing the right thing regarding their
dogs. I absolutely refuse to be associated with people like that. It’s interesting that I’ve had the most problems
with individuals who care more about themselves and their pocketbooks than their dogs, and though they’ll be
the first to say that they care about their dogs, their actions prove otherwise. I do NOT allow my studs to
provide stud service left and right, like some less reputable breeders do in order to “pad their pockets”. I do
NOT breed litters carelessly, nor do I rely on the work of others instead of my own. I always take responsibility
for the pups from my breeding and take them back if necessary, so they are never abandoned or unwanted. I
do NOT place pups on full registration without very careful consideration, and as a result, I have placed very
FEW full registration pups with new families over the years.
A few things about my Danes & breeding:
I have always carefully selected and screened the dogs and bitches used in my breeding program. My Danes
are x-rayed and declared free of hip dysplasia and screened for cardiac health if they are used in my breeding.
I study pedigrees and available health records to choose complimentary lines that will continue to produce
healthy pups with excellent temperaments and also display the striking physical attributes of this noble breed.
Each breeding is planned in advance and all things are carefully considered before it is done. Structure and
pedigrees must be complimentary. It does not matter if a dog carries some nice names back in their pedigree, if
they themselves have terrible conformation! Remember...Danes are meant to be athletic, elegant, yet powerful
dogs...they should not look like greyhounds or mastiffs. If they do, they are deviating from the Great Dane
standard. There is a breed standard for a reason! Danes with obvious, glaring faults should not be bred. Also, I
am always sure to protect my females from breeding before they are physically and mentally ready to maintain
a pregnancy and raise a litter of puppies. Considering the length of time it takes for Great Danes to mature,
breeders who allow a female Great Dane to breed before she is 18 months of age are acting very irresponsibly
and are NOT considering the health and overall best interest of their dogs! This is not comparable to young
males who are bred, as they simply contribute sperm and do not have to endure the physically demanding and
draining challenge of pregnancy, whelping, and raising a litter of pups. That considered, males still should not
be allowed to breed until at least 12 months of age, and only if they meet the standard in conformation and
have a healthy pedigree background.
Owners who obtain a puppy from me can be assured that they are getting a quality pup with a sound pedigree
from good, responsible breeding. They will mature to meet or exceed the Great Dane standard and provide
years of enjoyment for their owners. In height, the standard for Great Danes is at least 30" for males and 28"
for females, measured from the ground up to the dog's withers (the top point of the shoulder at the base of the
neck but before the line of the back). A height of 32" or more is preferred for males and 30" or more for
females. My own Danes vary in height from 32" to 34" (females) and up to slightly over 36" (males). In
conclusion, I breed for excellent quality, NOT quantity, and my goal is to produce show puppies. As in all
breeding, pet quality puppies are almost always available in each litter based on their evaluations.
To answer some frequently asked questions posed by most prospective new owners:
Vaccinations, worming, etc.:
All puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and worming prior to placement in their new home.
They also receive appropriate socialization, temperament evaluation (and conformation evaluation, for show
pups) and begin housetraining.
AKC Registration, spay/neuter requirements:
All puppies placed in companion (pet) homes have a spay/neuter contract requirement. AKC Limited
registration is granted only upon proof of spay/neuter (generally in the form of a certificate or invoice from the
vet who did the spay/neuter).
Show potential puppies may be given AKC full registration after they have been reevaluated by me at
around 5-6 months of age. Show potential puppies will almost always be co-owned. Show puppies can be
placed into companion homes, but will be given limited registration and a spay/neuter requirement. Special
consideration may be made on rare occasion for pups that excel in conformation but are mis-marked in coat
color or pattern and they will usually be co-owned.
The difference between companion and show pups: From any well-bred litter, there shouldn't be huge
differences. Companion pups are generally deemed "pets" because they cannot be shown due to incorrect
markings, coat color, or a minor structural fault that would make them undesirable in the show ring. They are
not any less wonderful, beautiful, sweet, healthy or intelligent than their showable siblings!
The difference between full and limited registration: Full registration is only necessary for dogs that will
be shown and bred. It allows owners to enter and show their dogs in breed conformation classes at AKC
sanctioned shows and allows the registration of puppies resulting from breeding said dog. Limited registration
allows you to enter AKC sanctioned obedience events, but not conformation events. A dog with limited
registration should not be bred, and any puppies resulting by fault of breeding cannot be registered.
Ear cropping: I can arrange for ear cropping at my vet's office only if the puppy is paid for in full before 7
weeks of age (the age when I prefer to have the procedure done). The full cost of cropping is covered at the
new owner's expense. If the new owner prefers, their pup can get their ears cropped at the new owner's vet,
after they go to their new home, up until around 12 to 14 weeks of age at the oldest.
Waiting list: Prior to any planned breeding or expected litter, I will accept only a very limited number of names.
I used to keep a large waiting list for anyone inquiring about puppies, whether pet or show, but with SO many
inquiries it was hard, and I was also let down by quite a few people that turned out to be the type with an
impatient "I want a puppy yesterday" kind of attitude. For this reason, I will only keep very few names…those
who are truly dedicated and willing to wait for their pet or show puppy. However, list or no list, I always make a
sincere effort to answer all inquiries within a reasonable amount of time and update puppy information
regularly, but please respect the fact that I have a family and other obligations and cannot always return calls
or e-mails the same day they are received. Also please keep in mind that there is obviously no way to
determine the exact color, sex, or markings of the puppies before birth, so what you prefer may not be
available in the resulting litter.
Deposits: I accept deposits on pups starting at 1 week after birth until they are 7 weeks old. Puppies on hold
must be paid for in full, on or before the day they are picked up. Puppies may be taken home no sooner than 8
weeks of age. The deposit for a pup is $400 and will hold the pup in the new owner's name until they are ready
to be picked up at 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable so please be completely sure of your decision
before sending one. When a prospective owner has expressed interest in a puppy and has verbally requested
that the pup be put on hold, the prospective owner has four business days to send a deposit. If I do not receive
the deposit within that time frame, the puppy will be considered available again to other interested parties. All
prospective new owners will be screened and puppies will be placed with the families they are best suited to. I
reserve the right to refuse the sale of a puppy to any particular buyer for the sake of the puppy's best interest. I
conduct phone interviews and ask that buyers come to my home (if possible) prior to the date they pick up their
pup in order to meet me, the pups and their dam. I am looking for good, loving and most importantly, permanent
homes for my pups. I understand that unexpected things can happen, but DO NOT buy a Great Dane pup if
you already know that it's at all possible you might change your mind or situation in six months or a year! They
need to be in a stable and loving environment.
Shipping: Shipping is available in the event that the pup's new home is not within a reasonable driving
distance. Puppies on hold that are going to be shipped must be paid for in full by 7 weeks of age. All shipping
costs are the responsibility of the buyer. This includes: shipping crate, health certificate for shipping, airline
shipping fees, etc. If the puppy is returned to me for any reason after purchase, the puppy will be shipped at
the buyer's expense.
Contract: All buyers will have a signed contract with me, regarding the pup they have purchased. This not only
acts as an adoption record but also as an assurance to me that the puppy will be properly cared for. It is also
an assurance to new puppy owners of the quality and guarantee on their pup. Each contract is designed to
protect the puppy first, then the buyer and breeder, in all situations. I do not alter, change, or make additions to
contracts after they have been signed, so buyers can rest assured that everything is covered responsibly and
honestly.
Guarantee: I offer a written two year health guarantee and provide lifelong support to all puppy buyers to
ensure that the puppy and their new family have the best experience possible. As part of my health guarantee, I
offer puppy replacement (without the owner having to give back the original pup) should a defect be diagnosed.
I will also take back pups and/or offer re-homing assistance if necessary, should something happen and the
owner can no longer keep their dog. In such a situation, I take the responsibility (as any good breeder should)
to take back the puppy or adult, in order to evaluate and properly re-home the pup (or adult) into an
appropriately screened new home. I truly care for the pups I produce and don't "leave them to the wind" as
some irresponsible breeders might, shuffled around unknown from home to home. I brought each pup into this
world and always take loving responsibility for them!
If you have further questions that are not answered here, please feel free to inquire on my contact
page! Thanks!
I am always happy to discuss my Danes, my breeding program, and answer questions about the breed, to help
people who are new to Great Danes. I am a trusting and sensitive person (to a fault, it seems at times) and I
care very deeply for my Great Danes. Unfortunately, I have been “burned” in the past by individuals who care
more about their selfish, dishonest intentions and pocketbooks, instead of doing the right thing regarding their
dogs. I absolutely refuse to be associated with people like that. It’s interesting that I’ve had the most problems
with individuals who care more about themselves and their pocketbooks than their dogs, and though they’ll be
the first to say that they care about their dogs, their actions prove otherwise. I do NOT allow my studs to
provide stud service left and right, like some less reputable breeders do in order to “pad their pockets”. I do
NOT breed litters carelessly, nor do I rely on the work of others instead of my own. I always take responsibility
for the pups from my breeding and take them back if necessary, so they are never abandoned or unwanted. I
do NOT place pups on full registration without very careful consideration, and as a result, I have placed very
FEW full registration pups with new families over the years.
A few things about my Danes & breeding:
I have always carefully selected and screened the dogs and bitches used in my breeding program. My Danes
are x-rayed and declared free of hip dysplasia and screened for cardiac health if they are used in my breeding.
I study pedigrees and available health records to choose complimentary lines that will continue to produce
healthy pups with excellent temperaments and also display the striking physical attributes of this noble breed.
Each breeding is planned in advance and all things are carefully considered before it is done. Structure and
pedigrees must be complimentary. It does not matter if a dog carries some nice names back in their pedigree, if
they themselves have terrible conformation! Remember...Danes are meant to be athletic, elegant, yet powerful
dogs...they should not look like greyhounds or mastiffs. If they do, they are deviating from the Great Dane
standard. There is a breed standard for a reason! Danes with obvious, glaring faults should not be bred. Also, I
am always sure to protect my females from breeding before they are physically and mentally ready to maintain
a pregnancy and raise a litter of puppies. Considering the length of time it takes for Great Danes to mature,
breeders who allow a female Great Dane to breed before she is 18 months of age are acting very irresponsibly
and are NOT considering the health and overall best interest of their dogs! This is not comparable to young
males who are bred, as they simply contribute sperm and do not have to endure the physically demanding and
draining challenge of pregnancy, whelping, and raising a litter of pups. That considered, males still should not
be allowed to breed until at least 12 months of age, and only if they meet the standard in conformation and
have a healthy pedigree background.
Owners who obtain a puppy from me can be assured that they are getting a quality pup with a sound pedigree
from good, responsible breeding. They will mature to meet or exceed the Great Dane standard and provide
years of enjoyment for their owners. In height, the standard for Great Danes is at least 30" for males and 28"
for females, measured from the ground up to the dog's withers (the top point of the shoulder at the base of the
neck but before the line of the back). A height of 32" or more is preferred for males and 30" or more for
females. My own Danes vary in height from 32" to 34" (females) and up to slightly over 36" (males). In
conclusion, I breed for excellent quality, NOT quantity, and my goal is to produce show puppies. As in all
breeding, pet quality puppies are almost always available in each litter based on their evaluations.
To answer some frequently asked questions posed by most prospective new owners:
Vaccinations, worming, etc.:
All puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and worming prior to placement in their new home.
They also receive appropriate socialization, temperament evaluation (and conformation evaluation, for show
pups) and begin housetraining.
AKC Registration, spay/neuter requirements:
All puppies placed in companion (pet) homes have a spay/neuter contract requirement. AKC Limited
registration is granted only upon proof of spay/neuter (generally in the form of a certificate or invoice from the
vet who did the spay/neuter).
Show potential puppies may be given AKC full registration after they have been reevaluated by me at
around 5-6 months of age. Show potential puppies will almost always be co-owned. Show puppies can be
placed into companion homes, but will be given limited registration and a spay/neuter requirement. Special
consideration may be made on rare occasion for pups that excel in conformation but are mis-marked in coat
color or pattern and they will usually be co-owned.
The difference between companion and show pups: From any well-bred litter, there shouldn't be huge
differences. Companion pups are generally deemed "pets" because they cannot be shown due to incorrect
markings, coat color, or a minor structural fault that would make them undesirable in the show ring. They are
not any less wonderful, beautiful, sweet, healthy or intelligent than their showable siblings!
The difference between full and limited registration: Full registration is only necessary for dogs that will
be shown and bred. It allows owners to enter and show their dogs in breed conformation classes at AKC
sanctioned shows and allows the registration of puppies resulting from breeding said dog. Limited registration
allows you to enter AKC sanctioned obedience events, but not conformation events. A dog with limited
registration should not be bred, and any puppies resulting by fault of breeding cannot be registered.
Ear cropping: I can arrange for ear cropping at my vet's office only if the puppy is paid for in full before 7
weeks of age (the age when I prefer to have the procedure done). The full cost of cropping is covered at the
new owner's expense. If the new owner prefers, their pup can get their ears cropped at the new owner's vet,
after they go to their new home, up until around 12 to 14 weeks of age at the oldest.
Waiting list: Prior to any planned breeding or expected litter, I will accept only a very limited number of names.
I used to keep a large waiting list for anyone inquiring about puppies, whether pet or show, but with SO many
inquiries it was hard, and I was also let down by quite a few people that turned out to be the type with an
impatient "I want a puppy yesterday" kind of attitude. For this reason, I will only keep very few names…those
who are truly dedicated and willing to wait for their pet or show puppy. However, list or no list, I always make a
sincere effort to answer all inquiries within a reasonable amount of time and update puppy information
regularly, but please respect the fact that I have a family and other obligations and cannot always return calls
or e-mails the same day they are received. Also please keep in mind that there is obviously no way to
determine the exact color, sex, or markings of the puppies before birth, so what you prefer may not be
available in the resulting litter.
Deposits: I accept deposits on pups starting at 1 week after birth until they are 7 weeks old. Puppies on hold
must be paid for in full, on or before the day they are picked up. Puppies may be taken home no sooner than 8
weeks of age. The deposit for a pup is $400 and will hold the pup in the new owner's name until they are ready
to be picked up at 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable so please be completely sure of your decision
before sending one. When a prospective owner has expressed interest in a puppy and has verbally requested
that the pup be put on hold, the prospective owner has four business days to send a deposit. If I do not receive
the deposit within that time frame, the puppy will be considered available again to other interested parties. All
prospective new owners will be screened and puppies will be placed with the families they are best suited to. I
reserve the right to refuse the sale of a puppy to any particular buyer for the sake of the puppy's best interest. I
conduct phone interviews and ask that buyers come to my home (if possible) prior to the date they pick up their
pup in order to meet me, the pups and their dam. I am looking for good, loving and most importantly, permanent
homes for my pups. I understand that unexpected things can happen, but DO NOT buy a Great Dane pup if
you already know that it's at all possible you might change your mind or situation in six months or a year! They
need to be in a stable and loving environment.
Shipping: Shipping is available in the event that the pup's new home is not within a reasonable driving
distance. Puppies on hold that are going to be shipped must be paid for in full by 7 weeks of age. All shipping
costs are the responsibility of the buyer. This includes: shipping crate, health certificate for shipping, airline
shipping fees, etc. If the puppy is returned to me for any reason after purchase, the puppy will be shipped at
the buyer's expense.
Contract: All buyers will have a signed contract with me, regarding the pup they have purchased. This not only
acts as an adoption record but also as an assurance to me that the puppy will be properly cared for. It is also
an assurance to new puppy owners of the quality and guarantee on their pup. Each contract is designed to
protect the puppy first, then the buyer and breeder, in all situations. I do not alter, change, or make additions to
contracts after they have been signed, so buyers can rest assured that everything is covered responsibly and
honestly.
Guarantee: I offer a written two year health guarantee and provide lifelong support to all puppy buyers to
ensure that the puppy and their new family have the best experience possible. As part of my health guarantee, I
offer puppy replacement (without the owner having to give back the original pup) should a defect be diagnosed.
I will also take back pups and/or offer re-homing assistance if necessary, should something happen and the
owner can no longer keep their dog. In such a situation, I take the responsibility (as any good breeder should)
to take back the puppy or adult, in order to evaluate and properly re-home the pup (or adult) into an
appropriately screened new home. I truly care for the pups I produce and don't "leave them to the wind" as
some irresponsible breeders might, shuffled around unknown from home to home. I brought each pup into this
world and always take loving responsibility for them!
If you have further questions that are not answered here, please feel free to inquire on my contact
page! Thanks!
| Some basic information and policies regarding my breeding and puppies. |
| TOLAM GREAT DANES Beauty in Black & White ~ Since 2004 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Website maintenance and design by Amy Hatol. All photos and content in this site are the property of Amy Hatol or are used with permission. The photos, text or content of this site may not be copied or used in any form without the written permission of Amy Hatol, owner of Tolam Great Danes. |