Breeding Program
A preservation program built on one conviction: that every Great Dane we produce should be healthier, sounder, and longer-lived than the generation before it.
"We are not trying to produce the most puppies. We are trying to produce the best."
Preservation breeding is a commitment to the breed's future, not a business model. It means making decisions that serve the long-term health of the Great Dane — even when those decisions are inconvenient, expensive, or mean waiting longer between litters.
We study pedigrees. We consult with veterinary specialists. We evaluate structure in person, not from photographs. We take the time to understand what each pairing will contribute — and what risks it might introduce — before we proceed.
The Great Dane is a breed with real health challenges. Bloat, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and shortened lifespans are not inevitable — they are the result of breeding decisions made without sufficient care. We intend to be part of the solution.
How We Work
Core Principles
Health Before Everything
No dog enters our breeding program without complete OFA evaluations for hips, cardiac, and thyroid, plus an Embark genetic panel. We do not make exceptions. A dog that has not been tested is a dog that will not be bred — regardless of how exceptional they appear on the outside.
Structure as a Long-Term Investment
Correct structure is not cosmetic. A Great Dane with proper front assembly, a well-laid-back shoulder, and correct rear angulation moves efficiently and places less stress on joints over a lifetime. We evaluate every dog against the AKC breed standard with longevity as the primary lens.
Temperament Is Non-Negotiable
The Great Dane is a companion breed. A dog that cannot be trusted around children, strangers, or other animals has failed at its most fundamental purpose. We select for stable, confident, and trainable temperament in every generation — and we socialize every puppy from birth to reinforce what genetics provide.
Deliberate, Limited Pairings
We do not breed on a schedule or to meet demand. Each pairing is planned months in advance, evaluated against health data, pedigree analysis, and structural assessment. We produce one or two litters per year — enough to do the work well, not so many that quality suffers.
Our Standards
Minimum Requirements for Every Breeding Dog
These are not aspirational targets — they are the floor. No dog is bred without meeting every item on this list. We make all health results available to prospective families upon request.
Full Health Testing Protocol →Hip Evaluation
OFA certified — Good or Excellent required for breeding
Cardiac Screening
OFA cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
Thyroid Panel
OFA thyroid — Normal required
Genetic Testing
Embark full breed + health panel — all relevant markers reviewed
Temperament Assessment
Evaluated in home and public environments before breeding consideration
Structural Evaluation
Assessed against AKC breed standard by experienced evaluators
Our Ethical Commitments
We will always take back a dog we produced — at any age, for any reason. No Alvis Great Dane will ever end up in a shelter.
We do not sell to pet stores, brokers, or any party that will resell our dogs. Every puppy goes directly to a vetted family.
We provide a written health guarantee and a detailed puppy packet with vaccination records, health testing documentation, and care guidance.
We remain available to every family we place a puppy with — for the life of that dog. Questions, concerns, and updates are always welcome.
We are transparent about our dogs' health results, pedigrees, and any health issues that arise in our lines. Families deserve complete information.
Interested in a Puppy or Stud Service?
We welcome inquiries from families who share our values. We take the time to get to know every prospective family before placing a puppy, and we are selective about stud service pairings.