I have owned Great Danes for some 10 years now. My husband constantly bought me ornaments, pictures etc, until finally persuaded to have the "real thing!" My first Dane was a black bitch, followed by a black dog. I currently have a black dog, Harlequin dog, and a fawn bitch - the latter being Mum of my current litter of puppies. Although I show horses, I've yet to venture into the ring with my dogs, who are all pets. Although I've owned dogs all my life - Golden Retrievers and labradors - as a first time Great Dane owner, I didn't venture into it lightly, gaining lots of advice from established breeders and friends (who now keep encouraging me to show the fawn bitch!) The Danes are very much part of the family - used to children, horses, cats, dogs, and even pet rabbits!