About Ken Humphries Expertise I have only four geat danes now, all fawn, although I have had brindles in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars and lecture on Kennel Club regulations, how to judge dogs, canine anatomy, movement and stewarding at shows. I am on the committees of National Working & Pastoral Breeds, Midland & West of England Great Dane Club organising shows and I was chairman of Stratford Canine Society.
Experience I have had up to 20 great danes at any one time, fawn, brindle and blue,in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I have judged the championship show of the Great Dane Club of South Australia. I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars for novice judges and instruct them on Kennel Club regulations and construction and movement.
A dane we bred and that I showed took the best dog award at Crufts.
Question I have a 4.5yr old black great dane. He has always been a light eater and has not been very heavy. We liked the fact that he was thin since it is better to have him lean when growing, but now he is almost two thin. He is abmormally tall and only weighs 128 lbs. He has been to the vet serveral times and nothing can be found. He is so skinny that we have had animal control called--but he is still very healty and active. They just laughed that someone called. I still feel he should be somewhat heavier but he will only eat 5 to 6 cups of food per day. He has unlimited access to his food but just chooses not to eat. However if he smells or sees people food he acts as if he is starving. He has been this way for almost his whole life. Is there anything I can do?
Thank You, Ron Swiger
Answer What do you feed him on?
When do you feed him?
What is his exercise regime?
We feed a good 20% protein dried food containing oil, mixed with raw minced tripe. We wet the food with gravy made from OXO, Bovril or Gravy Ganules. Try mixing the dry food with some very cheap, therefore smelly, dog food mixed with hot water to make the gravy. (Make sure it is cool first.)
Don't feed immediately after exercise, let him cool down for 20 minutes. Don't take him more than 1/2 mile, the more you exercise the thinner he will be if he doesn't eat.
