GREAT DANE BREEDERS’ & OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION    Christofer Habig  Germany

Centenary Champ Show, 8th August 2026

Owing you all a wonderful day of great emotions, I can only thank the club, the Hon. Secretary, the President, the Chairman and the Committee for their warm welcome and their no less than brave decision to invite a free thinker like me for your Centenary. Feeling obliged myself for many years and in many roles and functions to help safeguarding the international heritage of the grand Deutsche Dogge breed, I was thoroughly impressed to meet your genuine dedication for the Great Dane at this very occasion. In fact, you all with your magnificent British tradition in Danes, and I might be allowed to include here The Great Dane Club too with their show the next day, seem to have impressively stayed the course over the last decades when the Continent here and there has somewhat struggled when it comes to sticking to the very roots of classic type. Needless to say, it had been defined, among others, by German kennels like von der Saalburg, whose dogs (not only on my kitchen wall) found their way to the UK through unique stalwarts like Bill Siggers (Ouborough), a great character who had been so closely connected with the GDBOA. Not the least the unforgettable Jean Lanning was the one who in her writings as much as in her enthusiastic talkings directed us all again and again to these defining 1920s of our breed. I felt that all these celebrities were somewhat present on this very day when you were celebrating your 100 years of paying tribute to the Apollo of dogdom (who actually introduced me to my very own life in dogs some donkeys’ years ago). Let me say upfront how much I have enjoyed the quality of your very entry with no less than 116 Danes in the catalogue. And let me also encourage you to further drive up the road of body tension, muscles, attitude, pride and sparkle. Low-key isn’t Dane and Apollo wasn’t just a handsome, but certainly a vivid guy too! And don’t forget to pay attention to strength of bone, to avoiding overangulation and to ’gender characteristics’, they are essential in Danes. Wrong bites were no issue, neither any health-relevant features. So moving for me to see that you don’t invent your own heads, but seem to be keen to breed the well chiselIed face and the decided rise over the eyes. I loved your clear colours, the wonderful condition you presented your dogs in and the great ’couples’ I had in the ring with a remarkable rapport between dog and handler. My team in the ring was not just most prestigious, but most supportive and efficient. Not forgetting your jolly good sense of humour. In total, what a grand day for the Great Dane with magic winners and a truely passionate crowd around the ring. Thank you!

MPD (4,0) Great start to the day. Four promising fawns, all presented with the right feel for the needs of young Dane boys. 1 Lawton & Farquharson’s Primus Walter Scott at Thornbrae Definitely a chap with the extra, rich colour with correct mask, in excellent condition, nothing overdone, perfectly shown to work his natural sparkle, will surely develop his full Dane aura. Correct balance, lines and angulations, with remarkable firmness for his age, clear cut masculine head, proudly carried, good strength of jaw, square lips, dark eye, super front, particularly well sprung ribs, solid topline, already muscular hindquartes with long second tigh. Joy to go over. Lovely to see his free and confident movement. Carrying an emblematic Scottish name, wish him a splendid career. 2 Dyson’s Samdice One And Only Another most promising young guy, head still developing, some extra wrinkle, fit and firm for his age, well balanced and covering the ground. Super feet. Good substance. Well done.

PD (6,0) Rather mixed class. To the victor belong the spoils. 1 Cubitt’s Zefather’s Wreck It Ralph For Zebeldane Stood out. Excellent sized brindle of correct Dane type and balance, noble neck and smooth lines, excellent croup, still narrow in body, but has it all to develop into something special with the extra of a classy Dane. Head of length and strength, true expression, sound at both ends, moves with drive and purpose. Confident. Liked his aura, wish him well. Handled with expertise and care. 2 Bliss’s Stagbatch Bobby Dazzler Promising mantle of excellent colour, medium bone, correct frame, but neck shouldn’t be any longer, masculine head, but would like broader underjaw, good eye, super front, firm back, but a bit sloping croup, sound feet, free mover, handled to his best.

JD (4, 2) 1 Baker’s Kinnegans Bodyguard For Preveli Quality young boy, liked him a lot, classy head, full of Dane aura, alert expression, super mask, arched neck, front will develop, medium bone, correct frame of smooth lines, very well angulated behind without exaggerations, excellent mover showing all his qualities, has the extra, will go his way, perfectly handled with concentration and care. 2 Mahon’s Tamsdane Dough Riginal Quality mantle of excellent size, medium bone and frame, liked him a lot, full of presence, wonderful neck, sound shoulder, deep chest, good body, but needs to develop the proper muscles behind, masculine head, strong muzzle, a bit heavy in lips, moved with confidence and purpose, very nicely presented.

YD (4,0) 1 Wright & Cranfield’s Zefather’s Two Faces With Irieusdane JW Liked the strong bonding of this couple. Classy young boy, already with a lot of presence, will go his way. Has the extra. Full of elegance, adequate bone, already well combined with solidity & soundness. Promisingly filled body. Broad sattle. Excellent croup. Firm feet. Already super drive from behind giving light and effective movement, covering the ground. Moderate head with correct lines, on the way to develop full masculinity. Definitely a boy to watch. 2 Warncke & Mertz’ Maxidan’s Let Me Entertain You DK JCH Promising young brindle of quality colour. Masculine head with good potential, excellent lips, liked his kind expression, look of dash and daring to come, ears preferably a bit higher set, well proportioned body of right frame, but still pretty lean, easy mover for his age. Handled with care.

ND (1,0) Mahon’s Tamzdane Dough Riginal

GD (3,0) 1 Jacques & Kirgy’s Jacqukir Love Me Again JW Showed the breeds’ pride, liked his confident masculinity a lot, fully Dane-like, true Apollo potential on the move, muscled body of medium bone, sound, dry and fit with the desired body tension, nicely developed chest, though ribcage will have to develop more volume and shoulder needs more layback, though full of sparkle on the move with effective drive and good reach, keeping the topline. Bold tail carriage underlining his well appreciated confidence. Correct head, muzzle and lips. Good neck. Dark eye. Perfectly handled, giving this promising boy the full stage. Another one to watch. 2 Tasker & Molloy’s Newarthdane Mars Very nice black boy of the wanted true Dane bone, excellent chest, shoulder with good layback, ribcage of the true length, correct head of right substance and correct lines, dark eye, confident expression, would have liked him a bit higher on legs and to move with more determination, very well handled.

PGD (3,1) 1 Pocock & Pavlou’s Bubba Von Pao Eberjager With Tamzdane (Imp FCA) Most attractive mantle, super correct colour, definitely a boy with the desired extra, still maturing, already very nice balance, expressive neck, sound shoulder, good topline, parallel front, super feet, quality head, a bit narrow set ears, substantial muzzle with excellent nostrils, masculine all over, sound mover. Would like to see him in a year’s time. Handled to his best. 2 Davies’ Kinnegans Tulsa King (IKC) Middle sized fawn, right balance, medium neck, nice chest, lovely body in super condition, though would like more bone and surely more strength and angulation behind, fine tail, head in type, though slight roman nose, good eye, needs some more coordination on the move.

LD (4,1) 1 Davies‘ Kinnegans Tulsa King (IKC) 2 Donnelly’s Primus Spokesman Very nice fawn boy with correct medium head and beautiful mask, true expression, excellent chest, good ribcage, would have got the class if he had shown more body tension and coordination on the move, overall well built, but pasterns need to firm up.  

SVD (3,1) The boys represented two different pols in type, though both belonging to the Dogge heritage, both with strengths and with weaknesses, went for soundness and movement at the end 1 Pocock’s BEL/LUX Ch Nordic Giant’s Leopold At Tamzdane Impressive & proud harlequin, great pleasure to go over, despite his strength and power easily outperformed his competition on the move, masculine head, though would like cleaner cheeks and sharper lines, strong muzzle, wide nostrils, thick lips, strong neck, perfect shoulder, enormously firm body, definitely the right bone for the body, broad loines, perfect croup, well angulated behind, confident expression, decisive mover covering the ground perfectly, lovely bonding with handler. 2 Clausen & Mertz’ Int/DK/Nor/SE/KLB/NLD/BEL Ch Maxidan’s Feckin’ Perfect Another convincing couple and true match, light fawn chap of clean type and excellent size, with true presence and class when standing, firm and fit overall, though would need more angulation at both ends, shows the desired Dogge head, face well chiselled, decided rise over the eyes, but neck quite upright, too modest mover on the day.

SOHD (6,2) 1 Collins & Woods’ Tamzdane’s Whiskey Biz Liked him a lot, top quality harlequin, excellent colour, super condition, true Dane head, clear cut, face well chiselled, super front, deep chest, excellent neck, sound frame, well angulated, moved freely, perfectly covering the ground, would have liked him more relaxed when handled by the judge 2 Shadbolt’s Adoradane Blazing Saddles (AI) Another quality harlequin, excellent condition, superb colour, masculine head, though a bit weak in stop, excellent muzzle, lips not fully pigmented, sound front, would do with more filling, firm topline, a bit sloping croup, strong hindquarters, free mover, professionally handled.

SOFD (2,0) 1 Cranfield’s Ch Zefather’s Ralph Lauren JW ShCEx OSW Strong couple, impressive boy, full of class, proudly carried head, though no more neck needed, dark eye, excellent mask, well balanced body with perfect front, obviously wasn’t too happy with the heat, as I would have liked him a bit fresher on the move with more regular drive from behind and firmer topline. 2 McGuinness, Nelson-McGuinness & McGuinness’ Dinahtron The Omen Big classy Dane, full of quality and presence, true bonding to handler, substantial body of elegant lines, though forechest and length of loins at the limit, head in type, could do with a bit more stop, dark eye, would have liked more coordination on the move, excellent condition overall.

SOBD (3,1) 1 Simpson’s Ch Renescent Bewitched JW Truely a black Phoenix, enormous sparkle, easily conquering the ring with stamina and pride, at the same time alert and gentle, more the dancer than the stallion, but truely Dogge with medium bone, correct head, clean cut, lovely neck and shoulder, smoothly going over to slightly curved topline, good hindquarters giving easy drive, action springy and free, covering the ground. Well done. Res. CC. 2 Macdonald’s Zeus Nero Von Adamantium Of Ranaldane (IMP DEU) Quality dog of medium bone and balance, clean cut head of correct lines and substance, clean lips, medium neck, sound firm body in good balance, free mover. Well handled.

SOBRD (2,0) 1 Pendleton-Watkins‘ Ch Goldania’s King of Drago JW Magic brindle of world class, one of the role models of the day, caught my eye right from the beginning, loved his aristocratic aura, correct frame and lines, full of the right substance, perfectly sound at both ends, strong second thigh, good feet, fantastic Dane head, so correct and „clean“, so true and charismatic, proudly carried on a long perfectly arched neck. A bit modest on the move for my taste, though, could do on the day with a bit more body tension overall, but still absolutely convincing. Hard to beat. A true star, no doubt. Well done. CC, RBIS & BOS 2 Warncke & Mertz‘ Maxidan’s Let Me Entertain You DK JCH.

SOMD (4,0) Tough competition. Great pleasure to go over. 1 Tempest’ Adoreadane Yellowstone (AI) JWW LT/FIN JCH Impressive male, definitely strong and substantial, near the mark, no doubt, but Dogge in every detail, firm and fit, too. Frame, bone, head and body in full balance, easily outperforms competition in drive and reach, great match of dog and handler. Masculine head, clear cut, no cheeks, no excessive lips, broad muzzle and underjaw, confident expression full of authority, sound muscular body, well angulated, excelent colour, represents the Dogge heritage of noble powerful mantles and harlequins, well done. 2 Pocock’s Ch/Int/Lux/Swiss/Bel/DK Ch Tamzdane Empower Mint JW True star in his own right, unlucky to meet winner, super size and balance, well put together, sound and fit, clean cut head, proudly carried, substantial body of smooth lines, well angulated, excellent colour, great match, lot to like about him, well done.

OD (3,1) 1 Munro’s Roucandane Stolen Kisses, loved this fawn a lot, top quality all over, pushed hard for the Res. CC, genuine, nothing fake, another true ambassador of British Danes with charisma and class, beautifully handled with expertise and care, masculine & proud, super size in perfect condition, good bone, well on legs, not too long in the loins, clear cut head, excellent mask, dark eye, slightly big ears, well arched neck, should always be moved in confident speed as he is one of those who can show the others the true driving Dogge action, wonderfully covering the ground. Should be easily made up. 2 Chappell`s Ch Selmalda Jealous Guy (AI) Impressive brindle, special honour getting the opportunity to go over him, presented himself like a stature, full of authority, obviously an old stager, fell for his kind nature, though somewhat introverted on the day, seems to know only too well what some believe showing is all about, super solid frame, firm like a rock, but somewhat lower on the legs than some of the pictures suggest, true head, classic neck, super shoulders, sound at both ends, would have liked him to move out in the world with joy. Definitely deserved some extra hugs after I found out that he is the sire of both, my BIS and RBIS/BOS winners. Congratulations, Guy, no need to be jealous!

MPB (3,0) 1 Hooker & Lockey’s Primus Raise A Glass To Garsak Can’t deny her brother, true to type in all respects, appropriately angulated with a not too long frame, sound, fit and firm for her age, friendly and outgoing aura, loved her expression, good fawn colour and clear masque, excellent neck and topline standing and moving, definitely with the extra 2 Dyson’s Samdice This Is Me A quiet brindle girl of excellent colour, though a bit too much white on the chest, represents a different Dane concept, certainly attractive and in super condition, though weight at the limit, but a bit long and low set, feminine head, would prefer slightly bigger eye, sensibly presented when standing, showing elegant lines and perfect angulations at both ends, (though training to be statue-like seems not necessarily adequate for a Dogge in her age) will surely develop further coordination on the move.

PB (13, 3) 1 Hayter’s Stevarah Liberty Staton Magic young mantle girl, magnificently handled, super colour, immaculate coat, full of sparkle, type & balance, definitely with the extra for a great career. Good size, not too long in the loins, true Dane bone, broad sattle, appropriately angulated at both ends, clear cut head, wonderful neck, body balancing substance and female elegance, moves effectively and confident, excellent match with handler, well done BP Bitch 2 Ingram’s Fontanarossa Makkari Avec Dainmajik Beautiful fawn Dane, definitely another future star, so smooth and clean in her lines, with the desired Dane bone and perfect feet, excellently developed chest and ribcage, broad loins, feminine head with ideal lines, superior to winner, and magic mask, free mover, front action will firm up further, thoroughly handled, well done.

JB (9, 3) 1 Chappell’s Caasarabal’s Freyja Selmalda (Imp USA) Quality fawn with charismatic presence, elegant & noble, with the extra for a succesfull future, beautiful proportions and lines, neither low nor long, sound at both ends, clear cut feminine head, but would appreciate being a bit stronger, also in bone. Light mover easily covering the ground, expertly presented 2 Baker’s Kinnegans Bridgerton At Preveli Another quality fawn girl with a lot of potential and excellent presence, convincing Dane head, full of Dane expression and class, superior to winner, sound body, though would like her slightly higher on the legs, chest will further develop, good bone and feet, easy mover, very well presented.

YB (5,1) 1 Bielecka’s Alegriagiant Casjopeya Solid quality mantle, well balanced with correct female substance, shows the true Dane bone others were missing, excellent feet, neck of medium length, excellent topline, very good angulations at both ends, true, substantial and clear cut head, no gazelle, but Dane, sound mover with good drive, well grounded confident temperament, non-pushy handling, great match, well done 2 Jacques & Kirby’s Jacqukir Love Me Again JW Another quality bitch of good size, light fawn with medium mask, strong head, would prefer it a bit more feminine with clearer lines, excellent neck, a bit short in upper arm, medium bone for her substance, magic topline, firm sattle, well angulated behind, very good mover, handled to her best.

NB (4,1) Would not have been Apollo’s favourite class, but still nice and charming 1 Hayter’s Stevarah My Macey’s Solid mid-sized somewhat frugal mantle, modest sister to BPB, well put together, with firm body and correct head, good expression, correct topline, would like less curved croup and a bit more drive, handled with care 2 Le Mar’s Lemardanes Tokio Middle sized harlequin, would profit from more focused handling, providing for a better body tension standing & moving, solid firm and fit body, in good condition, medium neck, good topline, very good substance, correct angulations, substantial head, would have liked a sharper profile, should be more decisive on the move. Worth trying.

GB (4,0) 1 Jaques & Kirby’s X-Foot’s Siggys Snow Queen Elsa (Imp SWE) Lovely fawn girl, perfectly handled, full of class, true Dane combination of elegance, solidity and substance within the correct frame, a lot to offer, well angulated giving excellent movement, free and easy, clear cut head, true expression, should be easily made up, well done 2 Reed’s Wildflower Patch At Minezara Quality black of excellent type, should make more out of herself, more body tension, more focus, more presence, has all you need, the right proportions with solid Dane substance, sound angulations, excellent neck and firm topline, correct Dane head with good profile, hocks though a bit inward, super coat and colour.

PGB (6, 0) 1 Cranfield & Wright’s Gossip Girl With Irieusdane Great quality bitch, full of class, modest, but confident presence, one of the stars among the gang of fawn bitch celebrities at this Centenary, sound, smooth lines, appropriate substance, excellent condition,  well angulated, correct, but medium mover, true Dane head, feminine and noble, with well defined mask, expertedly handled, well done 2 Allison & Liddell’s Smooriken Far Aboots Light fawn of good size and frame, a bit light in bone, but well put together, solid and firm, medium head, in type, but would prefer better stop and darker eye, easy mover, charming and confident, well presented.

LB (6,2) 1 Bithell’s Vertumnus Raise Your Glass To Bourntwyn Elegant fawn bitch of smooth lines, full of presence, excells in neck, less would be enough, comparatively strong head for fine bone, head profile nearly correct, big ears, sound front, but would like more chest and body, hindquarters turning in at times, steps out happily, very nicely handled 2 Evans‘ Belarosedane Lady Bayleigh A bit low legged harlequin girl of good bone, charming aura, well cut medium head, good muzzle & lips, neck a bit out of proportion, would like firmer topline and more drive from behind, handled to her best.

SVB (6, 4) 1 Ingram’s Zwiebelchen In Flagranti With Dainmajik(IMP Deu) Big charismatic deep orange brindle girl, proud & impressive, true Champion quality, classic clear cut head, might be just a touch more feminine, excellent eyes and lips, arched neck, strong firm body of elegant lines, correct Dane frame, good bone and well angulated, full of Dogge aura, in excellent condition, medium drive, well done BVIS 2 Mahon’s Ravendane Kiss My Astraldream Lovely harlequin girl of good size, wished her a bit more focus and presence and slightly deeper body, otherwise so much to offer, in excellent condition, sharp head profile, arched neck of perfect length, sound shoulder, well angulated behind, should move with purpose, handled with love and care.

SOHB (9, 0) Convincing class, fitting the occasion, compliments, tough competition, following me on my way home 1 Bliss‘ Stagbatch Storm Amy Quality harlequin girl of medium size, correct feminine frame, well proportioned, good bone, excellent body, would prefer a bit more attitude and body tension, correct head, true profile, medium neck, free mover with excellent drive and reach, very well presented 2 Pocock’s Tamzdane Oooey Gooey Cake JW Impressive bitch, best colour of all the harlequins at this very Centenary, in immaculate condition as it is a trademark of this kennel, impressive substance, strong head of still correct profile, long arched neck, a bit upright in shoulder, perfect topline and well muscled hindquarters with solid drive, handled with true expertise and dedication.

SOFB (5, 0) Tough competition 1 Pendleton-Watkins‘ Goldania’s Princess Etain JW Quality fawn girl of excellent size, medium bone, flowing lines starting from well arched neck, proudly carried clear cut head, dark eye, easy mover, very convincing all over, presented to her best 2 Martin’s Keishant Athena Another top fawn, attractive rich colour, medium bone, solid frame of correct proportions, better than winner, just chest a bit overdone, magic hindquarters, so correct, belonged to the best on the day, proudly carried head, would prefer stop a touch stronger and smaller ears, free and easy mover, beautifully handled.

SOBB (3, 0) 1 Prazak & Dickson’s Multi Ch Kaallana Jawska Seraphina CJW25 Elegant black girl, super colour and condition, well put together, sound at both ends, feminine head of good length, dark eye, regular mover, nothing overdone, but would have liked a bit more attitude and both, topline and underline somewhat less „swinging“, a bit more sturdyness would not be a disadvantage to represent the Dane, gently handled 2 Evans‘ Belarosedane Lady Bayleigh Modest girl, a bit introvert, fine in bone, but correct in body, very nice neck and shoulder, solid topline on the move, otherwise a bit disorganized with her legs, liked the carriage of her clear cut head and charming expression, handled to her best.

SOBRB (4, 1) 1 Collins & Woods‘ Zefather’s Cool Runnings Elegant sister to a classy brother, in immaculate condition, most attractive deep orange brindle, excellent pigment, sound, fit and firm body, but would have liked her shorter in the loins with more body tension, well angulated at both ends, clean substantial head, feminine aura, though lines not exactly ideal, lovely neck, moved with class and sparkle, very effectively handled 2 Wright & Cranfield’s Zefather’s Homeward Bound With Irieusdane Litter sister, very nice size and frame with excellent topline standing and moving, but would have liked already more chest and ribcage, feminine head, excellent mask, moved with medium drive, seems overall still in the middle of developing, handled to her best.

SOMB (3, 2) 1 Hayter’s Damarkann Secret Dare With Stevarah Quality girl, super frame with correct substance, would like a bit stronger bone and feet, correct head with good profile, medium neck, easy mover, very well presented.

SOBB (4, 0) 1 Hayter’s Taysca Stele Mici With Stevarah Followed me on my way home as I should have selected her in my final cut, so much to offer in all respects: size, balance, bone, substance, angulations, movement, condition, aura. Top blues are not easy to find these days around he world, she is definitely one of them, easily covering the ground, moved with flying colours, substantial, but feminine Dogge head, proudly carried, true Dane expression, immaculate coat & colour, perfectly handled with fantastic rapport between the two girls, internationally an easy Champion, hope British judges will recognize her great quality. 2 Concannon’s Novavida When Birds Sing With Azuldanes Another top quality Dane, shows her genetic background, super size and frame, though not the shortest in the loins, perfectly put together at both ends, smooth lines, so well angulated, so proudly carried head, clean cut and noble, fully correct, easy mover covering the ground, confident temperament, unlucky to meet the winner, again internationally an easy Champion.

OB (8, 3) 1 Lawson’s Murrayvhayle Missbehave At Droolakiss Very much the classic type we seem to have lost on the Continent, and the only one on the day to prove that it still exists, honour to go over, credit to her fabulous breeder, most impressive mature fawn of grand frame, fantastic noblety in the most classic form, beautiful harmony between substantial head and substantial body, you can’t get more authority in a Dogge than what she presents, lines, angulations and firmness of outstanding quality, unfortunately a bit too modest on her hind movement on the day to challenge the BIS girl, Res. CC 2 Prazak & Dickson’s Multi Ch Kaallana Jawska Seraphina CJW25.

CB (4,0) 1 Stanton’s Ch Goldanias Diva Princess Once in a lifetime Great Dane, Apollo would feel proud to propose to her, and no matter how many tickets she will collect in the ring, she has already and easily gained her place in the Deutsche Dogge history. Magic, magic, magic. No need for my notebook to say more as she firmly stays in my mind as one of the best Danes I have met for years. Natural class in all respects. Standing and moving a star. She truely crowned this GDBOA’s Centenary. CC & BIS 2 Morgan’s Ch Rimor Athena’s Kyss No doubt, the best match of this very Centenary, impressive rapport between this big mature dark brindle girl and her handler, my respect, has a lot of presence from her father, super frame, sound and firm, perfectly angulated at both ends, most noble neck and topline, true Dane head, excellent profile, dark eye, moved with grace. Well done.