The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-26
The Great Dane

The origin of the different breeds of dogs is by no means agreed upon by scientists, but it is acknowledged that as far back as $500 B. c. there were large or Molossian dogs and a smaller type of terrier This Molossian was the Great Dane of today, and although we find the various kinds of dogs appearing from time to time this specie remains distinct, and in the Greece and Rome of the fourth and fifth centuries much mention is made of them in the writings of the times There are also several statutes which have been preserved that show the great resem- blance of the Molossian and Great Dane, and in one instance this popular breed was used on Greek coin. In every in- stance they were shown or mentioned as the dog of royalty and the favorites of their masters.
 Passing now to the Frenchman, Buffon, who was the first to write on dogs and their standards we find them known as the Grande Danois Whence the name Dane no one knows but the adjective great was used to distinguish them from a smaller dog, Petit Danois, thought by some to be the Dalmatian, but in reality Toy Terrier about nine inches high. In England they had been known as Alaunts and were used for hunting and as guards. In Chaucer we find reference to the high esteem in which they were held because of their courage and fighting qualities. It was probably due to this latter quality and their fierceness that they were given up and we have little trace of them un- til the eighteenth century, when they be- came very popular and great many were imported from Germany. In 1884 a class was made for them at one of the shows, and except for the setback they received due to the anti-cropping regula- tions, they have remained one of the most popuar of the larger breeds.
 Turning now to Germany, we find that from the very earliest times they were breeding the Great Dane along scientific lines, and that after the Franco Prussan war they were regarded as the national dog, and were in very great demand. From the fact that it was necessary for England and America to import the dogs from Germany, the idea has been cir culated that the breed originated there. Although the present Dane is the result of the German breeding, and they still are ahead of this country, nevertheless we have progressed far beyond the Eng fish, and before long will be producing the very best.
 In 1886 a class was made for them in New York, and we find that they were very popular. At this time, of course, there were a great many importations, but of late the breed has taken a great brace, and the major part shown and owned today are American bred. All that is now needed is few new blood lines, and undoubtedly we can breed them good enough to go to Germany and win in the keenest of competition--if this world wide war ever ends.
 picture of the Great Dane Suc- cabone Asta of Hildeburg Q77163l. who was imported from Germany by the Suc- cabone Kennels of Bedford Hills, N. Y., without running the article on the breed. She showed by her beautiful conformation. the pains that are taken to improve the animal as a whole. By importing new blood this kennel hopes to build up any deficiencies that exist in our American Danes. This bitch is winner of 26 firsts 9 specials and winners. The Dane is produced in a number of colors. The il- lustration on this page is what is called a harlequin (mottled). They also come in brindle and in fawn. At stud this kennel has Champion Lawton Rex Q74625), a har- lequin, an importation from England O. Carley Hartman, owner of the Succa- bone Kennels, proudly states: Tn all, since the kennels were started a year and a half ago, the wins are exactly 14S firsts S2 specials, 20 reserve winners and A winners" Truly something to crow about, and the new blood is showing up already in his late filters of pups.