My husband, Ernie, and I acquired our first Great Dane in 1971. We checked the AKC book out of the library and decided that we wanted a BIG dog. The look of the Great Dane, particularly the Harlequin, was what we decided to find. We saw our first Harlequin several months later in Tijuana, Mexico. We were down there shopping and saw a Harl walking with his American owner.

Our first male was a pet, but will always remain in our hearts. He taught us the joys of living with a Dane and that we would always want to share our lives with this noble breed. We started to attend shows, handling classes, and most importantly we learned to read and interpret the standard.

In 1974, we-had a 2 - year old bitch that we wanted to breed. The dog we fell in love with was Ch. Dinro's simon Templar. However, he was living in New Hampshire and we lived in California. This was in the days before shipping of semen, so off we went in our motor home to the East.

Specialty Judge Jane Treiber (seated) and Family

As luck would have it, she did not take. However, we became good friends with Helen Knowleton King, Simon's owner. She later came to live with us and she gave us a Simon daughter and son and a German import male. These dogs became our foundation.

We moved to Washington State in 1976 and started a thoroughbred breeding business. We have shown and bred on a limited basis but have produced many champions in the USA and Canada. Three generations of males have been multiple group and Specialty Winners. We also have bred Bassets for many years.

I have not shown a Dane since I was approved to Judge. I do have two Harls at home. I truly love great Danes and can't imagine living without at least one. They have made our lives so rich and full. Our daughters, Leanna and Jenna, have grown up with Danes and will undoubtedly have a Dane when they have their own families; maybe it will even be a Harlequin.

I have had the opportunity to judge Danes in all parts of the U.S. I will Judge them soon in Alaska and Canada. I have found many beautiful, sound dogs in all areas that leave me confident that our beloved breed is in the hands of many concerned and conscientious people. Thank you for allowing me to Judge your Specialty.

Back To Stories