White Great Danes

Question
Wow, I can't believe someone involved in dogs would actually write that.  My question is, exactly how many white great danes have you raised and trained?  The reason I'm asking is because you are supposed to be the expert on them, and seem to supposedly "know" their behavior.  So you must have raised many deaf dogs, right?

I personally have raised 3 deaf and/or blind dogs.  Two were Australian Shepherds and one is a Great Dane(same MM genes, but different breeds).  They were all taken to obedience classes, taught hand/touch signals and were great family members.  My deaf Great Dane actually went on to get his AKC CGC(Canine Good Citizen).  

Please don't pass your ignorance of deaf, blind or deaf and blind dogs onto other people as fact.  It is a hard enough fight teaching people that these are loving animals since so many "EXPERTS" have spread this baloney pretty thick.  Just because people imagine themselves frightened if they lost their hearing, doesn't mean that these dogs will behave the same way.  They are born deaf, they don't know what hearing is.  If they can be a bit jumpy, there are simple tricks that can counter condition that...  Tap dog from behind, treat and repeat as necessary.  Magic!

Do the deafies a favor, stick with the fawn and brindle tempermants if that is what you own and show.  Thanks.

PS  Here are some pictures of of deaf dogs (the white or mostly white aussies and great dane).  Do they look vicious to you?

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/torizmojo/

Answer
For your information I have not set myself up as an expert, I just try to help new owners with problems.  Temperaments depend mainly on breeding, blood-lines and training not colour.  If you knew anything about danes you would know that.

For most of the people I get questions from, training a great dane with no hearing difficulties is about their limit if not beyond it.  Having a dog that size which is not properly controlled is a danger to everyone around.  It cannot be let off the lead to run free in case it runs into the road, it cannot hear a child approach and if suddenly awakened from a deep sleep may snap at the child, if it is not looking at you it cannot see hand signals and will not respond to being called back.

In the UK most responsible breeders will euthanase deaf dogs rather than risk pet homes having problems.

I have not raised deaf danes or any deaf dogs but I know harlie breeders who have had this problem and that is the course they take and vets will often recommended it.