Great Dane Breeder

Question
Hi,
I live in the US and one of my close friends is interested in great danes. I am helping her find a good puppy. We have located a breeder and actually went out to the breeder's house to look at the 3 week old pups. When we got there she had approx. 15 danes in a gated area in her front yard (she lives in a remote area) and she had a setup, kind of like a horse stall that had three gated rooms and they each had their own connected outside pen. In one room was the father, a fawn dane, and in the two other to rooms there was a two mothers with their puppies. The setup was outside and I was wondering if that is a good setup for a breeder. She also has no children or pets so I was wondering if that is not enough socialization. My friend is very interested and is about to make a deposit on one of the pups. Also, the mother of the litter she's buying from was a little on the skinny side, is this acceptable? Should we find another breeder to buy from? And if so how should I convince her that she shouldn't buy from that breeder? Oh, some other info: The parents are AKC registered but we don't know if the puppies are. I don't know if this is a good breeder to but from. Please help.
Thank You,
Jaclyn

Answer
Bitches can go very thin after whelping, they have used up their body to feed the pups.Some breeders keep their dogs outside and bring them in the house alternately.  Who has a house big enough for 15 danes and two litters?  If they all run together it's a good sign that they have good temperaments.

Puppies younger then 12 weeks never get socialised because of the risk of infection.

Socialise the pup when you get it.  Feed good quality complete food with minced tripe of brisket.  Make sure the breeder has wormed them before buying and then do it again when the vet says it's time.

Make sure the pup is AKC registered.  Only put a small deposit down as you don't know the breeder.  Pick out the one you want and clip its hair in a distinctive place and cut it so short that it will not have grown over when you go to pick it up.  Check all the pups to make sure they haven't been swapped.

Cheers