On Sunday 29 March, something rather special will be happening at the Kennel Club Building in Stoneleigh.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Great Dane Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the club is hosting a public event called National Great Dane Day — a full day dedicated to celebrating one of the most iconic breeds in the dog world.
Running from 10am to 4pm, the event is free to attend and open to anyone curious about these magnificent dogs.
All eight other Great Dane breed clubs are supporting the celebration, making it a true gathering of the Great Dane community.
But beyond celebrating one breed, the event highlights a wonderful idea the Union of Good Dog People believes deserves to spread much further.
What if every dog had its own day?
A “Meet the Breed” Event — Focused on One Dog
The day will have a similar feel to the familiar “Discover Dogs” events, but with one key difference:
everything will revolve around a single breed.
Visitors will be able to meet knowledgeable owners, breeders and enthusiasts through a series of themed stands covering:
- Finding a responsible breeder
- Raising and socialising a Great Dane puppy
- Training and behaviour
- Feeding choices, including raw versus complete diets
- Key health considerations
There will also be:
- A fun companion dog show
- A children’s quiz
- Trade stands
- Photo opportunities
- A raffle
As the organisers put it:
“This day is truly special because it is a gathering of the very best Great Danes in the country and a unique opportunity to meet these gentle giants.”
Understanding the Reality of Living With a Giant
To accompany the event, the Association has produced a beautifully designed booklet titled “The Giants Are Coming.”
It explores the breed in detail and highlights the practical realities of living with a dog of such impressive size.
For example:
- Transporting a Great Dane is not something you do in a small sports car.
- Even sleeping arrangements require thought — as the booklet notes:
“Dane-sized crates are huge, and you need plenty of room for one!”
This kind of honest education is exactly what prospective dog owners need.
Matching the right dog to the right home is one of the most powerful ways to improve welfare.
Imagine: A National Day for Every Breed
Events like this point to something bigger.
Across Britain there are over 200 recognised breeds, many with fascinating histories, specialist care needs, and passionate communities dedicated to preserving them.
Yet most of the public only ever encounter a handful.
Imagine if every breed had its own day — a chance for people to:
- Meet the dogs in person
- Talk to responsible breeders and owners
- Learn about health testing and responsible ownership
- Understand whether the breed truly suits their lifestyle
It would be a wonderful way to celebrate the living heritage of our dogs while helping future owners make better informed choices.
Celebrating the People Behind the Dogs
At its heart, National Great Dane Day is not just about the dogs themselves.
It is about the community of dedicated people who care deeply about their breed — the breeders, owners, trainers and enthusiasts who work quietly behind the scenes to maintain standards and protect the future of these remarkable animals.
These are exactly the kind of good dog people the Union believes deserve recognition and support.
So if you are near Stoneleigh on 29 March, why not go and meet the giants?
And perhaps start imagining a future where every breed has its day in the spotlight.
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