Thank you for visiting our site. Raised on the Alpine Farm in Orland Park, IL (just south of Chicago) I grew up around a variety of animals. But dogs have been a part of our family for as long as I can remember. Old photos of my family always seem to feature a dog as the center of attention. Presently I am a school social worker. I work with special education junior high students. I enjoy bringing my dogs to work; for many of the students it is the first time they have been able to experience the pleasure of a Danes companionship.

My connection to Great Danes began some fourteen years ago in Barb Caprata’s basement. I was there to put a deposit down on my first Dane. It was suppose to be a mis-marked harlequin. But when I got there I fell in love with the most beautiful puppy I had ever seen. She was a mantle merle. That is where it all started. My foundation bitch, Caprata’s Kodi Gunther Arnold, "Kodi".

Under Barb’s guidance I began breeding. I was very blessed and produced several beautiful show marked harlequins. However, I received a lot of criticism for breeding merles. I was determined to prove my girls worthy. I entered my merle Dam "Kola" in brood bitch at the Lake Shore Great Dane Club. She entered the ring under protest, but was represented by four of her gorgeous get (who all had just placed in the specialty). Judge Sandy Lady, graciously complimented Kola and her get and apologized for the need to excuse her due to not meeting a criteria for acceptable color. We were allowed to circle the ring and exited to cheers and applause of the crowd. By the way not a single soul had left the show, I felt my point had been made.

Several years later I attended my first Nationals in Dallas and had the pleasure of seeing my Scooby Doo win winner’s dog. The compliments I received convinced me I had done well by my girls. The greatest compliment of all came from Hazel Gregory. When I was introduced to her as the breeder of Scooby Doo, she responded in her beautiful Texan voice. "You could put any color you want on the dog- he'll still be the best dog here".

Kodi was my first blessing. There were many in between but another one was my foundation fawn bitch "Pearl". Pearl was a gift from Vickie McCallum. When I thought no dog could take the place of my first, along she came. Pearl has brought me more joy then I could possibly deserve. She finished her championship by earning a BOB and at her next show BISS from the classes.

Great Danes are my passion! I hope to continue learning from all the great people who have extended their knowledge to me, and continue to enjoy the fine company of the Great Dane community.

Sine’ Cera,

Mike Arnold