I've kept Great Danes as companion pets since 1983.  My interest for the breed sparked when I was a child.  I was captivated by a Dane I saw in a Walt Disney movie.  When I left the theater, a dream formed and grew; Someday I would have a Great Dane companion!  Dream became reality when I brought home Ga-Mac's Apollo Zack Aryah (aka - "Zack").  Zack was everything I hoped a Great Dane would be.  He was a wonderful, loyal, fun loving companion who brought smiles to the faces of everyone who enjoyed the privilege of meeting him.  

In 1991 I brought home my 2nd Great Dane pup - Desert Storm v Caroldane (aka - Barney) who lived to the ripe old age of 13.. In 1998 I added 2 more GDs to my family.  Ga-Mac's Divine Intervention (aka - Diva) and Darwin's Natural Selection, CGC (aka - Kaleb).  Kaleb and Diva were my first "show" Danes.  Ever patient, they taught me a LOT!  Diva earned AKC points and became my foundation bitch.  I showed Kaleb for a short time.  Showing wasn't his cup of tea, so Kaleb "retired" to the easy life at home where his antics brought me many smiles.  Kaleb sired my 2002 litter from Diva. 

In 1999, I began showing my Great Danes in the AKC conformation breed ring.  I enjoy competing with my Danes almost as much as I enjoy the friendships and camaraderie the sport offers.  I bred my first litter of puppies in 2001.   

Zack, Barney, Kaleb and Diva have all passed from my life now.  I treasure the memories I have from all of them.  I miss them still.  All my departed Danes have web pages on this site to honor my memories of them. 

I currently share my home with three very special Great Danes CH Phoebe, CH Seven and UKC CH Leo.  I co-own Halo who lives with Sheri and Randy Goncher (Windwood Great Danes). 

Ch Phoebe (Ch Janus Providence Moon) was born in 2001.  She was my first litter from Diva sired by a very handsome fawn boy CH Nuttree's Saint Patrick  who was owned and loved by my good friends and mentors Janie and Mel Pronto (Nuttree Great Danes).  CH Phoebe is a "singleton" puppy.  Phoebe is the first to carry my kennel name and my first AKC Champion.  Ch Seven (Ch Janus USAF Raven) is from my 2nd litter.  Ch Seven is from Diva sired by Kaleb. 

Ch Phoebe had 2 litters.  Leo (Janus Constellation Leo, CGC) was born in 2007 and is from Phoebe's 2nd litter - sired by Windwood Halos Back N Black.  

Ch Seven had one litter.  Halo (Windwood Halos Gift From Janus) was born in July 2007 and was also sired by Windwood Halos Back N Black. 

Ch Phoebe completed her AKC championship in June 2004.  I'm proud to say Phoebe was breeder/owner handled to her championship with 3 major wins.  In 2005 Phoebe was bred to BISS Ch Avanti's All For One Elan (aka - Redford) and she produced 4 puppies - 2 fawn males and 2 fawn girls.  Phoebe's 2nd litter by Windwood Halos Back N Black (aka - Lucas) was born in January 2007.  This was a litter of 2 pups - 1 black boy and 1 brindle boy. 

Diva's daughter, Ch Seven began her show career in October, 2003.  Seven kicked off her show career earning a Group 1 at her first all breed match and Reserve Winners Bitch at her very first AKC show.  I showed Seven sparingly for about a year, then I took a break from showing.  In September 2006 at age 4 1/2, I brought Seven back out to compete.  In July 2007 Seven took another break from showing to raise her litter sired by Windwood Halos Back N Black.  In the Autumn of 2007, after Seven finished her duties as a mother, I brought her back out to the show ring again looking for 1 more major win for her to complete her championship.  I'm proud and pleased to say Seven finished her championship in May 2008 at age 6 years. 

I'm very proud of Diva and her daughters Ch Phoebe and Ch Seven.  Each of my beautiful girls has accomplishments in the AKC conformation ring and in the whelping box.   Seven's fawn brother Zeus (shown sparingly) earned points toward his AKC championship.  Seven's black brother Max stepped into the conformation ring for the first time at age 6 and from the Veterans class took the honor of Best of Opposite Sex at a Great Dane Specialty show.  Ch Phoebe's daughter Daisy also competed and earned AKC points.

Ch Phoebe's son Leo earned his AKC CGC certificate at the tender age of just 5 1/2 months.  Leo made his debut in the AKC conformation breed ring in July 2007.  As of December, 2008 Leo has 12 points including 1 major win toward his championship and 3 Best in Sweeps wins.  Leo is owner handled to all of his accomplishments.  Leo also competed in the UKC conformation ring.  In August 2008 Leo obtained his UKC Championship and was awarded Group 1st in the UKC Guardian group.  Leo is antionally ranked in the top 10 UKC Great Danes.

Ch Seven's daughter Halo and son Spencer are currently showing in the conformation ring.  Halo and Spencer each earned Reserve Wins from the 9-12 puppy classes.  Halo has a Best in Sweeps win to her credit and is AKC major pointed.

My Great Danes attend obedience classes and conformation handling classes for socialization and mental stimulation.  Kaleb obtained the AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certificate and "graduated" from level 1 agility class.  Diva attended obedience and fly-ball classes.  Diva loved to do tricks which included; "shake", "wave", "roll over", "standing beg" and (believe it or not!) "sit up."  Phoebe and Seven, attended obedience and agility classes.  Seven completed an "acting" class.  This was a class we took just for fun to learn some new tricks.  Both Phoebe and Seven spent many days socializing at a doggy day-care center.  The new baby of the family, Leo started conformation handling classes in April, 2007 and earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate in July 2007 at just 5 1/2 months old. 

My goal is to continue to produce quality puppies with a primary focus on producing "sound", healthy Danes with reliable temperaments as described in the AKC Standard for the Great Dane.   Someday I hope Halo or Leo will have children of their own.  Through them I hope I will be able to carry forward my family of Great Danes.  My Danes enrich my life in countless ways.  I consider it my privilege to live with them.  I think it's a very special honor to occasionally produce a litter.  I take responsibilities which go along with the decision to breed a litter VERY seriously.  Although I enjoy competing with my Danes, foremost they are treasured family members and my constant companions.  When I place a puppy, I chose not to seek "show" homes, preferring great companion homes where a puppy will enjoy the privileges of being an important family member.  Occasionally, families offer both worlds for a Janus Great Dane puppy.  

Great Danes are wonderful companions for the "right" people under the "right" circumstances.
Opening your heart and home to a Great Dane puppy is a HUGE commitment, mentally, physically and financially.  Great Dane rescue organizations are always over burdened with Danes who've been surrendered to them.  Often these dogs come to them from families who are overwhelmed and ill prepared for the task of properly raising, training and caring for a Great Dane.

Abundant information is available on the I-net, in books and magazines, and can be gained speaking directly with concerned, responsible breeders.  I urge you to "do your homework" before adopting or purchasing a Great Dane.  Please recognize this very special breed of dog is not for everyone.  Great Danes are not average dogs in any regard.  They require above average dedication to train and care for them properly.

Adopting a Great Dane requires your continued commitment to their care throughout their life span, often 8-10 years.  The expense of keeping a Great Dane can be considerably more than an average sized dog.  Great Danes are very social, family oriented dogs who thrive with the comfort and privileges of "house dogs".  Great Danes are NOT "outside" dogs!  They are not equipped mentally nor physically to live away from their family in the isolation of a back-yard pen.

Please, take time to inform yourself about choosing a responsible breeder who will work with you and help you understand special nutritional requirements of Giant Breed dogs as well as exercise needs, wellness requirements and health concerns common to the breed.  When I don't have puppies available, I'm always happy to help direct interested families to other responsible breeders.  You'll find many links to good resources for information and other breeders I recommend on my "Useful Links" pages. 

If you decide a Great Dane is the right breed for your family, then your time spent learning about them will pay dividends through the uniquely rewarding experience of sharing yourself, your home and your dreams with the gentle giants called Great Danes.

Thank you for taking time to become acquainted with me. 
Please enjoy your visit to my web site and "Thanks" for stopping by...

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~ Janus Great Danes ~
Kristine Travis

Kristine and Kaleb (1998)

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My beginning with Janus Great Danes is rooted in the opposing faces of my black male and fawn female Great Danes (Kaleb and Diva) who watched over the doors and gates at my home and who I hope continue to watch over my world from beyond...