Farmers Weekly Review

Among the winners in Saturday’s show was Peoria resident Suzanne Hagemann’s 2-year-old “Royal,” bred by Stephanie Taylor and Melisa Ruppert, kennel names are Regent (Stephanie Taylor) and Landmark (Melisa Ruppert). (Photos by Karen Haave)

By Karen Haave

The gentle giants were back in town over the weekend.

Famously known as Great Danes, they brought their humans to strut their stuff at the Illini Great Dane Club’s 33rd annual dog show, their fourth at Roma Sports Center in Frankfort.

There were 45 of them, all elegant and poised and quietly obedient to their trainers’ instructions.

I felt completely at ease when Harper snuggled up and placed her sweet face on my shoulder. These are very large dogs, after all, and some might be frightened by their size.

But this was not, as they say, my first rodeo. So I was not intimidated. I knew from last year’s event that Great Danes are serene canines not given to violence. Hence, the nickname gentle giants.

I also knew from last year’s event that they are loyal to the extreme, protective of their families, and their owners are beyond proud of them.

This time around, I learned even more about them. For instance, there is an interesting tradition of themed litters, where puppies receive names related to things like books, famous people, movies or music.

“Show dogs typically have two names: a formal ‘show name’ registered with the AKC (often including the breeder’s kennel name and a phrase related to the litter theme) and a casual ‘call name’ used daily,” said Show Chairman Karen Mayfield-Jones.

“For example, our dog Piper came from a Broadway-themed litter. Her registered name is CH Legado N Danekraaft’s How Can I Tell You?, including her championship designation (CH), her breeders’ kennels (Legado N Danekraaft), and a phrase from ‘The Pied Piper’ musical.

Several AKC Champion Great Danes competed throughout the weekend, she said, some working toward their Grand Championship, which requires 25 points including three major wins from different judges. These competitions also contribute to national rankings, with the Top 20 Great Danes in the nation competing annually at the Great Dane Club of America National Specialty.

The Illini Specialty Show encompasses four AKC-approved conformation (body shape) shows, plus the Midwest Derby Puppy Match. Due to the substantial number of competing dogs, each of the four shows qualified as a “Major” event, worth 3-4 points each for winners.

“Conformation shows help evaluate dogs as potential breeding stock to ensure future generations maintain breed standards,” she explained.

“Judges assess each Great Dane against the Official Standard approved by the Great Dane Club of America and the American Kennel Club, evaluating appearance, movement, and overall structure. Detailed information about these standards is available through the AKC and GDCA websites.

“The Illini Specialty Show serves as an educational resource for both participants and spectators,” Mayfield-Jones continued.

“We maintain an education booth featuring information on selecting Great Dane puppies, common health conditions affecting the breed, and responsible breeding practices.

Their shows also include fundraising activities such as dog-related raffle items, 50-50 ticket sales, and a Ways and Means table featuring dog-related crafts created by club members. Proceeds support future shows and educational initiatives that advance the Great Dane breed.

Deep Local Roots

The Illini Great Dane Club has deep roots in Frankfort and Will County, she said, as it was originally established as the Will County Great Dane Club, with shows held at the Hallmark Sports Center in Frankfort from 2005-2019. Following the pandemic, they relocated to the Roma Sports Center.

“This year’s show was dedicated to the memory of Jim Novotny, a longtime Will County (Lockport) resident and 16-year member of the Illini Great Dane Club. Jim served as board member, vice president, and president,” she added.

“Jim and his wife Pam were recipients of both the People’s Choice Award and the prestigious Spirit of Illini Award, which recognizes members whose actions consistently exemplify the mission and goals of the club—similar to a lifetime achievement award.

“Through the years, Jim mentored many members of Illini and unselfishly gave tremendous time and energy to the success of the club.

Also of note, Mayfield-Jones said, is that a movie, “The Friend,” is being released nationwide on April 4, 2025 that stars a Great Dane champion show dog named “Bing.” “The Friend” also stars Bill Murray and Naomi Watts.

For Mayfield-Jones, the most fulfilling part of organizing this event is “collaborating with fellow enthusiasts who share our deep commitment to promoting and protecting the Great Dane breed.

She and her husband, Dustin, own 7Sisters Great Danes and currently have three Great Danes: CH Legado N Danekraaft’s How Can I Tell You? (Piper), 7Sisters N Legado’s I Wanna Dance, I Wanna Win (Mia), and 7Sisters N Legado’s Heart of Gold (Cora).

“Piper was our first show dog and has had two litters. Mia, from Piper’s first litter, earned her first Major win on Saturday afternoon under Judge Mimi Kim. Cora, from Piper’s second litter, is 7 months old and made her competition debut this weekend, including participation in the Midwest Derby Puppy Match.”

Can’t Resist?

If you’re interested in owning a Great Dane, Mayfield-Jones said the club “strongly recommends thorough research through books, AKC-affiliated dog clubs, and conversations with experienced breeders before choosing a Great Dane.

“Prospective owners can find reputable breeders through the Great Dane Club of America website (GDCA.org), or by contacting local AKC-affiliated clubs like ours (website illinigreatdaneclub.com),” she said.

“For those interested in adoption, we recommend contacting Great Dane Rescue Midwest ([email protected]) or Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue ([email protected]). The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals established the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program to provide breed-specific health screening protocols.

Longtime Raffle Chairman Roxanne Jakubiak, meanwhile, loves “the feeling of being a crucial part of the show.

“It’s exciting to have creative ideas to promote our raffle, encourage donations,” she said, “and organize and coordinate the wonderful prizes on our huge raffle table.

“I’m proud to say that our raffle table, supported by members’ donations and various vendors, is a very large part of our income which helps support the club and the show.

“We need new Dane-loving members to join and help the club continue to be an advocate for the great Dane breed!
“We welcome their ideas and help with pitching in to put on our weekend show and other activities.

“The best part,” she added, “is the camaraderie felt with fellow club members as we work together to put on a weekend to remember as we showcase our beloved breed.”

A Bolingbrook resident and member of Illini for 28 years, she became a Lifetime Member at 25 years and has been a longtime board officer, recording secretary, raffle chair and been on many other committees.

Sadly for her, she no longer has any Danes, losing her friend Harley several years ago at age 12.

“Danes have such unique and loving personalities,” Jakubiak said. “They are truly gentle giants, and can be fun, loving comedians that keep you laughing.

“They give the best hugs, lean against you, want their butt scratched, repeatedly, and love unconditionally.

“They are your best friend.”

For more information, visit the Illini GDC Facebook page to see some fun posts featuring ] Danes, members and the most recent show. Or, contact Membership Chairman Sue Larkin at [email protected] with any questions about joining the club, or just Great Danes in general.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.

Best of Show in March 22’s Great Dane judging in Frankfort went to Harper, who’s owned by Janell Heiman, and bred and handled by Carolyn McNamara, shown with Harper. (Photo by Karen Haave)

Kimberley Nelson’s Sir has some serious bragging rights. At the March 22 show, he was awarded Best of Opposite Sex–the best male at the entire event. “A Great Dane is the most human-like dog,” the Wheaton resident said. “Their substance, temperament and loyalty is soul touching.”