We never planned on keeping a boy in our house, but simply couldn't resist Smaug's sweet face and his goofy personality. Merle great danes were allowed to enter the show ring shortly after he was born, so we figured it would be a huge challenge to get his AKC 

Championship, however he quickly became the 4th merle AKC Champion, as well as the 2nd Owner Handled Merle Champion!  Smaug also became the first male merle (and second merle overall) to obtain AKC Grand Championship! This handsome guy has already produced a beautiful litter of 11 puppies that we are looking forward to watching compete in conformation, as well as dog sports!