Introducing Great Dane Service Pup “Talos”

Service Dogs of Virginia chooses a particular theme by which the pups in that particular class are named. This class of service pups has mythological names, so we chose Talos for our new pup.

In the Cretan tales incorporated into Greek mythology, Tálos was a giant man of bronze who protected Europa in Crete, circling the island's shores three times daily while guarding it. The new Dane pup is a harlequin (spotted) Dane, and his spots have a bronze tint. Hence, the name Talos.

Talos joined our family Friday night (May 22) at 9:30p after a very long car ride from Massachussets. He's exactly nine weeks old. His coloring, spotted all over, is called Harlequin. (For those that know the Great Dane breed standard, you'll notice right away he doesn't meet that standard because of his pink nose and his brownish spots. The breeder of these Danes breeds specifically for service work, not to meet breed standard color.)

He's getting accustomed to his new digs and his new canine siblings. We're beginning to teach him that his crate is a great place to be, as well as teaching him how to manipulate food-stuffed toys. Of course, he's learning a lot more than just that: we're also working on house training, sit to greet (you don't want a full size Dane jumping on you, believe me!), and socialization.

Stay tuned, there will be plenty more updates!