The Studbook , Reichszuchtbuch (Deutsche Doggen Zuchtbuch) - Carl Narbe's Foreward covering 1940 and 1941:
"Vol.XXIII(23) of the ZB for Great Danes can finally appear in a printed edition after nearly two years.
It contains 1000 registrations and this shows that in spite of the war, breeding has not been substantially reduced. The circle of fanciers has not diminished either, but rather grown. Numerous purchase inquiries are arriving at the business and sales office, and most have been worked on with success. Certainly, the average price range of our Danes is unfortunately a very low one; and because of the high cost of food the breeder not only has no profit but on the contrary each buyer of a young Dane has been given a considerable gift. Young Fox Terriers and other small and medium breeds are paid much more than equivalent Danes, whose raising and nourishment frequently require more outlay.
When in spite of that, breeding is becoming more active, it proves the extraordinary idealism our Dane breeders provoke.
Breeding for beauty has reached a high position for fawn and brindle Danes, thanks to their relationship to both the great transmitters, Bosko and Dolf vd Saalburg, which either intentionally or unintentionally has influenced both these colour families.
Harlequins have not come quite so far, but there are also some magnificent examples available which are suitable as a basis for ascent. Crossing with other colour families such as brindle is not necessary.
For the blue Dane the matter is essentialy different. this colour variety will not progress without the aid of other colours. I think, however, that this is not so much the fawn colour, which has been used for correction in the past and still is sometimes by many, but rather the harleqin-bred blue Danes. Some years ago there was a blue bitch whelped near Saxer-Worms, who in all points including head was so outstanding that she could hold her own in comparison with the best fawns and brindles. Strange to say, nobody bred with this bitch, in spite of the fact that she had even become the Reichssiegerin. Likewise in 1938 Funk-Golm showed a blue bitch in Cologne which offered a glorious sight - and will be very valuable for blue breeding. With this it stands firm that with a little initiative and readiness to sacrifice time and money among our blue breeders, a great improvement of the blue colour-variety is quite possible with the available material. Judges must also help in this. Blue Danes with shallow foreheads and pointed muzzles must not be charitably reviewed. The breeder must finally recognise his problem and take it in hand. The demand for blue Danes is so lively that it cannot be satisfied. A more certain real reward can consequently be expected as compensation for the sacrifice..."
