For nearly five decades, Jean Dinkins has been a familiar and respected presence in the Great Dane community. Her journey began in 1978 with a black pet Dane from a fawn and black breeding. What started as a love for the breed soon grew into a lifelong passion when her first show Dane arrived in 1986. By the time she attended her first Great Dane Club of America National Specialty in St. Louis in the early 1990s, she had found a tradition and a community that would become an important part of her life.
While many exhibitors know Jean from ringside, generations of National Specialty participants know her for another reason. Since 2008, she has served as GDCA National Trophy Chair, overseeing one of the most cherished traditions of the National Specialty. For nearly twenty years, she has helped ensure that exhibitors leave with meaningful reminders of their accomplishments and memories of their time at the National.
During her tenure, the trophy program has evolved considerably. Rising costs have required thoughtful changes to both design and production. Large pewter trophies mounted on wooden bases gradually gave way to more economical medallion formats, allowing the club to continue recognizing exhibitors while managing expenses responsibly. Behind the scenes, Jean has navigated supplier retirements, lost molds, and the recreation of specialty pieces, including the iconic Best of Breed trophy mold. Through every challenge, her focus has remained the same: preserving the history and legacy of GDCA trophies while adapting to changing times.
One tradition she hopes never disappears is the recognition of all four class placements. “When I was new to the sport, placing in my class felt like a huge accomplishment,” Jean recalls. “I still proudly display every trophy I’ve earned.”
For newcomers especially, that recognition can be the encouragement that keeps them coming back, and Jean believes those moments deserve to be celebrated.
As the trophy program prepares for its next chapter, Jean is confident it will remain in good hands. After several attempts to step away from the position, she is pleased to announce that Sue Finck will assume the role of Trophy Chair in 2027. Having worked alongside Jean for the past two years, Sue shares her commitment to honoring tradition while keeping the program financially sustainable.
Reflecting on this year’s National Specialty, Jean admits she is looking forward to two things. First, she hopes not to bring home any leftover trophies. Second, she is delighted that the event is being held only two hours from her home.
When asked about the theme of this year’s National Specialty—”Legends”—Jean immediately thinks back to the people who shaped her own journey in Great Danes.
Her first show Dane came from Von Shrado Kennels, owned by Jim and Sandy Hann. Their famous male, Von Shrado’s What a Knockout, better known as “Fridge,” was named after football legend William “The Refrigerator” Perry because of his impressive size and presence as a puppy.
Jean eventually purchased Fridge’s sister, Von Shrado’s Kissimmee, known as “Kassie.” One of her proudest memories came when Kassie defeated her famous brother to win Best of Breed at the Alpharetta Specialty.
Yet the victories are not what Jean remembers most.
Jim and Sandy Hann became trusted mentors and lifelong friends. She also credits Bob and Marie Anderson with helping her understand the realities of exhibiting Great Danes. She still laughs when she recalls Bob’s prediction that finishing a black Dane would cost “about $10,000.” It did not take long for her to understand exactly what he meant.
For Jean, the true legends of the breed are not just the famous dogs whose names appear in pedigrees and record books. They are the longtime breeders, mentors, and friends who willingly share their knowledge and experience with the next generation.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned,” she says, “is to spend time with longtime breeders and mentors. Their knowledge is invaluable, and there’s so much history worth learning from.”
That appreciation for history, tradition, and the people who came before us has guided Jean’s involvement in Great Danes for nearly fifty years. It is also what has made her own contributions to the breed—and to the National Specialty—nothing short of legendary.