Category: Breed Standard

The Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Dane Brindle Dogs

What is a Great Dane Brindle coloring and what makes their color so special?

Brindle Great Danes have a beautiful coat color for this breed of dog. The colors are usually black, brown and gray in a brindled pattern.

14 Exciting Things about Black Great Danes
Double Merle Great Danes
Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version
Colors of Great Danes
Harlequin Great Danes
White Great Danes

So what makes Great Dane Brindle clolouring so special? These gentle giants are not only a beautiful dog, but also a wonderful family pet.

GREAT DANE BRINDLE COLORING

The coat color ‘brindle’ means that the dog’s coat is a mix of black and brown hairs, with gray hairs interspersed throughout. The brindle coloring can be seen in many different dog breeds, but it is particularly common in Great Danes.

The pattern of Brindle Danes is often described as ‘tiger-striped’.

The brindle coloring is caused by a gene mutation that affects the production of pigment in the hair shaft.

This means that Great Dane Brindles can come in a wide range of coat colors, from light brown (dirty colored Brindles) to almost black, where you can’t see the brindle color as well.

However, no matter what, their base color is somewhat of a yellow-gold coat and they have strong black cross stripes, which is what makes people refer to this dog breed as having a ‘tiger stripe pattern’.

BRINDLE GREAT DANE DOG AND THEIR HEALTH

Are Brindle Great Danes healthy?

If you are trying to add a Great Dane puppy into your family, you want to prioritize health.

Some issues that are common with Great Danes are:

Wobblers Syndrome: This is a neurological condition that affects the dog’s ability to walk. It is caused by a malformation of the vertebrae in the neck, which puts pressure on the spinal cord. (Read about Gigi’s Wobblers Here)
Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the ball and socket joint in the hip doesn’t fit together properly. This can cause pain and lameness in the dog.
Elbow Dysplasia: This is a condition where the bones in the elbow joint don’t fit together properly. This can also cause pain and lameness.
Bloat: Great Danes are also susceptible to bloat, which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself and traps gas. This can cause the dog to go into shock and die if not treated immediately. (Read about bloat here: What is Bloat?)
Allergies/Dry Skin: Great Danes can be prone to allergies and skin conditions, but it is most likely due to toxins and food issues. If you have a Brindle Great Dane, look into a properly formulated Great Dane diet while your Great Dane is still a puppy in order to prevent allergies/dry skin issues. Read about Dry Skin Issues Here: Helping Dry Skin)
Ear Infections: At times, the Great Dane breed may get more ear infections than other dogs. Ear infections can be caused by anything from yeast to food intolerances. Read more here: Ear Infection Tips Plus The ALL TIME BEST Product Recommendation. Read up on Ear Cropping here.

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize the risk of your Brindle Great Dane having any health problems. You should start by finding a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and has no bloat in their genetics.

Bad Breeders
Scam Breeders: What to Look For
Breeders: Shady Business
Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?
Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder
What Makes a Breeder Good?
What is a backyard breeder? The AKC has 1000’s.

BACKYARD BREEDING AND GETTING A BRINDLE GREAT DANE

Backyard breeding is a huge issue in the Great Dane breed. Finding a reputable and responsible breeder is one of the most important things you can do if you are getting a Brindle Great Dane puppy.

Red flags for Great Dane breeders:

RED FLAG #1: A breeder who does not health test their dogs for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and other OFA tests. (OFA HEALTH TESTS)
A breeder who is not knowledgeable about the Great Dane breed and cannot answer your questions. (How to find a good breeder)
A breeder who has a high number of puppies available or who frequently has litters of puppies. (BAD BREEDER RED FLAGS)
A breeder who breeds for “Euro” Danes. (Euro: The Droopy Issue)
A breeder who breeds off colored Great Danes with no health testing for color. (Great Dane ‘off standard’ colors- is it good or bad?)
A breeder who refuses to let you meet the puppies’ parents or see where the puppies are being raised.
A breeder who sells their puppies online without meeting you in person first. (SCAMS!)
A breeder who breeds a Harlequin Great Dane with either another Harlequin Great Dane or another Merle Great Dane OR does not color test their Great Danes prior to breeding to see what colors they carry for as it can produce white Great Danes (high chance of being blind and deaf).
A breeder who only accepts cash payments.

Bottom line: Do your research before getting a Brindle Great Dane! Getting a puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder can help your Brindle Great Dane live a long and healthy life.

ARE BRINDLE GREAT DANES GOOD WITH KIDS?

Brindle Great Danes are also known to be very friendly and good with children.

They are gentle giants, after all!

However, because of their size, you need to make sure that your children know how to approach and touch a Great Dane properly, so that they do not accidentally hurt or scare them.

SHOULD YOUR CHILDREN LAY ON OR SIT ON YOUR DANES?

Properly socializing not only your Great Dane puppy but also educating your children on how to interact is going to help all parties be more successful.

Resources for Great Dane breed socialization and training:

PUPPIES	ADULTS
Puppy Socialization Puppy Culture: A Way to Socialize from the Start Puppy Socialization Guide Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash Day Pouch Treat Bag Review Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?	Training Mistakes Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies Why is Leash Training so Hard? 5 Leash Training Tips Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training What is Balanced Training? E Collar Training Guide E Collar Myths Dog Halo Collar Review

WHAT ARE THE TOP ITEMS NEEDED WHEN BRINGING HOME A BRINDLE GREAT DANE?

If you are a new Great Dane owner, you are likely wondering what items you need to bring home with you when you get your new puppy?

Here is a list of the top things you will need:

A crate or kennel: Crate Training: The Best Crates for Great Danes
A collar and leash: The Best Collars for Great Danes
Food and water bowls
A bed or mat for them to sleep on: Big Barker Bed Review
A few toys and bones: Best Toys for Great Danes
Treats: Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies
A properly formulated diet that is fit for a Great Dane: A Tasty Top: The Top 11 Foods to Feed a Great Dane
A plan of action to train your Great Dane: Respect Training Tips: How to Train Your Puppy Great Dane
Baby gates and a plan to potty train your Great Dane: 12 Potty Training Tips for a Great Dane Puppy
Supplements to help your Great Dane grow correctly and stay healthy: Supplements for Great Danes

IS IT EASY TO TRAIN A BRINDLE GREAT DANE?

With proper training, any dog can learn right from wrong.

Canine Good Citizen Training for Great Danes
Your Puppy is Bored
How to Choose the Best Dog Trainer
Schedule for Bringing Home a Great Dane Puppy

Great Danes are no different! They are actually very intelligent dogs and can learn tricks and commands easily.

The key to training any dog is consistency, patience and positive reinforcement.

With proper training, your Brindle Great Dane will be a well socialized pup in no time.

It is important that you work hard while your Great Dane is young to prevent fear and anxiety which can lead to aggression down the line.

Resources for training your Great Dane here:

What is an E Collar?
What is the Difference Between an E Collar and a Shock Collar?
9 Reasons to E Collar Train Your Great Dane Puppy
Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?
99 Reasons Why to Use an E Collar and a Shock Ain’t One
Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training
E Collars are NOT Shock Collars
Proper E Collar Placement
E Collar Comfort Pads
E Collar 900 Review
Using an E Collar to Teach Recall

WHAT ARE THE OTHER COLORS OF GREAT DANE DOGS?

The coat colors of other Great Dane puppies vary depending on how the dogs are bred.

Great Danes, when in breed standard, come in 7 official Great Dane colors: Fawn, Blue, Black, Mantle, Merle, Brindle and Harlequin Great Danes.

Blue Great Danes
Mantle Great Danes
14 Exciting Things about Black Great Danes
Double Merle Great Danes
Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version
Colors of Great Danes
Harlequin Great Danes
White Great Danes

Of course there are many more colors of Great Danes that don’t fall under the breed standard due to crossbreeding.

Some popular non-standard/ unofficial Great Dane colors are: Lilac, Chocolate, Blue Fawn, Fawn colored Harlequin (Fawnequin Great Danes) , Piebald Great Dane, and White Great Danes (otherwise known as double Merle).

Off Standard Colors of Great Danes
Double Merle: A Big, Beautiful Issue

MERLE GREAT DANES

Merle Great Danes are an extremely beautiful and popular coat color in the dog breed.

Merle coat colors are somewhat of a pure steel blue base coat with black markings.

These black patches can vary in size and location.

The merle gene is a diluting factor and will often lighten the coat of the dog.

A merle Great Dane should never be bred with another Merle Great Dane, and you should always ask the breeder for proof of color testing. That is because the Merle gene in a Merle Great Dane is responsible for producing white Great Danes, when two of them are bred together.

A single Merle gene, by itself, is a very healthy gene and you should not worry about your Merle being a healthy Great Dane, if bred responsibly. Merle Great Danes do not face any health issues that any other Great Dane doesn’t.

MANTLE GREAT DANES

Mantle Great Danes are completely black with a white coat around the neck and chest area. Their black blanket can vary in size and white markings, but the a Mantle Great Dane at dog shows should only have a white markings on its neck and snout.

FAWN GREAT DANES

Fawn Great Danes are one of the most popular colors of this dog breed. A breeder can produce fawn Great Dane puppies when they breed either two Fawn Great Danes together or any Great Dane that carries for Fawn with a fawn colored Dane.

FAWN GREAT DANES: WHAT COLOR IS SCOOBY DOO?

Other than their coat color, Fawn Great Danes are just like any other color of this gentle giant breed. They are loving, playful and make great family dogs.

A Fawn Dane is a beautiful golden color with black shading around the face, ears, and tail.

The amount of black on a Fawn Dane can vary from very little to almost completely black.

The fawn coat is often referred to as a ‘Scooby Doo’ coat color, since both are somewhat yellow/gold.

If you are looking for one of the 7 official Great Dane colors, a Fawn Great Dane and their golden brown fur might be a classic, original coat color for you.

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES

Harlequin Great Danes are probably the most well-known color of this dog breed.

Harlequin Danes are white with black spots all over their body. A properly marked Harlequin Dane should not have too many black patches, but also should not have a completely white coat.

COW DANES, LEARN MORE!

The size and shape of the spots can vary greatly from one Harlequin to another. That is what makes a Harlequin Great Dane so unique- each one has different coat colors and black markings.

Some Harlequins will have large round spots while others will have smaller, irregular shaped spots.

Great Dane Markings on a Harlequin Great Dane may not be the only thing that makes them resemble a cow- they also may eat as much as one too!

BLUE GREAT DANES

Blue Great Danes are a beautiful blue color from the blue gene. At times, they may have a white muzzle or white neck. A Blue Great Dane puppy is sweet like the rest- every Blue Great Dane I have met is just as loving and friendly as any other color of this dog breed.

BLUE GREAT DANES

A Blue Great Dane is very beautiful and their blue coat colors can vary from light to dark blue. Some Blue Great Danes resemble almost a silvery light blue while others are a darker more gray Blue Great Dane.

But, it is more favorable if they are completely solid Blue.`

Blue Danes are very popular and have a regal look about them.

Not very many people can turn down how adorable they are, either!

BLACK GREAT DANES

Black Great Dane dogs are extremely elegant looking.

Dog lovers refer to them as ‘Black Velvet’, as for some reason, they tend to be the softest of all Great Danes.

BLACK GREAT DANES

Most desirable is a solid black coat, but some might have some parts of a white coat on their hind legs, a white muzzle, or white tail tip or toes.

If they have any part of a Harlequin coat, they are not a true black Great dane, but rather a Harlequin Great Dane.

ALBINO GREAT DANE

A Great Dane with a solid white coat is known as a Double Merle. DM Great Danes, although beautiful, have a high risk of being deaf or blind.

This is why most breeders do not purposely breed for this coat color.

ALBINO GREAT DANES

If you see a completely white Great Dane, chances are he/she is deaf or blind, or both.

White Danes are the product of backyard breeding or uneducated breeders who breed together two dogs who both have merle genes. When a white Dane is produced, the breeder should inform any prospective family that they are not getting a healthy Great Dane. Albino Great Danes face many health issues in their lifetime.

BACKYARD BREEDERS

Not all Double Merle Great Danes will be completely white. Although it is most common that they will have a completely white coat, they might have more merle or Harlequin on them, black patches with white markings, etc, and still be considered a DM Great Dane puppy.

The white coat may be catching to the eye, but White Great Danes should never be produced intentionally.

IS A BRINDLE GREAT DANE RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY?

Overall, Great Danes are incredible members to add to your family. They are gentle giants who love nothing more than spending time with their family.

Each Great Dane color has their own unique personality and set of characteristics, so it is important to do your research before you decide on which color is right for you and your family.

No matter what color you choose, a Great Dane will bring joy and laughter into your home.

Do you have your heart set on a certain color of Great Dane? Perhaps you are considering a Blue Great Dane or even a Black Great Dane.

But have you ever seen a Harlequin Great Dane? Harlequin Great Danes are one of the most unique and beautiful colors of this breed.

If not, be sure to check out this post: Harlequin Great Danes.

Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?

Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?

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June 22, 2022

5 Big Dog Myths You Need to Know About
The large and giant breed dog communities are a literal stew of opinions, advice and ideas.

Heavy-handed dog training, resting after meals, and ‘Euro’ dogs are just some of the common big dog myths that I want to cover today!

Come sort through the stew with us!

You Must Rest Your Big Dog Before & After Meals

You’ve definitely heard this one.

“You MUST rest your dog before and after meals so they don’t bloat!”

You and your dog may be looking at a schedule like this:

AM Walk
Rest
Food
Rest
PM Walk
Rest
Food
Rest
Bed

That’s a lot of um…shall we say, sitting?

Bloat is a painful, dangerous, and DEADLY condition that plagues large and giant breed dogs. Great Danes tend to be the most susceptible! Bloat is scary, and ‘preventatives’ make us feel better about it.

Let’s bust this myth. Studies have found absolutely NO correlation between BLOAT and EXERCISE!

Not only that, but most dogs who bloat do so while resting and on an empty stomach.

Bloat incidence has increased by 1500% in the last 30+ years, despite this common ‘advice’ to rest dogs before and after meals.

It’s time to let go of this old, unsubstantiated old wives’ tale. Rest your dog if it makes you feel better, but don’t encourage your dog to spend its entire life sitting around. If your dog is going to bloat, it won’t matter if they are moving or being a couch potato.

Don’t freak out. There are other science-backed ways to reduce bloat risk.

Bloat and Gut Health: Does it go together?

Big Dogs Have a Short Lifespan

You’re walking down the street with your Great Dane by your side when you are stopped by somebody gushing over how beautiful your dog is.

(Because it’s true, your dog is gorgeous).

Then she says “I just could never own one. They don’t live long”.

STOP. IT.

We are so over this myth. Sure, large and giant breed dogs are plagued by a number of health problems that shorten their life span…but it doesn’t mean that all large and giant breed dogs will be dead by age 7.

A solid majority of these dogs come from breeders who are NOT actively seeking to better the breed.

Minimal health testing, questionable pedigrees, and profit-driven practices are literally ruining these dogs and their genetics for generations to come.

If you want a robust, long-lived large or giant breed dog, choose an ethical, reputable breeder who is beyond diligent with the pedigree and actively seeks to eliminate common ‘early death’ problems.

This includes heart failure, bloat, fearful temperaments, poor structure, cancer, and arthritis which all have a genetic link.

Everything ‘EURO’ Dogs

“He’s not overweight, he’s EURO”

Buckle up, this is a fun one!

Any dog being labeled as ‘EURO’ is a dog that is being labeled with an unregulated marketing term.

EURO does not necessarily mean ‘EUROPEAN’.

It’s important to note that actual well-bred European dogs are not, in fact, meant to be larger, stockier, or droopier than American dogs!

Each Country will have a written standard for its breed. When you compare the legitimate, real written standard for the breed from each individual Country, you will notice that the standards are nearly identical!

The ‘EURO’ term plagues Great Danes, Mastiff’s, Rottweilers, and Dobermans in particular.

EURO nearly always just means one thing: out of standard.

Droopy eyes, blocky heads, and stocky, oversized bodies are considered significant faults in the breed standard for Great Danes in both countries.

The appeal of a larger, beefier dog with an exotic title (‘Euro’) is popular and persistent, however.

It’s fine to wish for a slightly larger dog, but NEVER at the expense of the health, comfort, and robust and proven genetics of the breed.

Want to know more about the TRUTH behind ‘Euro’ dogs? Read HERE.

Learn more about what makes a breeder ‘bad’.

Giant Dogs need Heavy-Handed Training

Reality television has taught us that we need to ‘pSSHHhhTTT’, intimidate, pin down, and harshly correct dogs, especially when they are large or giant breeds like Great Dane or St. Bernard.

People believe that big dogs need bigger shock collars, bigger corrections, and more forceful training methods overall.

Big dogs CAN and WILL destroy your house and take you for a walk if you don’t train them. Small dogs can try, but they don’t have the mass to make it happen. That’s the only difference.

It’s NOT that big dogs are more stubborn or defiant! They are just…bigger.

Being bigger doesn’t justify the use of fear, pain, and harsh punitive training.

Training must start on day one. With large and giant breed dogs you definitely have to teach ‘off’, ‘heel’, ‘down’, and ‘come’. These things are easy to teach with positive reinforcement!

We recommend that owners consider taking a class with an AKC ‘Canine Good Citizen’ instructor to learn how to teach, guide (and yes, correct when appropriate) their large and giant breed dogs.

(Don’t be THIS dog owner!)

The reality here is that forceful, harsh training methods (including the incorrect use of E-Collars) can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression.

Danes and other giant breed dogs are not dumb. They learn the same way that all other dogs do. Applying more ‘force’ just serves our egos, not the dog or the relationships we have with it.

This is one big dog myth we can put to rest, once and for all.

Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.

Adult Food Only, Never Puppy Food!

This common belief is rampant in the large and giant breed dog community.

For years, many giant breed dogs have been fed adult formula dry dog food from their first solid meal.

10+ years ago, this was acceptable and recommended because adult formulas were literally the only acceptable option for maintaining slow growth.

Thankfully, we have science, research, food trials, and updated large-breed puppy foods!

‘Adult food only’ is dated and dangerous advice for large and giant breed dogs. They should now be fed an appropriate, science-backed LARGE or GIANT breed PUPPY formula.

Make sure you choose a science-backed food brand. Boutique foods have not participated in the same level of diligent research and may not be correctly formulated for the growth of your large breed dog! For more information about choosing puppy food for your big dog, read here.

Knuckling, flat feet, low energy, HOD, or Panosteitis are just some of what you may experience if you choose the wrong food. Many large and giant breed dogs that are fed ‘adult food only’ will also struggle to develop lean, strong muscle and maintain an appropriate weight. Adult foods simply don’t have enough nutrition to support their growth.

We recommend:
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy – any flavor!
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK, salmon-based
- Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy (Great for active and sporting dogs)
- Purina One Large Breed Puppy (Excellent budget option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
- Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK, PREMIUM OPTION
- Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)
- Purina Large Breed Puppy Chow
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOOSING HEALTHY PET FOOD FOR YOUR BIG DOG

What other big dog myths can we bust for you?

Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you, or you can also join our helpful, friendly and open-minded community on Facebook.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

Join our growing Facebook group!

HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK
June 20, 2022
What Kind of Dog is Scooby Doo? The Many Mysteries of Scooby’s Thrilling Breed

What kind of dog is Scooby Doo?

Kids and adults across generations may not have much in common, but they have one thing: the original series Scooby Doo.

Whether you are 65 years old or a 5 year old kid, you’re bound to know the famous Scooby Doo dog character.

For decades, cartoons have been trying to live up to Hanna Barbera productions level of popularity, with Scooby Doo, but have failed.

This is probably because Scooby Doo has something for everyone.

For the kids, he’s a lovable and silly dog who gets into all sorts of wacky hijinks.

For adults, he’s a nostalgic reminder of their childhood with a bit of mystery thrown in.

But for everyone- the mystery remains: what is Scooby Doo’s breed?

WHAT KIND OF DOG IS SCOOBY DOO?

For years, this mystery cartoon has been stated to be a Great Dane.

But, do his physical features and personality match up to the Great Dane breed?

In order to really analyze the Scooby Doo character, we have to go back into the Scooby Doo show and discuss some of his Scrappy Doo traits.

WHAT DOES SCOOBY DOO LOOK LIKE?

Scooby Doo is mostly black with a brownish muzzle and chest.

He has white paws and wears an orange and green collar with a license plate that reads “SD” (for Scooby Doo).

His ears are droopy and he almost always has his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

Scooby is also quite large- he towers over his human companions Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma.

In fact, Scooby is so large that he is often mistaken for a bear or other wild animal!

WHAT DO GREAT DANES LOOK LIKE?

According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes are “powerful, large and muscular” with a “long and strong” muzzle.

Their ears are also droopy like Scooby Doo’s, often described as “elephant-like.” Some Great Danes ears are cropped, which makes them stand upright.

GREAT DANE EAR CROPPING

Great Danes come in many colors, but the most common are fawn (a light tan), brindle (a dark tiger-stripe pattern), blue, black, harlequin (a patchwork of black and white), and mantle (mostly black with a white chest).

Blue Great Danes
Mantle Great Danes
Black Great Danes
Double Merle Great Danes
Colors of Great Danes
Harlequin Great Danes
White Great Danes

Many Great Danes also have a small amount of white on their paws and chests.

Interestingly enough, the AKC also notes that Great Danes are “gentle giants” who are “patient and loving with children.”

They are also very friendly dogs who love to be around people.

10 things you should know about Great Dane Dogs

So, based on appearance alone, it’s easy to see how Scooby Doo could be a Great Dane.

But what about the rest of his character?

WHAT IS SCOOBY DOO’S PERSONALITY LIKE?

Scooby Doo is best known for being a bit of a scaredy-cat. He’s often afraid of ghosts, monsters, and other things that go bump in the night.

However, he’s also very brave when it comes to protecting his friends and solving mysteries. In fact, Scooby is often the one who comes up with the plans to catch the bad guys!

WHAT IS A GREAT DANE PERSONALITY LIKE?

Great Danes are also known for being gentle and loving, but they can also be very brave dogs.

Tips for Successfully Caring for Great Danes

Great Danes have a heart as big as their size. They are loyal and protective of their families, but they are also gentle and loving.

They are known for being great family dogs.

So, based on his personality traits, it’s easy to see how Scooby Doo could be a Great Dane.

Except for… the mystery of how Scooby Doo handles being in sticky situations….

HOW DOES SCOOBY DOO HANDLE SUPERNATURAL MYSTERIES?

Despite his size, Scooby is a total scaredy-cat.

He’s always the first to run away when things get too spooky for him.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not brave- when push comes to shove, Scooby is always there to help solve the mystery, even if it means putting himself in danger.

So, does Scooby Doo and his tendency to be a bit afraid match up with a Great Dane?

HOW DO GREAT DANES HANDLE SITUATIONS THEY ARE AFRAID OF?

The Great Dane breed can be generally pretty timid.

Great Danes are real characters when it comes to their choices of what they are afraid of.

Puppy Socialization

Sometimes a Great Dane might have logical fears, like being afraid of the fireworks or loud sounds.

Other times their fears might be more random, like being afraid of plastic bags, strangers, umbrellas or other animals.

But despite their fears, Great Danes are still brave dogs who will stay loyal to their families when it matters most.

Scooby Doo may be a bit of a mystery, but there’s no doubt that he shares many characteristics with the Great Dane breed.

Now let’s discuss some of the ways that Scooby Doo was able to find great success.

IS SCOOBY DOO SMART?

Even though Scooby Doo might be afraid of some silly things, he had a way of being quite the mystery machine when it came to helping his owner, Shaggy Rogers, out of sticky situations.

Scooby Doo is pretty scrappy. He always seemed to know how to protect Shaggy from the villains.

For example, in the episode “A Clue for Scooby Doo,” the gang is trying to solve the mystery of who is stealing food from a local restaurant.

After following some clues, they discover that it is actually a group of hungry ghosts!

Scooby Doo uses his quick thinking and bravery to help Shaggy escape from the ghosts.

In another episode, “Scooby Doo and a Mummy Too,” the gang is trying to solve the mystery of who is terrorizing a local museum.

After following some clues, they discover that it is actually a mummy!

Once again, Scooby Doo uses his quick thinking and bravery to help Shaggy escape from the mummy.

So, even though Scooby Doo might be afraid of some things, he is still a very smart and brave dog.

Scooby Doo is a great example of how even the most timid dogs can be brave when it matters most.

Now the question remains, is a Great Dane a match for Scooby Doo and his wit’s?

ARE GREAT DANES SMART?

Although some dog breeds may take the cake on this one, a Great Dane is definitely no stranger to intelligence.

The breed has been known to be quite resourceful and have a sharp memory.

There are many stories of Great Danes who have solved complex problems and been of great assistance to their owners.

Since from the beginning, a Great Dane was bred as a hunting dog, most Great Danes have the drive to perform jobs in real life.

8 Reasons You Should Not Get a Great Dane as a Guard Dog

IS SCOOBY DOO A FOOD LOVER?

Scooby Doo loves a good dog Scooby snack.

So much so, actually, that he’s always getting himself into trouble because he can’t resist following his nose to a good mystery.

But, dog lovers know that most dogs love snacks. So, how much does the drive for food really match the Scooby Doo breed to a Great Dane?

DO GREAT DANES LOVE FOOD?

If you have a Great Dane, you know that they are a dog breed that will do just about anything for a good snack.

A Great Dane puppy is highly motivated by food.

Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food
A Tasty Top: The Top 11 Foods to Feed a Great Dane

This is not surprising when you consider that, as hunting dogs, they were bred to have a high drive for food. They absolutely LOVE treats!

This trait has been passed down through the generations and is one of the things that make Great Danes such great dogs.

Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do

DOES SCOOBY DOO LOVE PEOPLE?

Scooby Doo is a character who is known for his love of people.

In almost every episode, Scooby Doo is shown to be friendly and loving towards the people he meets, even if they are strangers.

He is kind to Scrappy Doo and all of his friends including Daphne Blake, Fred Jones and Ken Spears.

Scooby is the kind of dog and character who can make the other characters feel happy, just by being around him.

DO GREAT DANES LOVE PEOPLE?

A Great Dane typically is a huge social butterfly.

They may be large dogs, but they are also some of the most loving and gentle dogs around.

Their size can be intimidating to some people, but once you get to know a Great Dane, you will see that they are just big softies.

They love people and enjoy being around them. This dog breed is one that absolutely is the kind of dog you want to add to your family, even if you have kids.

WHAT COLOR IS SCOOBY DOO?

Scooby Doo’s color is brown. He has a light brown fur with dark brown spots.

He’s got a long tail and bowed legs, which is likely just the way the cartoon character was designed.

Cartoons tend to exaggerate characters at times, so we can assume that in real life, he has normal dog legs.

WHAT COLOR ARE GREAT DANES?

The Scooby Doo dog breed doesn’t match up with EVERY Great Dane color, but does it match up with any of them?

There are 7 different Great Dane colors: Black, Blue, Brindle, Fawn, Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle.

The Colors of Great Danes
Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
Harlequin Great Danes

The Fawn color resembles the Scooby Doo breed! Check it out:

SO, WHAT KIND OF DOG IS SCOOBY DOO?

From analyzing Scooby Doo and his character, how he acts, what he looks like and what he loves, it is easy to see that Scooby Doo is a Great Dane.

He has all of the characteristics of a Great Dane, from his love of food to his gentle and loving nature.

The next time you watch cartoons and Scooby Doo pops up, take a closer look and see if you can figure out what kind of dog he really is. Chances are, you’ll see a Great Dane.

Likewise, the next time you see a Great Dane in real life, try to watch it and see if you can figure out if it resembles a ‘Scooby Doo Dog Breed’.

You might be surprised that if you see a Fawn Great Dane, it probably looks like a ‘Scooby Doo Dog’.

THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED

So, there you have it!

A Great Dane is the perfect match for the Scooby Doo character.

Both dogs are intelligent, resourceful, friendly, loving and gentle.

Plus, they both love food! If you are ever wondering what kind of dog Scooby Doo is, do your research on the Great Dane dog breed.

Whether it’s his appearance, personality, or even the way he handles being in sticky situations, Scooby Doo is the epitome of a Great Dane.

Do you have a Great Dane that shares some of Scooby Doo? Let us know!

Read More:
The Best Collars for Great Danes
Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
: What Kind of Dog is Scooby Doo? The Many Mysteries of Scooby’s Thrilling Breed

READ MORE:

The Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Dane Brindle Dogs

Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of a Great Dane

June 19, 2022
12 Things You Didn’t Know About White Great Danes: Are White Great Danes Deaf and Blind?
Did you know that if your Great Dane has a solid white coat color it could have genetic health problems? Great Danes with white coats are known as Double Merles.

WHAT IS A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

A Double Merle Great Dane is a Great Dane that has been bred by two dogs who both carry the dominant merle gene.

White Danes are produced from doubling up on the Merling gene, as happens in Harlequin x Harlequin breeding, Harlequin x Merle breeding or Merle x Merle breeding.

When two dogs with the merle gene are bred together, there is a one in four chance that the puppies will be born as a white coated dog. These white dogs are called Double Merle.

Their white coat color is indicative of multiple congenital defects.

DO ALL WHITE GREAT DANES HAVE HEALTH ISSUES?

Not all Double Merle dogs will have health issues.

Although a Great Dane’s coat is a great indicator of their overall health, some DM Great Danes can be healthy dogs.

Not every Great Dane that is born with a white coat color will experience blindness or be deaf.

However, a great majority of DM Great Danes will have health issues including sensory issues (blindness and deafness).

WHAT CAUSES HEALTH ISSUES IN A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

The merle gene should not be bred with another merle gene.

Great Danes require extensive health testing to check for colors that each dog carries for prior to breeding. Otherwise, a breeder might end up with an albino dog.

Just because a dog does not have a merle coat, does not mean that it does not carry for the merle gene. All Great Dane dogs can carry for merle, which is why health testing is so important.

Reputable breeders will not breed their giant breed dog without ensuring that only one carries for a dominant gene of Merle.

BACKYARD BREEDING WHITE GREAT DANES

Unfortunately, bad breeding practices have plagued Great Dane dogs as well as other breeds.

Double Merle Great Danes have become more and more prevalent as breeding practices have become more lax.

Pure white Great Dane coat color is even being stated as a ‘rare Great Dane color‘.

This is a huge red flag. If you notice white puppies in a litter- know that these Great Danes are not ethically bred.

Although you might think that a breeder producing white Danes can still produce puppies that could make a great family pet, the heartbreak involved is not worth it.

The Great Dane breed is already predisposed to too many health concerns. Adding in merle deafness, blindness, and the other associated risks of a white coat is just not worth it.

Do not support any breeder who creates white Great Danes.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH CONCERNS FOR WHITE GREAT DANES

White Great Danes are not only normally blind and deaf, but they also have additional concerns.
1. Hip Dysplasia- This is a common health concern for all Great Danes but can be especially painful for aDouble Merle. Deafness and blindness can make it difficult to treat.
2. Elbow Dysplasia- This is another common orthopedic concern for Great Danes.
3. Cherry Eye- A third eyelid that becomes prolapsed and irritated.
4. Autoimmune Thyroiditis- Affects the thyroid gland and can cause weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy.
5. Skin Allergies/Sensitivities- White Great Danes are especially susceptible to skin allergies and sensitivities.
6. Skin Cancer- The risk of developing skin cancer is also increased in Great Danes with a white coat.
Double Merle Great Danes are beautiful dogs but come with a lot of risks. Before you decide to bring one home, please do your research and be prepared for a lifetime of special care. These dogs are not for everyone and their needs should be carefully considered.

ARE ALL WHITE DOGS CONSIDERED UNHEALTHY?

Not all white puppers are the same.

White Great Danes are the product of a dominant gene, resulting in a Double Merle. Alternatively, normal dog breeds with white coat colors are the result of a double recessive gene.

The difference? One of these can make your dog blind, while the other dogs remain healthy.

If you have a Great Dane puppy who is pure white, they are probably a product of a Double Merle breeding. You should be proactive about their health.

DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANES AND BLINDNESS

Not all Great Danes who are white will be blind while they are puppies.

A white Great Dane puppy can develop blindness at birth, or they might develop blindness as they age.

Depending on the dog’s age, you can determine their eyesight by either taking them to the veterinarian or conducting at home tests.

If you notice that your White Great Dane has a harder time with obedience training, following you with their eyes, tracking toys or treats, or if they seem to be bumping into things- it is time for a vet visit.

These are all early signs of vision problems in Great Danes.

CATARACTS IN WHITE GREAT DANES

One of the most common eye problems in a Great Dane with vision problems, regardless of coat color, is cataracts.

Cataracts are a cloudy film that forms over the eye and can eventually lead to blindness.

The only way to remove cataracts is through surgery.

This surgery is expensive but can help improve your dog’s quality of life. Not treating cataracts can leave your dog blind.

If you notice that your White Great Dane is having trouble seeing, take them to the vet. Your vet can do an eye exam on your Great Dane to check for cataracs.

WHY ARE WHITE GREAT DANES DEAF?

Very commonly, a white Great Dane will have either partial or complete hearing loss.

This can be developed when your Great Dane is born, or develop over the lifetime of your Great Dane.

There are a few tests that can be conducted to test your Great Dane’s hearing.

The most common is the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test.

This test is painless and only takes a few minutes. It will determine if your Great Dane can hear low, medium, or high-pitched sounds.

If you are concerned about your Great Dane’s hearing, talk to your veterinarian.

USING AN E COLLAR TO TRAIN A BLIND OR DEAF GREAT DANE

One of the most powerful methods of training a Great Dane with vision or hearing impairments is through the use of an e collar.

Since a blind or deaf Great Dane cannot hear or see, they will rely heavily on their sense of smell and their sense of touch.

Using an e collar can help your Great Dane feel the communication through stimulation (not shock!)

This form of training will not only help your Great Dane navigate through the world appropriately, but also keep them safe.

You will NEED a means of communicating with your Great Dane, and being able to use an e collar to do so is the most ethical and effective way of doing so.

WHITE GREAT DANES AND ALLERGIES

White Great Danes are especially susceptible to skin allergies and sensitivities.

The most common allergies are environmental, such as dust, pollen, and grass.

GREAT DANE SKIN ISSUES

Environmental allergies can cause your Great Dane to have itchy skin, hot spots, and hair loss.

Diet plays a huge role in allergies of any Great Danes. Choose a food that is appropriate for a growing or adult Great Dane that will help ease their itchy or dry skin.

Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food
A Tasty Top: The Top 11 Foods to Feed a Great Dane
Should I Feed Grain Free?
Adding CBD Into Your Great Dane’s Diet
Supplements for Great Danes
Fish Oil for Great Danes
Great Dane Not Eating- What to Do

EAR INFECTIONS IN A WHITE GREAT DANE

If you have a Great Dane that is prone to ear infections, you know what a hassle they can be.

Not only are they painful for your dog, but they can also be difficult to treat.

Ear Infections in Great Danes

There are a few things you can do to help prevent ear infections in your Great Dane.

First, make sure you are cleaning their ears regularly. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could cause an infection.

Second, try using an ear cleaner that is specifically designed for dogs. We swear by the product called Xymox, which has proven time and time again to clear up any ear infection.

Xymox is our absolute FAVORITE cleanser if your Great Dane has yeast or inflammation in its ears.

Third, if your Great Dane is going swimming, make sure you dry their ears out completely afterwards.

If you are doing all of these things and your Great Dane STILL gets ear infections, talk to your vet. They may prescribe a special medication to help prevent future problems.

ARE HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES THE SAME AS A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

Many people assume that a white Great Dane is the same as a Harlequin Great Dane.

This is not true!

A Harlequin Great Dane does not carry the same health issues that a white Great Dane does.

In fact, Harlequin Great Danes are one of the 7 breed standard colors approved by the National Breed Club.

Blue Great Danes
Mantle Great Danes
Black Great Danes
Harlequin Great Danes
Colors of Great Danes

The Great Dane Club of America shares standards for the Great Dane breed, which can be very fun to examine. In these standards, the Great Dane Club discusses the American Kennel Club ‘standard’ for a Harlequin Great Dane.

The Issue with the AKC

If you are considering Great Dane rescue of a white Great Dane, know that every gentle giant deserves a loving home. These dogs can make for a best friend, loving companion and great family member. But, be prepared for the health issues and associated fees that your pup might bring with it. Preparation is always key to success.

READ MORE ABOUT DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANES: 12 Things You Didn’t Know About White Great Danes: Are White Great Danes Deaf and Blind?

READ MORE:

Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?
June 16, 2022
The Magnificent Harlequin Great Dane
The Harlequin Great Dane is not only one of the cutest dog’s in the world, it’s one of the largest too! Popular for being a Gentle Giant, the Harlequin will rock your world.

The colors of Great Danes are:
1. Black (Black Great Danes)
2. Mantle (Mantle Great Danes)
3. Harlequin (Harlequin Great Danes)
4. Merle
5. Fawn (FAWN GREAT DANES)
6. Brindle (BRINDLE GREAT DANES)
7. Blue (Blue Great Danes)
Off standard colors include Double Merle Great Danes, which are White Great Danes with predisposed health conditions. Off standard colors that are not approved to be in the show ring are typically bred without health testing. (OFF STANDARD GREAT DANES) Read more about the colors of Great Danes here.

Harlequin Great Danes are one of the most special Great Dane colors. Until you’ve had a Harlequin Great Dane puppy crawling on your lap, you really haven’t even lived!

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE BREED

Harlequin Great Dane puppies are bred when two Great Dane parents both have the merle gene.

This can happen when two Harlequin Great Danes breed together or a Harlequin Great Dane breeds with a Merle Great Dane.

But, believe it or not other Great Danes (Blue, Black, Fawn, Mantle, Brindle) can also produce Harlequin Great Dane puppies, if they carry for the merle gene.

WHAT IS A HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE?

A Harlequin pattern is defined as a solid color with irregular patches of another color.

In the Great Dane world, the Harlequin is defined as a pure white coat with black patches or pale gray patches or both. The gray patches might have somewhat of a merle pattern.

The pattern is not symmetrical and usually has more white than black. The tail tip can be either black or white.

The Harlequin coat can have various Harlequin coat patterns to them. Harlequin coat pattern might have big black torn patches or merle patches.

OTHER GREAT DANE COAT COLORS

The Great Dane Club of America and the AKC recognize 7 Great Dane colors:
1. Black
2. Blue
3. Fawn
4. Harlequin
5. Mantle
6. Merle
7. Brindle
The colors Harlequin and Merle are connected because a Harlequin Great Dane must have one Merle parent to produce the desired coloration.

A Harlequin Great Dane dog is considered one of the rarest Great Dane colors because it is so striking and it can be hard to produce a breed standard Harlequin.

Blue Great Danes
Mantle Great Danes
14 Exciting Things about Black Great Danes
Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version
Colors of Great Danes
Harlequin Great Danes
Brindle Great Danes
Fawn Great Danes

WHAT IS A ‘BREED STANDARD’ HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE?

Breed standard is what a Harlequin Great Dane should look like, according to the ‘right’ description.

Although a range of patterns can exist in a Harlequin puppy, there are not supposed to be so few patches that the Harlequin Great Dane is pure white, and so many black patches that the white can not be seen.

When choosing a Harlequin Great Dane, the breeder you choose is so important. Check out our registry for breeders you can trust.

It is also undesireable for a Harlequin Great Dane to have torn black patches, which means the black hairs are not well defined or have white marks within them. Instead, the Harlequin pattern should have solid black patches.

It is preferred that a Harlequin Great Dane has a white neck. It is okay if a Harlequin Great Dane has patches of gray coat.

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES TEMPERAMENT

For being one of the world’s largest dog breed, Harlequin Great Danes are extremely docile and gentle.

Many people look to get a Great Dane puppy because they are gentle giants, however they do still require serious training.

Big dogs are just that- BIG! So, with their size comes a responsibility to make sure that they are trained.

When socialized as puppies, Harlequin dogs are typically a great family pet, great with children and other dogs, can be a bit stubborn (like most dogs), and very easy to fall in love with.

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE PUPPIES

Harlequin puppies are some of the absolute cutest pups. From their little pink nose and unique coat to their blue eyes- it’s very hard to not fall in love with them.

Their harlequin color draws a lot of attention so if you are a first time dog owner be ready for the ‘horse’ comments!

Things you will need for Harlequin puppies:

A Crate– crate training is an absolute must for a Great Dane puppy. Crate training helps to teach your puppy independence and keeps them out of trouble when you are not able to watch them.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST CRATE FOR A GREAT DANE

Food and Water Bowls– get bowls that are big enough for your puppy. If your Harlequin Great Dane puppy is eating too fast, you might want to consider getting them a slow feeder which can help to prevent them from eating too fast (and can create stomach issues and lead to bloat).

Nail Filing Tools: Keeping your Harlequin Great Danes nails short is one of the biggest things you can do to help their joints stay healthy. It also prevents feet issues when they do not have long nails. You can choose between clippers or a Dremel.

Puppy Food: Great Danes require specific food that is formulated to their giant growth and different than other breeds. Find and commit to a puppy formula that is suitable for your Great Dane.

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES AND THEIR HEALTH ISSUES

Like all Great Danes, Harlequin Great Danes face health issues that not all other dogs face.

JOINT ISSUES

Harlequin Great Danes are more predisposed to joint disease than smaller dog breeds.

Arthritis, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are all common joint issues in Harlequin Great Danes.

To help prevent these issues, it is important to keep your Harlequin Great Dane at a healthy weight and to not allow them to jump on and off of furniture.

It is also important to keep their nails short so they do not put too much pressure on their joints.

Keep your Great Dane on a high quality joint support, like Dasuquin.

HEART DISEASE

Heart disease is also a common health issue in Harlequin Great Danes.

The most common form of heart disease in Harlequin Great Danes is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thin and weakens, causing the heart to not pump efficiently.

Symptoms of DCM can include coughing, exercise intolerance, fainting and an enlarged heart.

To help prevent heart disease in your Harlequin Great Dane, it is important to feed them a high quality diet and to take them to the vet for regular check-ups.

CANCER

Cancer is also a common health issue in Harlequin Great Danes.

The most common type of cancer in Harlequin Great Danes is osteosarcoma, which is a bone cancer. Other types of cancer that Harlequin Great Danes can get include lymphoma, mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma.

There is no sure way to prevent cancer in Harlequin Great Danes, but it is important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and to be aware of any changes in their health.

BLOAT

Bloat is a condition that can occur in all dogs, but is more common in deep chested breeds like the Harlequin Great Dane.

Bloat occurs when the stomach fill with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow to the stomach. Bloat is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Symptoms of bloat include a distended abdomen, drooling, restlessness and pacing, panting and an inability to vomit.

If you think your dog is bloated, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.

To help prevent bloat, it is important to feed your Harlequin Great Dane several small meals a day instead of one large meal. You should also prioritize gut health, as gut health is related to bloat.

WHAT IS A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

Double Merles are caused when two Harlequin Great Danes, two Merle Great Danes, or one of each (OR any Great Danes that carry the merle gene) are bred together.

When this breeding takes place, the puppies have a one in four chance of being double merles.

A Double Merle Great Dane is a Great Dane with two of the merle gene- and this can cause serious issues.

Double Merle Great Danes

The coat color of these dogs is usually solid white and they typically have either both blue eyes or one blue eye. Although standard, healthy Harlequin dogs can have blue eyes at birth, they do not have the same ‘hollow’ blue eyes as a Double Merle. Also, normally a Harlequin will lose its blue eyes as it grows up. However, just because a dog has blue eyes does not mean it is a DM.

A Double Merle Great Dane is faced with health issues from the bat. They are typically somewhat to completely blind and deaf, face an abundance of sensory issues, are extremely predisposed to cancer, joint issues, bloat and other health concerns and are generally very anxious in temperament.

Any breeder who is breeding together two Harlequin dogs should be stopped immediately as it is of the detriment of these poor dogs.

Most breeders who are ethical and considerate will health test their dogs before breeding any dogs together to ensure that their dog does not carry the merle gene if being bred to a Harlequin or Merle Great Dane.

Unfortunately, many breeders do not care about the dogs being bred and proceed to breed and produce these issues.

HOW MUCH DO HARLEQUIN DOGS COST?

When looking for a Great Dane, cheaper is not always better, but neither is more expensive. Harlequin Great Danes cost anywhere from $500-$3000.

HOW MUCH DO GREAT DANES COST?

In general, the Harlequin coat color does tend to be one of the more expensive of all of the Great Danes.

The beautiful coat makes many people want them.

When looking for a Great Dane, do not fall for the following scams:
1. If your breeder says that they are ‘AKC’ Dogs. Being apart of the American Kennel Club does not mean you are getting a healthy Great Dane, nor does it mean you should or shouldn’t pay more for the Great Dane. (AKC Papers Are Not Enough)
2. If your breeder states you are getting a ‘Blue Harlequin’ or any other odd type of Harlequin gene. This is just a fancy way of stating that your dog is a mixed breed and not a standard Great Dane.
3. If your breeder is breeding two dogs together that both have the merle gene. Look for ‘spot to spot’ breeding, but also ask for health tests to confirm. (Double Merle Great Danes)
4. If your breeder states that you are getting a ‘Euro’ Great Dane. This is just another way of stating that you are getting a ‘Fat’ Great Dane. (Euro Danes: A Big, Droopy Problem)
Read more about ‘Euro’ Great Danes here.

Instead, look for breeders who:
1. Health test their dogs using OFA Health testing. (What is OFA Health Testing?)
2. Socialize their dogs and puppies from a young age. (Puppy Culture: A Way to Socialize from the Start)
3. Genetically test the coat color of each dog they breed to ensure that they are producing healthy puppies.
4. Provide you with lifetime dog support and help.
5. Helps you to navigate the new dog world by educating you on what it means to own a Harlequin Dane.
Being a new dog parent can feel overwhelming, but Harlequin Great Danes are some of the best.

Enjoy every moment, your puppy will soon be a dog.

READ MORE:

Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?
Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do
Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
The Best Collars for Great Danes
Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
7 Best Nail Clippers for Great Danes
Find a Breeder
How to Find a Crate
June 16, 2022
Miniature Great Danes: Everything You Need to Know

Do you love the big, lovable Great Dane but don’t have the space for one? Maybe you’re thinking about getting a dog and want to know if a Miniature Great Dane is the right breed for you. Whatever the case may be, this blog post is for you! We will discuss everything you need to know about Miniature Great Danes, from their temperament and personality traits to their exercise needs and health concerns.

Are Miniature Great Danes Real?

This is a question we get a lot. And the answer is yes, Miniature Great Danes are real! They are not simply a runt of the litter or a Great Dane mixed with another small breed. Miniature Great Danes are their own unique Great Dane breed with their own set of characteristics.

What Makes a Miniature Great Dane?

The main difference between a Miniature Great Dane and a regular Great Dane is their size and the way they were bred.

A Miniature Great Dane puppy was probably bred by a Female Great Dane and Male Great Dane with a much smaller stature.

While this may be the case for some, not all breeders have their dogs undergo health testing. So, always make sure to do your research before getting a Miniature Great Dane!

Miniature Great Danes are not recognized as a completely separate Great Dane breed according to the American Kennel Club. Mini Great Danes are just that – the mini version of your favorite purebred Great Dane!

How Big are Mini-Great Danes?

Normal Great Danes are typically 30 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 175 pounds. Miniature Great Danes, on the other hand, are usually 20-26 inches tall and only about 90 lbs pounds.

Mini Great Danes are just regular Great Danes who might be more petite, smaller, or have smaller than average parents.

Just because you have a miniature Great Dane, does not mean that you have a small dog!

Your miniature Great Dane will definitely still be giant size!

Do People Intentionally Breed Miniature Sized Great Danes?

Breeders are (hopefully) not breeding miniature Great Danes on purpose.

Anytime someone goes against the Great Dane breed standards they should be seeking pet medical advice for that breeding. (and always!)

Off Color and Designer Great Danes
Bad Breeders
Scam Breeders: What to Look For
Breeders: Shady Business
Small Great Danes

When breeders try to produce miniature dogs of any dog breed it can produce health problems. Miniature dogs have become a big problem in many dog breeds.

Great Dane on White Background

Great Danes are a giant breed and should be bred to protect the dog’s growth.

However, if a breeder get’s a miniature Great Dane, in other words a smaller pup of the litter, it does not make them a ‘bad’ breeder.

Some Great Danes are just not going to be as big as others, and that should be normalized.

Great Dane Temperament & Personality Traits

Now that we’ve answered the question “Are Miniature Great Danes real?”, let’s move on to temperament and personality traits.

Just like regular Great Danes, Miniature Great Danes are gentle giants. They are loyal, loving, and make great family dogs. They are also very friendly with other animals and children.

Mini Great Dane temperament really does not differ from regular Great Danes.

Temperament of both mini Great Danes and standard sized Great Danes is highly related to the way they were originally bred as well as the socialization that they have been given.

If you have a large dog, you have a responsibility to help them with not only obedience training but also making sure that they are comfortable and confident in social settings.

Having a Great Dane is different than any other dog breed. New dog owners should read and learn about how to use balanced training and socialization in their dog’s life in order to help their Great Dane be successful.

Health Issues with Giant Breed Dogs

Giant breed dogs are often plagued with health issues like hip dysplasia, Bloat, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

Large breed dogs should not face these health problems, but unfortunately back yard breeders are producing more and more giant breed dogs that are not health tested and large dogs are at the brut of it.

Giant breeds do not need to be ‘less healthy’ than any other normal dog.

If you purchase a purebred Great Dane from a responsible breeder, you should be able to get a large breed Great Dane with minimal health issues, however it is up to you to do your research.

Miniature Great Danes do not have any less or more health issues or health problems than any other normal Great Dane. It is all dependent on the particular breeding practices of your specific Great Dane.

However, we do know that obesity lowers the life expectancy of Great Dane dogs significantly, so if your Great Dane is a pocket sized version in both height and weight, it could help lower their health risks towards obesity.

My Great Dane is Too Small

If you thought you were getting a ‘standard’ size Great Dane, but ended up with a miniature Great Dane, do not fret.

There is nothing wrong with having a smaller or ‘miniature’ Great Dane puppy.

As a matter of fact, most mini Great Danes are as healthy as can be.

At about 90 lbs, they are able to stay slim and keep the weight off of their large joints, generally speaking. Miniature Great Dane size does not define them being a giant breed dog or not.

This allows them to fight against arthritis and hip dysplasia or other health problems that step from obesity in Great Danes.

For that reason, you shouldn’t worry if your Great Dane is turning out smaller than you were hoping for.

Every dog is different and just because you got the smaller dog of the litter does not mean that there is anything wrong with them.

What is the Life Expectancy of Great Danes?

Great Dane dogs are a large breed and many think that automatically means that they should have a short life span.

Many breeders have perpetuated this issue by breeding Great Dane puppies with huge health issues.

Pet parents are left with dogs who are dying at a young age, vet bills they cannot afford and a broken heart.

This does not have to be the case.

If you do your research and purchase a Great Dane from a responsible breeder, your dog will have a much better chance of having a long and healthy life.

The average life expectancy for a Great Dane is about seven to ten years, although some can live up to 12 years if they are well cared for and do not have any major health problems.

Some health conditions that commonly shorten the lifespan of Great Danes include hip dysplasia, bloat, cancer, and heart disease.

By getting your Great Dane from a responsible breeder and taking them to regular vet check-ups, you can help ensure that your dog lives a long and happy life.

Do Miniature Great Danes Require Exercise?

If you have a Great Dane that you consider a ‘mini Great Dane’, you should treat it just like you would other dogs.

Depending on the dog, the dog’s growth / age / sex, it might need more or less exercise than its peers.

As a rule of thumb, Great Danes require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day.

This can be in the form of a walk, run, or playing fetch at the park.

Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna

Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna

Exercise is important for all dogs, but especially important for large breed dogs like the Great Dane.

Not only does it help them stay physically fit, but it also helps them avoid boredom and destructive behaviors.

So, if you have a miniature Great Dane, make sure to give them plenty of exercise and attention!

Do Miniature Great Danes require as much exercise as regular dogs? The answer is yes! Just like any other dog, depending on the dog’s growth/age/sex, they might need more.

What Items do I Need for my Miniature Great Dane?

Like all Great Danes, we recommend utilizing a healthy diet, promoting healthy socialization skills and training and working preventatively to keep them as healthy as possible.

WHAT BED SHOULD I GET MY MINI DANE?

Our favorite bed for any Giant Breed dog including Miniature Great Danes is the Big Barker bed.

Working to prevent joint issues before they happen is the key. Unfortunately, your gentle giant is predisposed to joint disease just because of its size.

The Big Barker bed is made with extra-dense foam that gives your dog the support it needs without sinking down too far.

The cover is also machine washable and dryer safe, so you can keep it clean and looking new for years to come.

Plus, the Big Barker bed comes in a variety of colors and sizes to fit any home décor and any size dog!

Big Barker Bed Review

So, if you’re looking for a bed for your Miniature Great Dane, we highly recommend the Big Barker bed!

Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

HOW SHOULD I TRAIN MY MINIATURE GREAT DANE?

It is so important for Great Dane parents to do their research before bringing home their Great Dane on the training processes they’d like to take.

However, it’s never too late!

We believe in balanced training for all Great Danes. The truth is- you CAN teach an old Great Dane new tricks!

We have an abundance of training resources that you can peruse. Feel free to reach out.

Why is Leash Training so Hard?
5 Leash Training Tips
Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training
What is Balanced Training?
Respect Training Tips: How to Train Your Puppy Great Dane
Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive?
Deplorable Dog Training: Sit Happens
What is Great Dane Dominance Training?

WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATS FOR GREAT DANES?

Mini Great Danes and standard size Great Danes have one thing in common- they all love treats.

Treats for Great Danes

Be sure to choose healthy training treats that will keep your Great Dane feeling its best.

Here are our favorites.

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

WHAT CRATE SHOULD I USE FOR MY MINIATURE GREAT DANE?

We believe in crate training for Great Danes as it keeps them safe and provides them with security and comfort.

How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
Crate Training: The Best Crates for Great Danes
New Puppy Checklist

If you are struggling to crate train your Great Dane, you are not alone.

Check out our resources for learning to safely crate your Great Dane.

Do you have a miniature Great Dane? What tips do you have for other pet parents? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More About Miniature Great Danes: Miniature Great Danes: Everything You Need to Know

READ MORE:

What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

June 14, 2022
The Many Great Dane Spots, Colors and Stripes
Great Dane spots, colors, and stripes! The many colors of Great Danes are fascinating and can also teach us a lot about our gentle giant.

Do you know that the Great Dane comes in a variety of colors? In fact, they can have spots, stripes or both! Some people might think that all Great Dane breeds colors are black with white markings, but this is not the case. There are a variety of colors and patterns that make up the Great Dane breed. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the different colors and markings that can be found on Great Danes.

Great Dane Spots, Colors and Stripes

There are 7 official Great Dane colors.

The official, recognized colors of Great Dane, by the American Kennel Club are black, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, mantle and merle.

The Official Colours of Great Danes:
1. Black Great Dane
2. Blue Great Dane
3. Brindle Great Dane
4. Fawn Great Dane
5. Harlequin Great Dane
6. Mantle Great Dane
7. Merle Great Dane
While there are only seven colors that are recognized by the AKC, there can be a variety of shades within each color. For example, a black Great Dane can have a blue tint to their coat or a brindle Great Dane can have a fawn base with brindle stripes.

Do Great Danes have spots?

Some Great Danes have markings, but they are technically not spots. For example, a Great Dane with a black coat might have white markings. This Great Dane would be called a Harlequin Great Dane.

However, since they are patches and not ‘dots’, they are not technically ‘spotted’ dogs, like a Dalmatian.

Blue Great Danes

Blue Great Danes are not actually blue, they are a gray color. Their pure steel blue coat color is caused by a genetic mutation that dilutes the black pigment in their coat.

Blue Great Danes

Some people think that they have ‘rare’ Grey Great Danes, but these are just variations of the Blue Great Dane.

Some Blue Great Danes might be a darker blue, and some might be a lighter blue.

In order to produce a Blue Great Dane, both parents must carry the blue gene.

Brindle Great Danes

A brindle Great Dane is a coat color that can range from a light gold to a deep red, with black stripes running throughout.

Their ‘striped’ coat color is made up of a chevron pattern and can appear to be somewhat of a yellow-gold coat. This yellow-gold can vary in color, depending on the Dane.

The brindle coat color is a very popular color for Great Danes as many people favor the strong black cross stripes.

To produce a brindle Great Dane, both parents must carry the brindle gene.

Brindle Great Danes chevron pattern on their coat that can range from light to dark colors. The stripes can be any color, but are usually black.

If you have a Brindle Great Dane, get ready for the ‘tiger’ AND the ‘horse’ comments!

Fawn Great Danes

A fawn Great Dane is a coat color that can range from a light gold to a deep red.

Fawn Great Danes are most popularized due to ‘Scooby Doo’.

Most Fawn Great Danes have somewhat ‘golden brown fur’.

If you are looking into different Great Dane colors, a Fawn Great Dane is very original and timeless.

The Fawn Great Dane will have either a blue mask or a black mask. This will make the Great Dane either a ‘Blue Fawn’ or a ‘Fawn’.

Only traditional Fawns with black masks are accepted into the AKC and Great Dane Club.

Fawn Colored Harlequins

Some breeders have began producing off colors of coat colors. A fawn colored Harlequin is not a breed standard Great Dane.

Read more about off color Great Danes.

Although it seems like these coat colors are fun with Great Danes, the variations can begin to hurt the breed and cause health issues down the line.

Work with a reputable breeder to bring home a Great Dane puppy that not only has pretty coat colors, but will be healthy for a long time to come.

Pet quality Great Danes are being produced more and more and although we support ALL Great Danes getting into loving homes, we support ethical breeders who produce Great Danes that are going to better the breed and help families live long lives with their new Great Dane puppy.

Harlequin Great Danes

A Harlequin Great Dane is a white coat with black patches. They might have more white or more black on their coat, but they will always have patches of both colors.

Harlequin Great Danes have a white coat with black patches- not the other way around.

If your Harlequin seems to have more black markings on it’s white coat, it is called ‘blanketed’. These black patches can vary in size, but Harlequins do not have white markings, as their primary color is a white coat.

As long as your Harlequin has one black patch, it is still a Harlequin, and not a Mantle etc.

A Harlequin Great Dane can also have merle coat colors mixed in- as Harlequin’s all carry for Merle and vice versa. So, it is not uncommon to find some ‘gray’ patches on a Harlequin white coat. Some areas may even make them look like a speckled Great Dane.

The tail tip of a Harlequin Great Dane can vary in color as every Harlequin Great Dane markings are unique and different.

Mantle Great Danes

A Mantle Great Dane has a black coat with a black blanket extending over its body.

The head of a Mantle Great Dane should be black with a white muzzle. Their neck should be either fully or partially white. The dog’s body should have white on either the full leg or partially on the leg. The dog’s tail tip should be white.

A small white break in the black blanket is okay, but not desirable according to dog shows and the dog should have limited white markings otherwise. Black skin can be seen through the white coat.

Mantle Great Danes are also produced in ‘Mantle Merle’, which is when the black markings and black mask are merle instead of black. This Great Dane coat color would be known as a ‘Merle Mantle Great Dane’, and is accepted into dog shows and in the American Kennel Club / Great Dane club.

Merle Great Danes

A Merle Great Dane is a coat color that can range from a light blue to a deep purple.

Great Danes with a Merle coat color will look similar to a Blue Great Dane, but will have Merle patches.

A Great Dane’s coat who is Merle is often looked at as ‘spotted’, when really the merle areas are patches.

What is a Blue Merle Great Dane Coat Color?

Many people are told that they are being sold Blue Merle Great Danes.

Blue Merle Great Dane puppies are not much different than standard Merle Great Danes.

Both Blue and Standard carry the merle gene. However, the only difference is that a Blue will also carry for the blue gene.

In terms of how they look, their coat colors are very much the same, with the difference of the paw pads and nose of the blue-merle having a bluer tint.

Black Great Danes

Black Great Danes are a beautiful part of the Great Dane breed. Their black coat and black mask make them look like Black Velvet.

Breed standard for Black Great Dane puppies suggest that they should have an entirely black coat, with little to no white markings.

Pure black Great Danes are very hard to come by. Typically, somewhere on their black coat you will find either a white muzzle, white markings or white chest. These white markings can also be found on the toes of black Great Dane puppies.

Double Merle Great Danes

Double Merle puppies are the result of bad breeding. Double Merle happens when breeders produce puppies with parents that both carry the merle gene.

When two dogs, both with spots, are bred, they can produce Double Merle puppies.

This produces white Danes, and usually they are pure white. They are also known as Albino Great Danes.

The problem with pure white Great Danes is the health problems that are associated with them.

Double Merle Great Danes have health problems far beyond their coat color: blindness, deafness, sensory issues, heart issues, and more.

What NOT to Breed:
- Two Harlequin Great Danes
- Two Merle Great Danes
- One Harlequin and One Great Dane
- Any dog that has not been health tested for what coat colors they carry
It is important that all dogs are health tested before being bred, as any seemingly healthy Great Dane can carry for merle or harlequin coat and produce Double Merles. Great Dane colors matter- and it is not just about what you can see on the outside.

Are Chocolate Great Danes Real?

Unfortunately, many breeders are breeding Great Danes without doing ethical health tests or checking the Great Dane coat colors.

Producing a Great Dane puppy that is ‘chocolate’ is going to cause more problems than you can imagine.

The main problem is that Chocolate Great Danes are not real. There is no such thing as a Chocolate Great Dane- they do not exist.

What many people believe to be a Chocolate Great Dane, is really an offbred Great Dane.

Chocolate is not a color that appears in the Great Dane colors, nor is it recognized.

Do your due diligence before bringing home a Great Dane puppy. Great Dane colors matter for both looks and health. A full grown chocolate Great Dane may have many health complications.

Read more:

What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Danes

Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of a Great Dane

What Kind of Dog is Scooby Doo? The Many Mysteries of Scooby’s Thrilling Breed
June 14, 2022
Black Great Dane Puppy: An Adorable Addition to Your Family
Do you love big, lovable dogs? If so, a black great dane puppy may be the perfect addition to your family! These gentle giants are known for their sweet personalities and calm demeanor. They make great pets for families with children and other animals.

IS A BLACK GREAT DANE PUPPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Great Danes are different from most other dogs. Great Danes are large breeds who can reach up to 180+ lb when they are full grown. (Great Dane Lifespan)

The colors of Great Danes are:
1. Black (Black Great Danes)
2. Mantle (Mantle Great Danes)
3. Harlequin (Harlequin Great Danes)
4. Merle
5. Fawn (FAWN GREAT DANES)
6. Brindle (BRINDLE GREAT DANES)
7. Blue (Blue Great Danes)
OFF STANDARD GREAT DANE COLORS

Off standard colors include Double Merle Great Danes, which are White Great Danes with predisposed health conditions. Off standard colors that are not approved to be in the show ring are typically bred without health testing. (OFF STANDARD GREAT DANES)Read more about the colors of Great Danes here. Did you know you can also get a miniature Great Dane? Read more here.

Great Danes are a tremendously gentle breed and generally friendly with all dogs, humans and kids. They start off as clumsy puppies but your playful pup will not stay small for long. A Great Dane will grow quickly and continue growing until they are over 24 months of age.

Great Dane Growth Chart

OBEDIENCE TRAINING AND BLACK GREAT DANE PUPPIES

If you signed up for a gentle giant and are surprised when your puppy is counter surfing and knocking over trash cans, you are not alone. Great Dane puppies are often expected to grow up faster than other breeds of puppies simply because they begin to look more like a dog at a younger age.

How to Stop Jumping Puppies
How to Leash Train Your Great Dane
Potty Training Puppies
How to Pick the Right Puppy

It is so important for owners to begin to train their dog early, practice socialization skills from a young age and make sure that their dog is getting around new noises, children, people and other dogs.

Early socialization and training does not mean that you have to take your dog to a dog park. Some ideas for healthy dog socialization could be:
1. Introducing your puppy to children, but not allowing the children to be overbearing or encroaching.
2. Walking your dog in different neighborhoods so they can get use to new sounds, smells and people.
3. Finding a local group or organization that wants to do group dog walks for daily exercise and that will allow your dog to get used to walking nearby other dogs
4. Mental stimulation like food puzzles, training classes or learning new tricks
PetDuro has creative ways to slow feed your dog in a standard slow feeder, an engagement slow feeder or a slow feeder licky mat.

Black Great Dane puppies are a lot of work but if you are prepared for the challenge, they can quickly turn into family and will be an owners best friend in no time.

BLACK GREAT DANE BREEDING

When buying a Great Dane, choosing ethical breeders is one of the most important things you can do for your dog and the breed.

Bad Breeders
Scam Breeders: What to Look For
Find a Breeder

NATIONAL BREED CLUB

The National Great Dane Club of America (GDCA) has a list of ethical people breeding Black Great Danes by state. You can find that list here. In order to become apart of the GDCA list of breeders, the breeders must prove that their puppies are healthy with vigorous health tests, free of hip dysplasia with x rays, and check for other health issues like healthy eyes / heart / and temperament.

If you are looking to bring home a new Gentle Giant you should investigate the Great Dane Club to find a breeder who is apart of the National Breed Club as it will ensure the health of your dog.

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB (AKC)

Finding a Great Dane that is ‘AKC’ Certified, is not enough to prove that your dog will be healthy.

Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not require that breeders health test their puppies prior to breeding.

Therefore, even if your dog is ‘AKC’ certified, it can be rattled with health issues like hip dysplasia, hip / joint issues, temperament problems, or more.

Arthritis in Great Danes

Do not rely on the AKC paperwork that some breeders offer for their puppies. As a new owner, do your research to ensure that your puppy is OFA Health Tested before you bring it home.

What is OFA Health Testing?

GREAT DANES AND EAR CROPPING

Is it ethical to crop a puppies ears?

Ear Cropping
Great Danes with Cropped Ears

HISTORY OF CROPPED EARS

Some breeds get their ears cropped when they are puppies. Great Dane dogs were originally bred as boar hound. Boar hounds were used to hunt wild boar. When Great Dane dogs were doing the hunting, their ears were often ripped off by the wild boar.

Danes that had their ears cropped were more likely to survive in the hunting field.

CROPPED EARS TODAY

Today, an owner might choose to crop their dogs ears as an aesthetic preference.

Some people believe that cropped ears give the dog a regal look or make them appear more intimidating.

The process of puppy ear cropping should not be painful for the puppy but must be done by an ethical and experienced surgeon.

Ear Cropping in Great Danes
Ear Cropping: The Two Sided Debate
How to Tape a Cropped Dane’s Ears

WHAT FOOD DO BLACK GREAT DANES REQUIRE?

Larger breed dogs require different food than small dogs.

Large breeds need kibble that is formulated specifically for them.

Danes require a specific amount of protein as well as calcium and phosphorus in their diet.

BONUS POST: Is my Great Dane too Skinny!?

LARGE BREED DANE PUPPIES AND DIET

Danes who are growing need to be fed large breed puppy kibble. (Puppy Food for Great Danes)

If you have a growing Great Dane you should do your research on their diet before bringing them home, as switching up their food too many times can cause issues.

You can find large breed puppy kibble at your local pet store.

We have linked resources below for larger breeds and diet:

Puppy Food for Great Danes
Puppy Food or Adult Food?
Should I Feed Grain Free?
Beware of this Dog Food

ADULT GREAT DANES DIET

As your Great Dane grows, it will fully mature into a Gentle Giant adult dog at around the age of 2.

At 24 months you can transition your dog to an adult formula.

Your dog’s age matters in regards to the type of kibble you feed them, as each kibble is formulated differently and made unique for different breeds.

Some of our favorite Great Dane foods and resources are linked here:

The Top 11 Great Dane Foods

GREAT DANES AND BLOAT

Any Great Dane owner should be aware of Bloat.

Bloat is a condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which is called Torsion.

It is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Bloat itself cannot be prevented, but you can help to prevent Torsion (the twisting of the stomach in Great Danes) with a surgery called the Gastropexy surgery.

This surgery can be conducted on your Great Dane at the same time that they get spayed or neutered, at around the age of 24 months.

What is Bloat?
Can Bloat be Prevented
The Scary Bloat Timeline
Bloat Myths : Mythbusting Bloat ‘Facts’

GROOMING GREAT DANES

Great Danes do not require a ton of grooming.

However, any Great Dane owner will tell you that these dogs DO shed quite a lot.

Great Dane Shedding

Despite their short hair, they do seem to shed just as much as other dogs.

BRUSHING YOUR GREAT DANE

Regular brushing will help keep your life in order.

Do not brush too much as it sometimes can seem to cause excessive shedding.

We have a list of our favorite tools for the breed and their hair.

Favorite Great Dane Grooming Tools

At the top of the list is the Sleek Ez- a great tool for keeping dogs hair under control.

See the 5″ Original Sleek EZ Great Dane Brush on Amazon

NAIL TRIMMING AND DOGS

Great Danes are prone to joint disease.

Long nails can make arthritis, joint disease, etc significantly worse.

Dogs with untrimmed and long nails are also more likely to slip and fall on hardwood or tile floors, which can cause serious injury.

We recommend that you trim your Great Danes nails frequently. By keeping their nails trimmed regularly, you are helping your dog with not only their comfort, but also their health.

THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS AND FILERS FOR BIG DOGS
GREAT DANE NAIL TOOLS
HOW TO TRIM YOUR PUPPIES NAILS
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR DOG’S FEET
THE 7 BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR GREAT DANES

USING CLIPPERS

You and your dog might feel more comfortable using clippers to trim nails. That is completely fine.

Some dogs prefer clippers as they are quieter and help the dog feel safer during nail trimming.

READ MORE ABOUT TOOLS WE RECOMMEND FOR TRIMMING HERE

USING A DREMEL

A dremel is a power tool that can be used to trim nails. It is a very quick process and does not hurt the dog.

When using the dremel, you want to be sure to keep your dog calm and work your way around the ‘quick’.

You will need to train your dog to sit still from a young age.

Shop Dremel on Amazon

Your Great Dane will quickly become a large dog, and you want to get these routines into place while they are still young.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES MY GREAT DANE NEED?

Many people choose the Great Dane breed because they think they are getting a lazy, ‘couch potato’ dog.

This is just not the case in so many situations.

The breed is sweet, affectionate and an amazing member of any family, but they are not always lazy dogs.

DAILY EXERCISE

Usually, the average Great Dane will need about 1 hour or more of daily walking, playing outside, running around independently, etc.

That is a low estimate.

Dogs are meant to play and run in order to stay healthy, not lounge around all day long.

Getting your Great Dane active is beneficial for both them and your family.

GIVING YOUR GREAT DANE TOO MUCH EXERCISE

Great Dane dogs should not be required to participate in vigorous exercise, dog sports, or forced running before they turn the age of 2, (or after).

Should I Take My Great Dane Running?

The breed grows until they are 24 months and up until that point your dog will have open growth plates.

Growing Great Danes

Forcing them to run or train excessively can cause damage to their growth plates, which can be irreversible.

Many pet parents are afraid to give too much exercise that they do not give enough exercise to the breed.

IS MY GREAT DANE PUPPY ALLOWED TO RUN AND PLAY?

Your Great Dane can play and run as much as THEY want to.

Never force your dog to run, for example: by tying them onto a leash and making them run beside your bike.

As long as the run and play is in the control of your dog, they will not damage their joints.

MY GREAT DANE IS SCARED OF STRANGERS

Socializing dogs is a lot of work, but so important.

Great Dane Fear Stages
How to Stop Dog’s from Fighting
Puppy Socializing
My Great Dane Puppy is Afraid of Nail Trims

Starting socializing young helps keep your Great Dane away from fears.

If your Great Dane is afraid of strangers, do not force them to interact.

Instead, when you see strangers and notice signs of fear, make sure that your Great Dane feels that they have a safe ‘opt out’.

For example: use a crate to help them feel comfortable when strangers visit the house.

Signs of fear:
1. Dogs tucking their tails
2. Dogs cowering
3. Dogs trying to hide behind you
4. Dogs licking their lips
5. Dogs yawning
6. Dogs blinking their eyes excessively
7. Ears back
8. Hair standing on end
Allow your Great Dane to become more familiar with people, sounds, children and other dogs within their own comfort zone.
1. Utilize a crate as it can help to make your Great Dane feel secure and safe
2. When approaching other people on a walk with your Great Dane, keep your distance and do not allow them to pet him
3. Do not let kids interact or encroach on your Great Danes personal space
4. Accept that your Great Dane might not enjoy high-intense situations like dog parks, etc.
5. Take your Great Dane ‘people watching’ and allow them to sit and watch people rather than have to interact or get pets constantly
Be sure to check out our socialization guide which will help guide you through the fears of the breed.

TREATS AND BONES FOR GREAT DANES

Great Dane owners love to spoil their pets, but we want to make sure we do it correctly.

TREATS

Choose healthy treats that will keep the weight down on your Great Dane.

Is My Great Dane Overweight?
Don’t Mistake ‘Filling Out’ For Getting Fat
7 Deadly Health Risks

Obesity is a huge issue in the breed, as many want to argue for ‘the biggest’ in the breed.

FAT GREAT DANES

Bigger is not better in the breed as overweight dogs lead to joint disease, cancers, and heart disease.

Choose a low calorie and healthy treat to help keep your Great Dane healthy throughout life.

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

BONES

Do not ever feed chemical filled rawhide to your Great Dane.

Rawhide can get stuck in the digestive system and cause serious health problems for your dog.

We recommend finding something that lasts a long time.

This sun dried hide from Farmhounds is our favorite as it is chemical free and lasts as much as a month of chewing for the breeds heavy teeth.

$20 off Farm Hounds, click here.

CONCLUSION

Great Danes are an affectionate breed that are known for their large size. But did you know that they are also one of the most popular family pets?

Great Danes are gentle, loving and protective of their families for life. But because of their size, it’s important to socialize them early and make sure they get plenty of exercise. And when it comes to treats and bones, choose wisely! A healthy diet is essential for any dog, but especially for Great Danes.

READ MORE:

Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?
Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do
Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
The Best Collars for Great Danes
Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
June 10, 2022

The Majestic Black Great Dane

Do you have a majestic Black Great Dane?

These dogs are often called “the black beauties” for their sleek, all-black coats.

Black Great Danes are gorgeous, and there is much to love about these dogs, from their gentle dispositions to their impressive size.

The standard colors of Great Danes include:

Off standard colors include Double Merle Great Danes, which are White Great Danes that often have predisposed health conditions. Off standard colors that are not approved to be in the show ring are typically bred without health testing. (OFF STANDARD GREAT DANES)

Read more about the colors of Great Danes here.

Black Great Dane History

The Black Great Dane is a German breed of dog that is also known as the Dog Grand Danois. Black Great Danes have a long and proud history.

The breed was first developed in the early 19th century, and it quickly became popular among German nobles. Originally bred as boar hounds to hunt wild boar, they quickly became beloved by German breeders for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle temperament.

In 1887, the first Great Dane Club was founded in Germany, and the breed soon found popularity all over Europe. However, the Black Great Dane was not officially recognized as a separate breed until the late 19th century.

The most notable difference between the Black Great Dane and other Great Danes is the color of their coats. Black Great Danes are entirely black.

Today, when solid black, Black Great Danes are considered to be one of the rarest colors of the breed, and they are highly prized by dog enthusiasts. Thanks to their noble history, Black Great Danes will always be considered one of the most prestigious breeds around.

Temperament of Black Great Danes

Black Great Danes are known for their laid-back, calm temperament.

These dog’s have long been prized for their easygoing nature and even disposition, making them the go-to canine choice for families with young children.

Unlike other dog breeds, which can become easily excitable or territorial, Great Danes tend to be naturally gentle and non-confrontational.

In addition, these dogs grow to be very large in size, but they retain a very puppy-like energy level throughout their lives.

Whether frisking around the dog park with other playful pups or cuddling up at home on the couch with their favorite humans, Black Great Danes always seem to be just a tiny bit calmer than their counterparts of other colors.

Great Dane Toys — Photo credit to Dear Danes

942351 572101612822912 1146317735 n — Photo credit to Dear Danes

Competitive Sports and A Black Great Dane

Who says competitive sports are just for humans? Canine sports have been around for centuries and are a great way for a Black Great Dane to stay active and have fun. In the early days, canine sports were used as a way to train hunting dogs.

Today, they’re popular all over the world and there are even canine sports competitions sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.

A Black Great Dane makes a great competitor in dog sports because of their size and athleticism.

If you’re looking for a fun activity for your Black Dane, consider signing up for a dog sport class or competition. Your dog is sure to have a blast – and you might even end up taking home a trophy!

59402 10151100356847477 179248839 n — Photo Credit to Tina Schneider

394439 10150997502072477 214335895 n — Photo Credit to Tina Schneider

Great Dane Standard Colors

There are seven breed standard colors of Great Danes: black, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, mantle, and merle.

The Black Great Dane is not the most popular color, but people who see them are star-struck.

Black Great Danes

While most people are familiar with the fawn and brindle colors, Black Great Danes are actually quite rare when they are completely solid.

14 Exciting Things about Black Great Danes

Blue Great Danes

One striking color is the blue great dane, which gets its brilliant blue coloring from a special blue gene known as the “merle” gene, which can range anywhere from blue to black. For that reason, there can be ‘blue’ merle or ‘standard’ merle.

Blue Great Danes

Merle Great Danes

The merle gene can also cause other patterns and markings on the dog’s coat, including harlequin, fawn, and mantle.

Harlequin Great Danes

Harlequin is a color pattern that is made up of a white coat with black patches. Sometimes, there can also be gray patches.

Mantle Great Danes

Mantle Great Danes are mostly black with white markings on the chest, neck, and legs.

Mantle Great Danes

Whether you favor black dogs or another color, one thing is certain – there is no denying the beauty of a Great Dane!

Breed Standard for A Black Great Dane

A glossy black coat with moderate white markings and a short, dense fleece coat are the standards for the Black Great Dane.

Black Great Danes are often noted as the ‘softest’ and ‘silkiest’ of all Danes.

One of the largest breeds, they weigh between 100 and 130 pounds as females and 130-160 as males on average. They stand 28 to 36 inches at the shoulder.

The glossy black coat is the result of selective breeding and should be free of any rust, brindle, or other colors.

Euro Danes: A Big, Droopy Problem
What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

The moderate white markings include a small amount of white on the chest and toes.

The short, dense fleece coat is black with a small amount of white on the chest and belly. This color in the Great Dane is recognized by the AKC.

Can CBD Help Dogs?

Black Great Dane and Ear Cropping

Although many people believe that cropped ears are an essential part of a Great Dane’s appearance, there are pros and cons to both sides (crop or not).

What is Ear Cropping?

Cropping a dogs ears consists of cutting off a portion of the ear and then taping them to stand erect.

Some people believe that cropping makes these breeds look more intimidating and ‘guard-like.’

What are the pros and cons of ear crops?

It is worth considering the pros as well as the downsides of this procedure for large breed dogs.

For one thing, despite controversial conversation, cropped ears do not cause any pain and discomfort for the dog. Cropping your puppies ears does require surgery to remove a portion of the ear and must be done before 8 weeks to remain ethical.

However, when done ethically by an experienced surgeon, it will be as painless as getting their dewclaws removed.

Posting Ears

On the contrary, ears that are cropped are difficult to maintain, requiring pet parents to post the ears for months after surgery in order to keep them upright.

Despite these pros and cons, cropped ears remain popular among owners of Black Great Danes due to their association with this specific breed.

Some people believe that cropping a dogs ears helps to eliminate health issues such as ear infections, but many state that has been disputed.

Health Issues for Black Danes

Black Danes can be prone to a number of health issues.

One of the most common problems is hip dysplasia, which occurs when a dog’s hip joint fails to develop properly. Arthritis is also very common.

Other common health concerns include cancer, heart conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.

That being said, with proper care and attention, a black Great Dane can live long, healthy life.

In fact, many great Danish dogs have flourished well into their teens and beyond!

Whether it’s through regular exercise and healthy diets or regular veterinary visits and breed-specific supplements, Black Danes can thrive if we put in the effort.

Obedience Training a Black Great Dane

Training a Great Dane begins in puppyhood and continues throughout the entire life of your dog.

As a breed who were originally bred to be a boar hound (a hunting dog to herd/hunt boars), pet parents should know that their dog’s temperament very well could be energetic and NOT a couch potato.

And since they are a large breed dog, it’s important to start socialization early on as well – getting them used to different people, animals, and environments.

This will help reduce the likelihood of your Dane developing fear-based or aggressive behaviors.

We put together a socialization guide for dog owners. You can find that guide here:

Personality of a Black Great Dane

Great Danes are very gentle, and black Great Danes are no exception. These dogs are known for their even temperaments and loving nature. Black Great Danes are often referred to as the largest lap dog. Even though they are a giant dog, they love their owners and often think they are teeny.

Like all Great Danes, black Great Danes need plenty of exercise. They also require a lot of space due to their large size.

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Black Great Danes are intelligent dogs and can be easy to train if you use positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise.

Black Great Dane Puppy

If you have spent any time with any Great Dane puppies you will know that these large breeds are some of the most gentle and goofiest dogs around.

Their coal-black fur is soft and velvety, and they often have white markings on their chest and toes.

As with all dog breeds, early socialization is important for black Great Dane puppies.

This means exposing them to different people, places, sounds, and experiences in a positive way so that they grow up to be confident adults.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST CRATE FOR A GREAT DANE

Take your pup on walks around the neighborhood, introduce them to new friends, and enroll them in puppy obedience classes.

Breeding a Black Great Dane

Several different cross breeding combinations of Danes will produce black offspring.

If you are looking for a solid black Great Dane, you will want to look for Black/Black breedings. With a Black/Black breeding, you might also see Blue puppies in the litter (if the parents carry for blue).

Many black Great Danes have moderate white fur including white on their chest or toes (this is very common). These Danes often come from pairings of Harlequin and Black breeding or Mantle/Black.

Black Danes can also come from Brindle/Black or Black and fawn color combination or even Blue/Black breedings.

Pet Owner Requirements of Danes and Giant Breeds

A Black Great Dane requires much of the same things as other dogs and other Danes in regards to pet ownership.

Crates:

As large dogs, be prepared to spend quite a lot of money on them for food, treats, supplies (collars, leashes), a kennel/crate, and toys.

Shop for the best crate for Great Danes on Amazon

You might be surprised to hear that a Danes are definitely kennel dogs- most Danes LOVE to spend time in the comfort of their crate. We have compiled a list of our favorite crates for big dogs here:

Food:

A black Great Dane should be fed a high-quality diet that is formulated for large breeds.

This will help ensure that they grow at a healthy rate and don’t put too much strain on their developing joints.

Amongst a few others, we recommend this food for large breed puppies:

As Dane owners and lovers, we recommend certain foods that we have researched and know well, for the Great Dane breed, some being raw and some being kibble. Here is some of the raw food we recommend, linked for your convenience:

e commerce turkey — We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.

Bed

An orthopedic dog bed is one of the most important things you can buy for your dog- beginning in puppyhood. Regardless of your dog’s age, they should not be sleeping on hard surfaces with their joints touching the hard floor. As you know, big dogs are predisposed to joint disease such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Providing an orthopedic bed will help to eliminate the pressure on their joints that they might experience from laying on a hard surface and will encourage them to get up and move around.

Here is the orthopedic bed that we recommend:

794937 center 1 — **Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.**

1201680655684152 Big Barker 4032x3024 MQ 1.02 2 1600x — **Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.**

Dietary Requirements for a Black Great Dane

We have an abundance of food and diet resources here on this website for your convience. Dane parents are plagued constantly with an abundance of questions. Here are some of the most asked questions, linked to resources for you to peruse:

The following is a standard feeding chart for growing puppies. Please keep in mind that not all puppies will grow at the same rate, nor need the same amount of food.

Birth	1-2 lbs
1 Week	2-3 lbs
2 Weeks	3-5 lbs
3 Weeks	4-7 lbs
1 Month	5-8 lbs
6 Weeks	10-20 lbs
2 Months	15-30 lbs
3 Months	25-45 lbs
4 Months	45-65 lbs
5 Months	60-85 lbs
6 Months	65 – 100 lbs
7 Months	70-110 lbs
8 Months	80-120 lbs
9 Months	85-125 lbs
1 Year	95-120 lbs
ADULT
Female	110-145lbs
Male	135-170lbs

Where to Buy a Black Great Dane?

If you are looking for a black Great Dane you are going to want to research the Great Dane club of America. The GDCA is a national breed club that provides pet parents with information regarding the breed, where to buy a Great Dane and what to look for in a quality breeder.

Screen Shot 2022 05 06 at 1.16.23 PM — The GDCA has a breeder registry that is easy to use with high quality, health tested Great Danes.

America Breeder’s Color Code

The GDCA also has a Color Code within their code of ethics. This means that the breeders will not be breeding off standard colors, or breeding two colors together that will cause harm to the puppies. (Two harlequins or two merles or one of each can cause blind and deaf puppies called Double Merle).

What is a Double Merle Great Dane?

“It shall be the goal of all to breed forward, never backwards, to attain pedigrees of puppies which have the desired color strains endorsed by the Great Dane Club of America”

GREAT DANE CLUB OF AMERICA BREEDER’S CODE OF ETHICS

The GDCA actually has a code of ethics for all breeders that states the following: This Code is established in accordance with the objectives of the GDCA to protect and advance the interests of Great Danes and to provide guidelines for responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices.

ALL MEMBERS SHALL:

Maintain the best possible standards of health, cleanliness, safety and care of their dogs.
Breed Great Danes which are temperamentally and structurally sound.
Refrain from further use of a Great Dane for breeding if the dog or bitch has produced any offspring with serious inherited defects.
Not breed to an unregistered Great Dane.
All dogs and bitches to be bred be x-rayed prior to breeding and declared free of hip dysplasia by a knowledgeable Veterinarian or the OFA. It is also encouraged that any and all technology available be used to screen all animals to be used for breeding, according to known problems within the breed (e.g. OFA, cardiac check, thyroid check, vWD, PRA, etc.).

These are just a FEW of the many requirements to be apart of the GDCA Code of Ethics. If you are looking for a Gentle Giant, you do NOT want to simply look on Facebook or Craiglist, but rather do your research and find a breeder willing to actually put in the work to help make your pup into the breed they are supposed to be.

Are Gentle Giants Worth It?

Danes are a big responsibility. They come with a lot of needs such as proper socialization, training, nutrition, exercise, and grooming. Great Danes are NOT for everyone.

But, one thing is for certain: you will fall in love with a gentle giant if you have the opportunity to have one in your life.

Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of Great Danes
Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do
Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
The Best Collars for Great Danes
Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
Colors of Great Danes

Bad Great Dane Breeders

May 6, 2022

Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
Meet the delightful Blue Great Danes – a charming variation of the already lovable breed! These big-hearted giants steal the show with their stunning solid blue coats, ranging from deep steel blue to a lighter, enchanting shade.

But it’s not just about the looks; these gentle giants are all about spreading joy and warmth. With their friendly disposition, expressive eyes, and lovable features, Blue Great Danes become instant family favorites.

Their imposing yet graceful presence adds a touch of magic to any home, making them not just beautiful companions but also the cuddliest friends you could wish for.

All About Blue Great Danes

Blue Great Danes are large dogs that have stunning steel blue coats. A blue Great Dane puppy may start with a lighter blue and darken as they age.

Pure Blue Great Danes are produced by two blue parents. While some breeders intentionally mix the dilute blue coat pattern into other color families (such as harlequin and fawn), blue is it’s own color family and does best that way!

According to the GDCA breed standard, Blue Great Danes “shall be a pure steel blue.

White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. The desired alert, intelligent expression is projected through the correctly placed, almond-shaped, dark eyes. In Blue Great Danes, a somewhat lighter eye is permissible.

In other words, blue Great Dane dogs should have a lively and intelligent expression and a completely solid steel blue coat with no white markings.

That doesn’t mean that a blue Great Dane with white markings or extremely dark brown eyes is ‘bad’, it just means that they don’t meet the written standard. Genetic variances will happen.

Each dog’s coat is unique to them!

Are Blue Danes Really Blue?

The undertones of their blue coat color (resulting from a dilution gene) appear blue to the human eye. Some people will call the blue Great Dane ‘grey’!

Blue Danes are gorgeous!

Dane breeders often describe the coat color as a deep steel blue, while others will say it’s more of a steely silver blue.

We have seen the blue Great Dane coat color appearing in a range of tones from charcoal to grey; it really depends on the dog’s individual genetics.

A deep steely blue is a preferred tone for Blue Great Danes.

Other coat colors in the Great Dane Breed standard include:
1. Black (Black Great Danes)
2. Mantle (Mantle Great Danes)
3. Harlequin (Harlequin Great Danes)
4. Merle
5. Fawn (FAWN GREAT DANES)
6. Brindle (BRINDLE GREAT DANES)
7. Blue (Blue Great Danes)
Off-standard colors include Double Merle Great Danes, which are White Great Danes with predisposed health conditions.

Read more about the colors of Great Danes here.

What to Feed a Blue Great Dane Puppy

Nourishing a Blue Great Dane puppy requires a thoughtful approach to support their growth and overall well-being. These gentle giants have unique dietary needs, especially during their crucial developmental stages.

A properly formulated large-breed puppy food that addresses their specific requirements is essential. Look for formulations with controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bone development without causing rapid growth, which can be associated with skeletal issues.

Adequate protein is crucial for muscle development, and essential fatty acids contribute to coat health.

Regular, scheduled feeding times and portion control are vital to prevent overfeeding, considering their predisposition to certain health concerns. As with any dog, access to fresh water is paramount.

Consulting with a veterinarian is instrumental in tailoring a nutrition plan that aligns with the individual needs of the Blue Great Dane puppy, ensuring a strong foundation for a healthy and happy life.

We recommend the following science-backed foods for Great Dane puppies:
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy – any flavor!
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK, salmon-based
- Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy (Great for active and sporting dogs)
- Purina One Large Breed Puppy (Excellent budget option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
- Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK, PREMIUM OPTION
- Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)
- Purina Large Breed Puppy Chow
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

Blue Great Danes Color Genetics

The stunning blue-grey coat of a Great Dane is the result of fascinating color genetics.

The blue coloration is a dilution of the black coat pigment caused by a specific gene known as the Blue gene. In Great Danes, this gene is denoted by the symbol “d.”

When a Blue Great Dane inherits one copy of the dilute blue gene from each parent, it can result in the striking steel blue shade that defines this variant.

Breeders need to be mindful of potential health implications associated with coat color genetics, such as the increased risk of skin sensitivities or deafness in some blue-coated dogs. Understanding these genetic nuances not only contributes to the aesthetic diversity of the breed but also aids responsible breeding practices to ensure the overall health and well-being of Blue Great Danes.

The blue dilute gene in Great Danes is used by off-color breeders to produce “lilac” or “blue harlequin” named dogs.

Blue Great Danes Temperament & Personality

Like all Great Danes, blue puppies should be confident, friendly, and courageous!

(Don’t believe us? Check out the written standard for a Blue Great Dane here).

Well-bred Great Danes from ethical breeders are truly ‘gentle giants’. They make amazing family pets for people who don’t mind the size (and the drool)!

Blue Great Danes, like all Danes, should get along well with other dogs and make wonderful companions for those willing to put the time into training and socialization.

Blue Great Danes used to be used to hunt wild boar!

Their enormous size and confident personalities made them well-suited for this job. Through years of selective breeding, the Great Dane Breed has come to be known as extremely gentle. Most Great Danes these days are perfectly content to be with their families and on a cozy bed.

Great Danes are the biggest lap dog you can own. They love to sit on top of people and receive affection. A Great Dane is a large dog that requires special consideration for their orthopedic and internal health. Be prepared to do some research before purchasing one.

This doesn’t mean that they are lazy, though. Great Danes love to run, play and explore. They require daily enrichment and exercise to stay in great shape.

We believe that people who are breeding blue Great Danes should be highly focused on health, structure, and the development of the classic, robust, loving Great Dane personality.

If you are interested in purchasing a Great Dane puppy from an ethical and reputable breeder, we highly recommend searching the breeder registry at www.gdca.org.

Can Blue Great Danes Be Shown?

Solid Blue is the only dilute coat color accepted by the GDCA as a standard for Great Danes.

While the coat color itself doesn’t disqualify Blue Great Danes from being shown, breed standards typically emphasize other factors such as overall conformation, temperament, and adherence to breed-specific characteristics.

The American Kennel Club (AKC), for example, recognizes Blue as an acceptable color for Great Danes. However, the dog must still meet all other breed standards. It’s important to note that some kennel clubs or breed organizations may have slightly different standards, so it’s advisable to check the specific regulations of the organization hosting the dog show.

In general, responsible breeding practices and adherence to breed standards are prioritized in dog shows to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. If a Blue Great Dane meets these criteria, it can certainly participate and compete in conformation events, showcasing the beauty and characteristics of the breed beyond just coat color.

Standard vs. Off-Standard Colors in Great Danes

The American Kennel Club does not make the rules on which colors are accepted for Great Danes; this is determined by the breed’s parent club (in the case of Danes in the U.S., it’s the GDCA).

There are many ‘off-standard’ versions of coat colors showing up in Great Danes, including ‘lilac harlequin’, ‘blue harlequin’, and ‘lilac merle’. These colors often come from the dilute and recessive genes of the blue Great Dane.

The practice of breeding for these colors is controversial and at times, undeniably unethical.

What is a Blue Harlequin Great Dane

Blue Harlequin Great Danes have a white base coat with blue torn patches. They are extremely popular, however, that unique and rare coat color is not accepted in GDCA, FCI, or Canadian written standards for the breed.

They can, however, be registered by the AKC.

The written standard for all dog breeds defines the function, form, and look of each individual breed. The colors in each breed (including blue) are often chosen for a reason.

While some colors could be added in the future, breeders have to first prove that those new colors occur naturally in the breed, that the color will strengthen the gene pool, and that the puppies are consistently healthy and robust examples of the written standard.

The recessive Blue gene that causes the deep steel blue color is desirable to breeders that are focused heavily on creating ‘unique’ and ‘designer’ off-standard colors in Great Danes.

These Dane breeders have been known to mix dogs of all colors (including fawn, mantle, merle, and harlequin) with Blue Great Danes to achieve new and interesting colored markings.

What is a Blue Merle Great Dane?

The merle gene (seen most often in the merle or harlequin Great Dane) paired with blue Dane will often create unusual coat patterns such as that seen on a blue Harlequin Great Dane or ‘blue merle’ Great Dane’.

This practice is considered somewhat unethical in the world of breeding Great Danes. It happens similarly in other dog breeds, however, and unique colors remain popular.

Dog owners should ask many questions before choosing a breeder for their Great Dane puppy and verify the pedigrees and health testing results (heart, hips, eyes, thyroid) of the dogs being bred.

Where to Buy a Blue Great Dane Puppy

When you are looking to purchase a Great Dane puppy, health and structure should be considered before color.

A Great Dane is a large dog and if they are bred only with designer colors or profits in mind, their structure and temperaments may suffer as a result. Since the Great Dane is predisposed to many health issues, it is crucial to do your due diligence.

With any Great Dane puppy you find from any Great Dane breeder, verify the pedigree AND the health testing results of both parents. Good breeders will have heart, hip, eye and thyroid panels to share with you.

Solid pure steel blue Great Dane puppies will be a great place to start if you want a striking and beautiful coat color.

We recommend searching the Great Dane breeder database at gdca.org when looking for Great Dane puppies.

Are Blue Great Danes Rare?

The blue Great Dane may seem rare, but they really are not.

A blue Great Dane may easily be confused with a Weimaraner, especially as a puppy! Because of this, and because many people don’t know the difference between a blue Great Dane and a silver or grey one (hint, they are the same), they may be viewed as rare.

It can be difficult to find an ethical and reputable Blue Great Dane breeder, as many breeders that fully test and frequent dog shows have focused primarily on the popular Harlequin/Black/Mantle or Fawn/Brindle lines instead of blue.

It’s not impossible, however, to find a blue Great Dane puppy from an excellent breeder. We recommend searching the Great Dane breeder registry at GDCA.org (U.S.) or Canada.

Do Blue Great Danes Have More Health Problems?

Ask 10 people this question and you will receive 10 different answers!

If you have a blue Great Dane that is experiencing health problems, chat with your vet.

Health problems are not necessarily related as much to coat color as they are to genetics, the food you choose, and the environment you create for your dog.

The Blue Great Dane’s lifespan should be no shorter or different than that of any other healthy Great Dane! The food you choose to feed makes a huge difference!

Blue Great Dane Health Problems

The average Great Dane is susceptible to a list of genetic health problems, including allergies, heart problems, and hip dysplasia, (which can happen to a Great Dane with any coat color).

These health problems are passed along in the pedigree and depending on the breeder you choose, could be a real problem for your Great Dane.

Always keep an eye on your Great Danes’ body condition and don’t make assumptions that their health problems are purely related to markings. It’s just not always the case.

The blue gene that they carry should not cause any additional health problems, however, color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a problem in other breeds that come in the lilac or blue coat color. It has also been seen in Great Danes!

Blue Great Dane Color Dilution Alopecia

Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) causes hair loss, thinning, bald patches, and itchy skin. The exact cause is not well understood, however, it is easily managed.

It is important to note that CDA does NOT affect all blue Great Danes.

Blue Great Danes may be susceptible to this disease, however, so check in with your veterinarian if you see any sign of it.

Signs include itching, dry patches, hair thinning, and hair loss.

A blue Great Dane puppy may begin to show signs of CDA at around 6 months of age, but it can happen at any time in their lives.

This is one reason why intentionally mixing the blue gene into otherwise strong color genetics to create diluted designer colors is often seen as problematic.

If a blue Dane that is prone to this disease is introduced into an otherwise strong and robust color family, it may create a long line of undesirable recessive traits that are difficult for breeders to address.

We’ve linked to a VCA article below with more information on CDA in Blue Great Danes:

COLOR DILUTION ALOPECIA INFORMATION

Blue Great Dane Lifespan

Blue Great Danes can live an average of 7-10 years. For more information on the lifespan of Great Danes in general, check out our blog post below!

Bloat, hip dysplasia, wobblers, arthritis, and heart problems are some of the major reasons why some Great Danes don’t live as long. All of those disorders have ties back to genetics!

Always be diligent when choosing your breeder, for this reason. A well-bred blue Great Dane puppy should be hefty, vibrant, curious, and have excellent eyes, hips, feet, and structure.

Search the GDCA.org Breeder Directory below! Good breeders tend to have terrible websites; don’t be alarmed. They are spending more time on their dogs than they are on their marketing:

GDCA BREEDER DIRECTORY – FIND A GREAT DANE PUPPY

Blue Great Dane Breeders

The best blue great Dane puppy breeders are focused first on health and temperament. Blue Great Dane puppies from a reputable and ethical breeder will be healthy, vibrant, and full of life!

Blue puppies can happen anytime two parents who carry the recessive blue gene are bred. This can mean that pure steel blue puppies may come, most commonly, from the following pairings:
1. Blue + Blue
2. Blue + Black
3. Blue + Harlequin (HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES)
The blue offspring from any of these pairings will be born with floppy ears and a pale bluish color that will change slightly as the puppy matures.

Our favorite Blue Dane Breeders

We recommend:

https://www.azulenedanes.com/

http://www.caeruleusdanes.com/

http://www.cheshiregreatdanes.com/

http://www.creekdanes.com/

http://www.eiodanes.com

https://www.enzodane.com/

https://www.oceanbluedanes.com/

There are many Blue Great Danes sitting in rescues, waiting for the right home! Don’t be afraid to bring a rescue dog into your family.
Adopt OR shop, responsibly!

FYI: The Great Dane Breeder Scam

Looking for a Great Dane puppy? Make sure you read our blog post on the Great Dane breeder scam before you start contacting breeders!

Scammers often create fake online profiles or websites, offering purebred Great Dane puppies at attractive prices. Victims, eager to welcome a new furry family member, may pay deposits or the full amount upfront, only to discover that the promised puppy never existed.

These scams not only result in financial loss but also inflict emotional distress on individuals seeking a genuine and reputable breeder. To avoid falling victim to such scams, potential buyers should thoroughly research breeders, ask for references, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Can a Blue Dane be Bred to a Harlequin Dane?

A blue Great Dane + harlequin Great Dane pairing can result in the ‘blue harlequin Great Dane’ which is a white dog with torn blue patches instead of torn black ones.

This dog will look similar to a harlequin Great Dane, but that blue dilution factor will have reduced the pigment in each spot to grey.

The blue harlequin Great Dane is not considered to have an ‘acceptable’ color in the written breed standard.

Many breeders will tell you that it is unethical to deliberately introduce the dilute gene into an already complicated genetic situation. Others will do it because the pursuit of diluted and interesting colors (including shades of ‘lilac’) is popular.

Some breeders may happen upon a Blue Harlequin in a litter because a recessive merle gene is running around in their pedigree.

We do not encourage the practice of purposefully seeking out off-standard colors, however, many of these colors do occur in the breed! For more information on off-standard colors, read here.

We believe that you should love the Great Dane in front of you!

Color Families in Great Danes

Keeping color families pure helps Great Dane breeders keep tabs on their pedigrees and not make mistakes or be surprised when recessive genes show up.

Color families also help maintain the breed standard, so that a Great Dane always looks like a Great Dane.

A merle+merle pairing can cause the white coat or merlequin double-merle puppies that are often deaf or blind. (Note: a blue Harlequin Great Dane, on the other hand, likely won’t have those problems).

Color families in Danes typically mean that a breeder will ‘stay’ in a lane when it comes to the colors they breed.

The color families in Great Danes are outlined roughly, as follows:
1. Harlequin – Merle – Black – Mantle
2. Mantle – Black
3. Black + Blue
4. Blue + Blue
5. Fawn – Brindle – Black
April 12, 2022

Category: Breed Standard

GREAT DANE BRINDLE COLORING

BRINDLE GREAT DANE DOG AND THEIR HEALTH

BACKYARD BREEDING AND GETTING A BRINDLE GREAT DANE

ARE BRINDLE GREAT DANES GOOD WITH KIDS?

WHAT ARE THE TOP ITEMS NEEDED WHEN BRINGING HOME A BRINDLE GREAT DANE?

IS IT EASY TO TRAIN A BRINDLE GREAT DANE?

WHAT ARE THE OTHER COLORS OF GREAT DANE DOGS?

MERLE GREAT DANES

MANTLE GREAT DANES

FAWN GREAT DANES

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES

BLUE GREAT DANES

BLACK GREAT DANES

ALBINO GREAT DANE

IS A BRINDLE GREAT DANE RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY?

You Must Rest Your Big Dog Before & After Meals

Big Dogs Have a Short Lifespan

Everything ‘EURO’ Dogs

Giant Dogs need Heavy-Handed Training

Adult Food Only, Never Puppy Food!

What other big dog myths can we bust for you?

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

WHAT KIND OF DOG IS SCOOBY DOO?

WHAT DOES SCOOBY DOO LOOK LIKE?

WHAT DO GREAT DANES LOOK LIKE?

WHAT IS SCOOBY DOO’S PERSONALITY LIKE?

WHAT IS A GREAT DANE PERSONALITY LIKE?

HOW DOES SCOOBY DOO HANDLE SUPERNATURAL MYSTERIES?

HOW DO GREAT DANES HANDLE SITUATIONS THEY ARE AFRAID OF?

IS SCOOBY DOO SMART?

ARE GREAT DANES SMART?

IS SCOOBY DOO A FOOD LOVER?

DO GREAT DANES LOVE FOOD?

DOES SCOOBY DOO LOVE PEOPLE?

DO GREAT DANES LOVE PEOPLE?

WHAT COLOR IS SCOOBY DOO?

WHAT COLOR ARE GREAT DANES?

SO, WHAT KIND OF DOG IS SCOOBY DOO?

THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED

WHAT IS A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

DO ALL WHITE GREAT DANES HAVE HEALTH ISSUES?

WHAT CAUSES HEALTH ISSUES IN A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

BACKYARD BREEDING WHITE GREAT DANES

ADDITIONAL HEALTH CONCERNS FOR WHITE GREAT DANES

ARE ALL WHITE DOGS CONSIDERED UNHEALTHY?

DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANES AND BLINDNESS

CATARACTS IN WHITE GREAT DANES

WHY ARE WHITE GREAT DANES DEAF?

USING AN E COLLAR TO TRAIN A BLIND OR DEAF GREAT DANE

WHITE GREAT DANES AND ALLERGIES

EAR INFECTIONS IN A WHITE GREAT DANE

ARE HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES THE SAME AS A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE BREED

WHAT IS A HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE?

OTHER GREAT DANE COAT COLORS

WHAT IS A ‘BREED STANDARD’ HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE?

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES TEMPERAMENT

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE PUPPIES

HARLEQUIN GREAT DANES AND THEIR HEALTH ISSUES

JOINT ISSUES

HEART DISEASE

CANCER

BLOAT

WHAT IS A DOUBLE MERLE GREAT DANE?

HOW MUCH DO HARLEQUIN DOGS COST?

Are Miniature Great Danes Real?

What Makes a Miniature Great Dane?

How Big are Mini-Great Danes?

Do People Intentionally Breed Miniature Sized Great Danes?

Great Dane Temperament & Personality Traits

Health Issues with Giant Breed Dogs

My Great Dane is Too Small

What is the Life Expectancy of Great Danes?

Do Miniature Great Danes Require Exercise?

What Items do I Need for my Miniature Great Dane?

WHAT BED SHOULD I GET MY MINI DANE?

HOW SHOULD I TRAIN MY MINIATURE GREAT DANE?

WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATS FOR GREAT DANES?

WHAT CRATE SHOULD I USE FOR MY MINIATURE GREAT DANE?