Tag: breed standard

The Merle Great Dane
Did you know that the Merle Great Dane was not accepted as a standard AKC color until 2019? It’s true! If you ask us, that’s a bit wild considering the fact that the merle coat is a naturally occurring color in Great Danes. Merles occur without mixing color families (more on this later).

Merle Great Danes are very similar to the Harlequin Great Dane, however, instead of having a white base coat, they have a grey one. The merle gene is actually necessary for the Harlequin coat to show up on Great Danes, so this makes a lot of sense.

Merle has become a popular coat pattern in a lot of breeds, however it’s important to note that it only naturally shows up in a few! To put this bluntly, if you have a merle poodle, a merle Frenchie, or a merle chihuahua, your pet has been crossed with something else in a past generation. Danes are special though; merle is a natural coat pattern that goes back to the origins of the pedigree.

Can Merle Great Danes be Shown?

Yes!

On January 1st, 2019, the Great Dane breed standard was updated to include merle coats and the American Kennel Club began to allow entries. This change came after decades of argument over whether or not Merle should be celebrated and included in the written breed standard for Great Danes.

Of course, to us, the color is beautiful and striking. But before the standard was updated, many breeders and preservationists considered merle to be problematic. There are many genetic implications behind spotted coats like this, and the actual science of it was not well understood.

Merle puppies are a natural effect of breeding for Harlequin puppies and they occur in harlequin color family litters no matter what. As a matter of fact, many breeders get more merles than they do harlequin!

Many of those Merle puppies had gorgeous structure and temperament, but couldn’t be shown. Breeding them was greatly discouraged, no matter how nice they were otherwise. Talk about frustrating. So when the breed standard was updated to include merle, it was a BIG deal.

Read this story about the first breeder to bring a merle Great Dane a Champion title.

It was advancement in genetic technology that allowed researchers to learn about how and why the merle gene affects Great Danes, including its role in the creation of the Harlequin coat pattern.

Read here for information about how the merle coat pattern is judged at dog shows.

What does a Merle Great Dane Look Like?

Here is a direct quote from the Great Dane Club of America’s written breed standard (which is nearly identical to the written standards in Canada, Europe, and Australia)

Color – A pale gray to dark gray merle base color with black torn patches within.

Patterns and Markings – May be a Solid Merle (white on chest and toes permissible) or a Merle with a Mantle Pattern ( solid merle blanket extending over the body; merle skull with a white muzzle; white blaze is optional ; whole or partial white neck; a white chest; white on whole or part of the forelegs and hind legs ; white tipped merle tail. A small break in the blanket is acceptable. Black pigment may be seen on the skin in the white areas
The Great Dane Club of America

Merle Great Danes are mostly grey with a lot of black patches and dogs, basically. Some of them have merle all over, while others have the mantle coat pattern.

The mantle merle coat pattern means that in addition to the grey with black fur, they have a white collar, white chest, white tip on the tail, white feet, white muzzle, and a white blaze on the head. This comes from mixing merle or harlequin and mantle coat patterns, and is considered an ideal marking.

Here is an image that illustrates the different merle coats seen naturally in Great Danes. Notice how similar some of them are to the black and white mantle Great Danes! Also, notice how they might look like a harlequin Great Dane if their base coat was white instead of grey.

Do Merle Great Danes have Health Problems?

Merle Great Danes, like any other dog breed, may be prone to certain health issues, although coat color itself is not inherently linked to health problems.

The merle gene, which contributes to the distinctive coat pattern, is associated with a higher risk of deafness and vision impairments in some dogs, particularly those with a double merle genotype (when both parents carry the merle gene). This can happen when uneducated or unethical breeders intentionally pair two dogs together that truthfully, shouldn’t be.

Responsible breeding practices, including health screenings and avoiding certain genetic combinations, can help mitigate or even eliminate these risks. It’s crucial for potential Merle Great Dane owners to choose reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, conduct genetic coat color and OFA health testing, and adhere to ethical breeding standards.

Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential for all Great Danes, regardless of their coat color, to ensure a long and happy life. We recommend feeding a diet that meets WSAVA recommendations and keeping Great Danes lean.

What is a Double Merle Great Dane?

A Double Merle Great Dane is the result of breeding two dogs that both carry the merle gene.

The merle gene, responsible for the striking merle and harlequin coat pattern in Great Danes, can have detrimental effects when inherited from both parents.

In a Double Merle, the gene is expressed twice, leading to a higher likelihood of serious health issues such as deafness, vision impairments, and other congenital defects. These health concerns stem from the disruption of pigmentation patterns during embryonic development.

Responsible breeders actively work to avoid producing Double Merle puppies, as the associated health risks can significantly impact the well-being of the dogs.

What is a Merlequin Great Dane?

While the genetic basis of the ‘merlequin’ Great Dane is often contentious, this mish-mashed word is used to describe Great Danes that look like Harlequins but instead of having torn black patches, ALL of their patches are merle. A true merlequin puppy will have NO solid black patches (only merle), and a pure white coat covering most of their body.

This image below from Show Sight Magazine is the best example of a “merlequin” I’ve ever seen. Unlike many double-merle Great Danes, thankfully this one appears to have good structure (and hopefully health, too!).

How to Find Merle Great Dane Puppies for Sale

Finding Merle Great Dane puppies for sale requires careful research and consideration to ensure a responsible and reputable source.

Do not ever purchase a Great Dane from random websites (these are always a scam), on social media (a hotbed of scams and unethical breeding), or in pet stores.

Start by seeking breeders who specialize in Great Danes and have a positive reputation within the canine community. The best place to start is by connecting with breeders who are members of the breed club. You can use their Great Dane breeder search tool HERE.

While many of the breed club members may not have litters or puppies available, they may be able to refer you to other breeders who do. Their referral will be of a much higher caliber than anything you can find on social media or through an internet search. This is a little known secret and one we recommend utilizing if you want a merle Great Dane with exceptional health and a wonderful temperament.

Always verify that the Great Dane breeder you’ve found has complete the following tests on BOTH parents:
- OFA Hips
- OFA Heart
- OFA Thyroid
- OFA Eyes
- BONUS: PennHip, IMGD, and Coat Color Testing
You must visit www.ofa.org and search for the breeder and the parents to see these health testing results. If they aren’t published or don’t exist for the parents of the puppy you are interested in, your breeder is unethical and is cutting corners on health. Do not let them buy you with misinformation about how they feel those tests are “unnecessary”.

What is a Blue Merle Great Dane?

Some people reference the “blue” merle Great Dane, and this is where coat patterns start to go off the rails a little bit.

Blue is a recognized coat color for Great Danes. However, for genetic and health reasons, the most ethical practice is currently to stay within color families. This means that technically speaking, blue Great Danes should only be bred with other blue Great Danes.

However, many breeders love to mix up blue dogs into their pedigree because it results in striking lighter coat patterns.

If you have a Blue Merle Great Dane puppy, it is no doubt a beautiful dog with a lighter coat than a traditional AKC merle that meets the breed standard. Blue Merle occurs when a breeder mixes the blue Great Dane color family with the merle + harlequin genetics. This is a debatable practice that has some valid arguments.

Here are the accepted Great Dane color families. In general, breeders should stay within these families when making breeding decisions. There are times, however, when brindle or fawn shows up in a Harlequin + Black litter! This can happen if the black parent dog had come from brindle + fawn genetics instead of harlequin genetics.
- Harlequin, Black, Mantle, Merle
- Brindle, Fawn, Black
- Black
- Blue
There are times when mixing color families is necessary for the health and structure of a pedigree. However, entirely too many breeders do this solely in pursuit of unique, designer colors and will completely disregard major considerations concerning health and temperament to do it. That practice is unethical for a number of reasons; so we do not recommend seeking out Great Dane puppies in off-standard colors.

If the day ever comes that we find a breeder who focuses on “designer” colors and has well-built healthy dogs, but is ALSO receiving 3rd party feedback and completing all OFA health tests, this recommendation may change. Until then? Steer clear.

Are Merle Great Danes Rare?

Merle Great Danes are NOT rare.

No breeder should charge extra for you to purchase a Great Dane in a merle coat pattern of any type.

Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a merle Great Dane?
November 13, 2023

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? An Introduction Guide To This 1 in a Million Coat

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? If you are in the market for a Great Dane but are unsure which color will best suit your family, you may consider a Brindle Great Dane.

5 Facts about Brindle Great Danes
Are Brindle Great Danes ‘American’ Great Danes?

While all Great Danes are typically seen as gentle giants and are known for their calm, loving demeanors, not all coat colors are created equal. By the end of this post, you will be able to identify the different variations of Brindle Great Danes, familiarize yourself with health issues and AKC breed standards, and learn a few interesting facts!

Origin of the Color: Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

“I’ve never seen them come in THAT color!” is something Dior and I hear on nearly every outing.

The tiger-striped pattern of Dior’s coat is so unique, you can see why people might snap their necks trying to get a good look at him. Whether we are in the car, or at the grocery store – he really does turn a lot of heads.

But how uncommon is the brindle color REALLY!?

Brindle Danes- Are They Rare?

In short – no, Brindle coat colors and patterns have been around for as long as dogs have walked the earth.

An article written at Simply Dog Owners states, “The term [brindle] comes from an old French word for the striped animal: brin d’he (meaning “whisker”), which was later shortened into English usage with just one letter dropped off – hence today’s spelling: `BRINDLE.’

Brindle Great Danes
Blue Great Danes
Mantle Great Danes
Black Great Danes
Double Merle Great Danes

A brindle striped coat can contain several colors, but you will most typically see a solid brown base color with overlaying brown stripes. The brown stripes can vary in color which makes for another way to categorize the coat.

FUN FACT: White is actually the most rare coat color of the breed because of its increased susceptibility to health issues and genetic defects. You can read more about double-merle Great Danes here.

Brindle vs Reverse Brindle: Which is Which?

Nowadays, you may or may not have heard these terms thrown around, however the differentiation between the two coat colors is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

BRINDLE

Brindle refers to a darker brown coat with hints of lighter stripes throughout. Usually these dogs appear black or dark brown in color with hints of tan and red markings. (Read more: All Things Brindle)

REVERSE BRINDLE

On the other hand, a reverse brindle coat is the opposite. The coat appears to be light brown with hints of darker stripes throughout. According to these two terms, Dior is referred to as a reverse brindle Great Dane.

Interestingly enough, all brindle-coated dogs technically have a black or dark brown base coat with lighter stripes – but sometimes there is less pigmentation from the base coat and more from the stripes (hence the reverse brindle).

Before I confuse you further, let’s dive into the genetics behind this fascinating coat.

Genetics Behind The Brindle Color

Gregor Mendel, also known as the Father of Genetics, is the one who proved that an offspring of any kind is a product of two parents. While he illustrated his theory with pea plants, the science behind genetics applies to all forms of life – including dogs.

According to the VCA Animal Hospital, “…the mother and father each randomly contribute one allele from each locus, giving each allele a 50% chance of being passed on to the pups.”

Dogs contain 39 pairs of chromosomes (or genetic material), that is passed down from their mother and father. These genes determine the sex of the dog and everything else that makes them unique from the color of their eyes down to the pattern of their coat.

The brindle trait itself can be either dominant or recessive, but it is important to note that they come from the same color family as fawns. (Fawn Great Danes)

“Brindle is caused by a complex gene process and is technically a form of mosaicism, where some cells express one allele (K^B) and some express the other (k^y),” says Dog Genetics. If you are interested in a more in-depth overview of the science behind the brindle coat and all of the variations throughout, I encourage you to check out this article!

Health & Breeding

I would like to preface this by saying I am not a veterinarian and you should not use this section as medical advice.

Furthermore, there is a lot more that goes into breeding Great Danes then just mixing colors to see what you’ll get – therefore, I would suggest you read this article about the dangers of backyard breeding.

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?

Brindle Great Danes & Their Health Issues

Great Danes are prone to a variety of health issues like Gastric Tortion / Bloat (GDV), Wobblers Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, and different forms of Cancer. Be that as it may, brindle Great Danes are not specifically susceptible to any of these conditions in particular just based on their coat color.

BLOAT
What is Bloat?
Can You Prevent Bloat?
Stomach Tacking: Pros and Cons
Bloat and Gut Health
The Scary Bloat Timeline

JOINT ISSUES
Arthritis in Great Danes
Laser Therapy for Joint Pain
How to Help a Dog with a Broken Leg
Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Growing Pains in Dogs

WOBBLERS
Wobblers and Controlling Pain

If you are concerned for the health of your Great Dane, please consult your veterinarian. If you’re in the process of bringing a Great Dane into your home, it is my recommendation that you request health tests to the parent Danes to see if your dog might be at greater risk of developing any of the above conditions.

Can You Breed Brindle Great Danes?

As previously mentioned, I would discourage you from breeding your dog unless you comply with the AKC Responsible Breeding Standards BUT yes, brindle Great Danes can be bred.

Brindle is one of the nine colors that are deemed acceptable for show in regards to AKC standards but there are several other variations to the brindle coat that include:

Brindle mantle
Blue brindle
Blue brindle mantle
Brindle merle
Brindle merle mantle
Blue brindle merle
Blue brindle merle mantle
Brindle harlequin (aka brindlequin)
Brindle harlequin mantle
Blue brindle harlequin mantle

It is uncommon for an ethical breeder to breed outside of the color family (brindles & fawns), but that doesn’t always mean it doesn’t happen. If we take a look back at genetics, recessive traits are not always present in adult dogs and therefore some can be passed down through generations (even if undesirable).

The AKC Brindle Standard

Don’t let the word ‘undesirable’ turn you off bringing home a brindle Great Dane. The color of their coat does not influence their demeanor or personality – but if you are looking to show your Great Dane the AKC standards will be something to consider.

They are as follows:

Brindle Color:

COLOR: the base color shall be yellow gold and always be brindled with black cross stripes

Brindle Patterns:

PATTERNS/MARKINGS: Brindle shall have a black chevron pattern with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intense the base color and the more distinct and evenly brindled, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are equally undesirable. White markings on the chest or toes; black fronted; dirty colored Brindles; are not desirable.

If competing with your Great Dane in show is something that interests you, you can find the full article here.

Brindle Great Danes: Interesting Facts

There is no doubt that the brindle coat contains the most unique color combinations. The tiger-striped pattern is not like any other, but are there any secrets behind the breed?

Unique Traits I’ve Noticed Regarding My Brindle Great Dane:

I mentioned before that I have raised three Great Danes from just a few months old, but Dior is my first brindle. My first Dane, Opal, has a blue coat and my second, Dymond, was a lightly-marked harlequin – but there are few differences I’ve noticed between the three…

3 Interesting Facts about Dior:

Dior is a spitting image of his father, but his mother was a black mantle Great Dane
His skin appears to be pale under his lighter stripes and darker under his base coat
In the summer Dior spends a lot of time outside, making his lighter skin tan (if you will). This causes his coat to appear darker in the summer and lighter in the winter

Other breeds / animals that carry the Brindle gene:

There are several other breeds of dogs that can possess a brindle coat like Boxers, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Akitas, and many others – but did you know dogs aren’t the only ones that ‘come in that color’?

Cattle, guinea pigs, cats and rarely, horses can also be tiger-striped!

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

Whether you are looking for a Great Dane of any color, be cautious about where you are getting him/her from (regardless if it be a rescue or reputable breeder), and don’t be afraid to ask the breeder for health tests to the parent Danes.

WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR?

Though there are no health issues with brindle Great Danes specifically, they are prone to other conditions you should be aware of.

Brindle Great Danes can be bred within the color family of fawns and other brindles, however several other variations can appear depending on the genes they inherit from their mother and father.

No brindle Dane is superior to the other, but you should familiarize yourself with the AKC show standards if you are looking to enter your Great Dane in competition.

The Great Dane Breed Standard

The brindle coat is not rare at all! In fact, there are several other breeds of dog and animal species that carry the brindle gene like cattle and guinea pigs.

Of the three Great Danes I have raised, Dior is my first brindle and I have noticed his coat change color intensity with the seasons and the color of his skin corresponds directly with the color of his fur!

If you’ve found this post about brindle Great Danes interesting, I suggest you check out my Instagram or TikTok where I uncover a lot of Dior’s personality and what it is like to live with a Great Dane! Additionally, if you are a first time Great Dane parent or a seasoned owner, come check out my blog where I upload new posts every Tuesday and Thursday!

CHECK OUT THE AUTHOR:
Hey there, my name is Haley and this is my Great Dane, Dior! We currently reside in Houston, Texas.

I’ve raised three Great Danes from the puppy stage and have developed an unconditional, profound love for the breed.

I’ve been sharing the good, bad, and ugly of being a Great Dane owner on my social media accounts since 2016, but have recently started compiling all of my knowledge into my own personal blog to help educate and inform past, present, and future Dane owners!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyandthedane/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleyandthedane
Blog: https://www.haleyandthedane.com

July 11, 2022

Zeus the Great Dane: the World’s Tallest Dog

There is a new king of the dog world, and his name is Zeus. This Great Dane was officially declared the tallest dog in the world by Guinness World Records.

At 44 inches tall, Zeus the Great Dane towers over all other breeds of dogs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this giant breed and find out what makes them so special.

Who is Zeus the Great Dane?

Zeus is a Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan. He was born on November 24, 2011. His owner, Denise Doorlag, says that Zeus loves to play fetch and go for walks.

He may be huge, but he’s still just like any other dog!

Zeus was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world on October 11, 2011.

He stands 44 inches tall at the shoulder and is seven feet four inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail.

That means he is taller than many humans! In fact, Zeus is so big that he has to sleep in a queen-sized bed.

The Best Dog Leash for Big Dogs

Pro Plan Dog Food – Puppy or Adult for Great Danes?

How much does Zeus the Great Dane weigh?

Zeus the Great Dane weighs 155 pounds. That is about the same weight as a fully grown human!

On average, a male Great Dane can weigh anywhere from 120 to 180 pounds and will be between 30 and 34 inches tall at the shoulder.

That means Zeus is on the larger side for his breed, especially when it comes to his height!

A Great Danes heigh is measured from the withers, which is the highest point of the shoulder blades, to the floor.

HOW MUCH DO GREAT DANES COST?

10 things you should know about Great Dane Dogs

What is the life expectancy of a Great Dane?

The average life expectancy of a Great Dane is between six and eight years old, though dogs from ethical breeders tend to have longer lifespans.

Unfortunately, Zeus may have a shorter lifespan due to his large size and poor breeding.

Great Danes are known to suffer from health problems such as hip dysplasia, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (AKA ‘DCM’), and bloat.

All of these are largely genetic (and occasionally environmental) conditions that shorten lifespan.

HOW DOES BACKYARD BREEDING IMPACT THE WAY A GREAT DANE LOOKS?

What Makes a Breeder Good?

How to Find a Great Dane Breeder Near Me

Why is Zeus the Great Dane so tall?

The answer to this question is largely due to genetics, however, environmental factors are also likely at play.

Great Danes are a very old breed, and their large size is likely due to years of selective breeding.

Zeus may have come from a breeder who was not diligent about choosing parents to continue the pedigree and thus may have received certain genes that encouraged fast, explosive growth and his excessive height.

Incorrect nutrition in Great Danes can lead to orthopedic issues including low bone density, too-fast of growth, knuckling, dysplasia, and more.

Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food

A Tasty Top: The Top 11 Foods to Feed a Great Dane

Should I Feed Grain-Free?

How Much Do Great Danes Eat?

Puppy Food

In other words, oversized puppies (including ‘Euro’ pups) are often the result of backyard breeders who are not knowledgeable about the proper care and nutrition of Great Danes, let alone the actual breed standard.

Early spay and neuter (prior to 18-24 months) can also contribute to excessive height and structural problems in Great Danes!

Studies have shown that waiting to spay or neuter large and giant breed dogs can positively impact their future health.

Big dogs that are ‘fixed’ too young may be excessively tall, gangly, and lanky. They may also be more prone to hip dysplasia, ACL/CCL tears, and arthritis.

Here is an image of a well-bred, well-built intact male Great Dane from the GDCA Written Standard.

Great Dane Illo 2 — An Image from the Official Illustrated Standard for Great Danes

The Great Dane Breed Standard

Today, many people choose to breed Great Danes for show or competition, which means that the dogs must meet certain standards in order to be competitive. This standard helps ensure that future Great Danes are robust, healthy, and correct in stature and size.

Zeus is a loved family pet, however, he is outside of the breed standard for Great Danes.
It is important to appreciate him for the amazing dog that he is, but NOT to wish for all Great Danes to experience his stature.

It is unhealthy and unfortunately will be devastating for him, and his loving owners.

While Zeus may be the tallest dog in the world, he is certainly not the only giant breed of dog out there. Other popular giant breeds include the Mastiff, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Scottish Deerhound.

Here is an image of a healthy, well-bred black Great Dane:

A tall black great dane — Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

What does Zeus the Great Dane eat?

Zeus the Great Dane eats 12 cups of food each day! Male Great Danes like Zeus require a lot of quality food to thrive, especially if they are active.

Diet is an important part of keeping any dog healthy, but it is especially important for giant breeds like the Great Dane.

When choosing a diet for a Great Dane, we recommend looking for a large or giant breed food from an established company that has a boarded Veterinary nutritionist on staff.

Adults	Puppies
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 Are Grapes Toxic to Dogs? Fish Oil for Great Danes Great Dane Farts The Benefits of Mushrooms for Great Danes GREAT DANE DRY SKIN CBD for Dog’s Pain Is My Dog ‘Filling Out’ or Getting Fat?	Great Dane Not Eating- What to Do How Much Do Great Danes Eat? Is My Puppy Too Skinny? Puppy Food Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food What Foods Can Be Used for Puppy Diarrhea? New Puppy Checklist Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling? How to Prevent Knuckling in Great Dane Puppies Is My Great Dane Puppy Too Small? Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

Is Zeus the Great Dane Still Alive?

Unfortunately, Zeus passed away at the age of 5.

He was such a loved family pet.

Zeus leaves behind a legacy as the tallest dog in the world.

He will be remembered for his gentle giant personality and will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Zeus. You were one amazing dog!`

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

June 27, 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?

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June 16, 2022