Tag: Coat Colors

Great Danes come in so many colors. Seven of them are accepted by the GDCA written standard for the breed: Black, Harlequin, Merle, Mantle, Brindle, Fawn, and Blue.

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
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
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
Mantle Great Danes

Mantle Great Danes have a black and white coat pattern that is both striking and regal.

The Great Dane Club of American (GDCA) recognizes two Mantle patterns: the traditional Mantle and the Merle Mantle.

Today we are going to share photos of Mantle and Mantle Merle Great Danes!

MANTLE GREAT DANES

Below is an example of the traditional black and white Mantle pattern.

This dog has a black coat with white markings on the chest, neck, muzzle, underparts, and legs.

The GDCA standard describes the ideal Mantle as follows:

Color – Black and white with a black blanket extending over the body.

Patterns and Markings – Black skull with 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 black tail. A small white break in the blanket is acceptable. Black pigment may be seen on the skin of the white areas.

MANTLE GREAT DANE MARKINGS

From the Great Dane Written Standard

MANTLE MERLE GREAT DANES

There is also a merle variety of Mantle Great Dane, which has a marbled or mottled coat with patches of black, gray, and white. The GDCA standard describes the ideal Merle as follows:

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.

Many people think of merle Great Danes as having a solid coat, but the mantle coat pattern is considered ideal.

Note: a merle or a mantle merle dog is not the same as a ‘Merlequin’. Merlequin Great Danes are the result of spot-to-spot breedings and are genetically a double-merle dog.
A ‘Merlequin’ Great Dane will have a Harlequin coat pattern, but instead of torn black patches all of the patches will be merle.

MANTLE MERLE COAT PATTERN

From the Great Dane Club of America written standard

MANTLE AND MANTLE MERLE GREAT DANES

We ADORE this image of a mantle and mantle merle Great Danes from @altitudegreatdanes in Utah. They have some of the first Champion merle Great Danes and we love seeing their gorgeous dogs!

OTHER MANTLE COAT PATTERNS

A show-marked Harlequin Great Dane is very similar to a mantle, only with torn black patches (spots), instead of the solid black. They will have a white chest, white feet and white-collar, just like a mantle!

Some breeders breed for unusual off-standard colors such as brindle mantle, blue mantle and fawn mantle. These are considered ‘off-standard’ colors and not accepted by the Great Dane Club of America.

KEEP READING:

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
The Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Dane Brindle Dogs
What Kind of Dog is Scooby Doo? The Many Mysteries of Scooby’s Thrilling Breed

March 10, 2022