Tag: GDCA

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
Is My Great Dane Well-Bred?
Great Danes are incredible dogs, and they are not for everybody. Is your Great Dane well-bred?

There is a stark difference between dogs that are well bred (ethically bred) and dogs that were bred for profit. If a Great Dane is well bred, they are less likely to suffer from common disorders such as orthopedic problems, heart disease, bad temperaments, and even bloat.

Genetics play a role in everything from how a dog is built to how they interact with the world.

This article is not to say that ‘poorly bred’ Great Danes are bad and ‘well bred’ Great Danes are good. It’s simply meant to be an educational comparison.

The fact of the matter is that we have a serious problem in the world of Danes. For every breeder focused on health, structure, and temperament, there are tons of Great Dane breeders who are pairing dogs for no other reason other than fun and profit.

Ear Cropping Great Danes

Well-Bred Great Danes Come From Dedicated Breeders

No matter what a Great Dane ends up looking like in the end, one of the key elements of being well-bred is that a dog comes from an ethical, dedicated breeder.

Here are some basics that a breeder should meet to qualify as ‘ethical’.

Lifetime support of every puppy they ever bred; this includes being willing to take dogs back into their home at any time, for any reason, and never dumping a dog on a rescue or shelter.
- Breeding for health, temperament, and the written breed standard
- Knowledgeable about sound Great Dane structure & movement
- Willing to seek out a 3rd party opinion about the dogs they are breeding, including working with a well-respected mentor, attending AKC dog shows, taking conformation handling and obedience training classes, or by collaborating with the local Great Dane breeding club
Full health testing of both parents, no exceptions. These tests include OFA Hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid. The results of these tests must be available for you to view at www.ofa.org
- Exceptionally picky when choosing homes for the dogs they breed
- Keeps puppies until 8 or 10 weeks of age
- Never breeds dogs under the age of 2, especially if they aren’t fully OFA health tested
An ethical breeder will never breed a dog that is aggressive, anxious, fearful, or that has bloat, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, or other known genetic health problems in the pedigree.

Well-Bred vs. Not Well-Bred Great Danes

Coming from a good pedigree and an exceptional breeder who cares about the pedigree is a solid step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, some breeders are so flippant about their breeding practices that the puppies they produce don’t look like Great Danes at all.

If you’ve googled this and are wondering if your Great Dane is well-bred or not, we’re going to dig into this with some photos!

Keep in mind that even in well-bred litters, only a few puppies will be ‘show quality’ (stellar examples of the breed). All puppies are pets, whether they are show-quality or not.

Puppies who aren’t right for the show ring will still be well-bred, however! Very few puppies are exactly perfect. Some, however, are much further off of the target than others.

It’s impossible to judge how well bred a puppy is just by looking at an image. Rather than focusing on what ‘well-bred’ looks like, let’s take a look at the opposite. What do dogs who are not well-bred look like?

The dogs in this gallery below are cute, but do not meet the written standard for Great Danes:

Great Dane Faults

A fault is a trait that a dog has which goes against the recommendations outlined in the written standard.

Here is a list of faults seen in the dogs above. Again, this is not a beauty contest! It’s simply about making sure that Great Danes are built correctly so they can live long, healthy lives and look like…well…Great Danes!

How many faults can you spot?
- Flat feet
- Long nails
- Ears that come from the top of the head or that stick out (cute, but makes them look mixed breed)
- Ears that are long and droopy (cute! But makes them look like hounds)
- Extremely droopy jowls
- Droopy eyes with redness and haw showing
- Steep croup
- Narrow hips
- Roached back
- Apple shaped/dome head
- Lack of overall substance
- Heavy and stocky
- Cathedral chest or flat chest
- Abused & neglected
Unfortunately, many of the dogs in the gallery above will be mistaken for other breeds if met on the street. They may be loved family pets, but they are not well-bred.

Many people will consider the differences in the dogs above to be related to “Euro” vs. “American” breedings, however those terms are nothing more than marketing from breeders who want to sell puppies. Read more about “EURO vs. American” here.

What Does a Well-Bred Great Dane Look Like?

A well-bred Great Dane who comes from an exceptional breeder will be a solid, muscular dog that moves with grace and long forward strides. They will not be stocky, nor will they appear boney and small.

They have a large head that is chiseled and full of regal expression, whether the ears are cropped or not.

Their front and rear limbs will be built correctly, ensuring that they can comfortably hold their own weight up for years to come. They will have nice tight feet, short nails, and a glossy coat.

The chest should be broad and muscular, not flat or weak.

When they move and stand, they are comfortable keeping their head and neck up (not drooping down, which is a sign of discomfort), and they are not heavy or lumbering.

Well-bred Great Danes are friendly and courageous.
They should never be fearful, timid, or aggressive.

You can read the original Great Dane standard (in the U.S., which is nearly identical to the Canadian and European version) HERE.

When a Great Dane is built correctly from the ground up, they are less likely to suffer from painful orthopedic problems that cause them a lifetime of issues with movement.

Notice in the overlay below that the Great Dane in the image:
- Has an oversized, mastiff-like blocky head
- Droopy jowls
- He is unable to hold his head up correctly
- His hips are higher than his shoulders
- The top line is sloping up towards the hips, not gracefully down to them
- He has an exceptionally steep croup with his tail placed very low
- His rear legs lack angulation, as do the front
- While the front angulation appears to match the overlay, it’s only because the dog is standing incorrectly
Structural Faults in Great Danes

Structural problems are arguably the most important reason to choose ethical breeders.

Dogs carry roughly 60% of their weight on the front limbs; for an average 140 lb male, that’s 84 lbs of weight on the chest, shoulders, and front paws!

It is unfair, shall I say borderline abusive for Great Dane breeders to continue breeding dogs who have significant faults in the way that they are built. Yet, some of the most popular breeders, those who are friendly and have nice websites, are to blame.

Take the dog below as an example. This chocolate harlequin Great Dane is being bred by a local, very popular breeder. I believe that as of this writing, she is on her 2nd breeding.

Notice that she has absolutely no chest and no angles; her front arms are so far forward on her ribcage that she has a ‘cathedral’.

This weight on her front assembly is affecting her front paws, which are flat from struggling to hold herself up. Her rear legs might as well be made of wood; they are stick straight. As a whole this poor dog lacks substance and her rear feet are some of the worst I’ve ever seen.

She is an AKC registered Great Dane.

AKC Papers are Meaningless

Here is a fun fact for you.

A dog can have AKC papers, or be from an “AKC Registered” breeder, and still be poorly bred.

Putting two dogs with an AKC pedigree together is not enough to ensure the health and longevity of this breed that we love.

If you want to get involved, help us spread the word! The breeder registry at www.gdca.org is a great place to dig through exceptional Great Dane breeders.

Here is an example of an incredible stud who has passed full OFA screenings and received multiple titles because of how well he adheres to the breed standard: https://vandelftdanes.wixsite.com/mysite/quill

For more photos of well-bred Great Danes, here are some links to a few favorites:

Grateful Danes

Daynakin Great Danes

Van Delft Great Danes
- Find ethical breeders on social media and like, comment, and follow them
- Learn how to spot the difference between an ethical breeder and a ‘nice’ breeder with unethical practices
- Attend dog shows, meet breeders, and involve yourself in the preservation side of Great Dane breeding. It’s fun and shows are usually free to attend and watch as a spectator!
- For your next Great Dane, choose adoption or get on the list for well-bred dog
January 17, 2023
Flat Front and Cathedral Chest in Great Danes
Poorly built giant breed dogs are being set up for a lifetime of injury, pain, weakness, and instability that shortens their lifespans and enjoyment of life. Flat Front and Cathedral Chest in Great Danes are a structural problem that is plaguing the breed.

A focus on correct build and movement are key elements of ethical and thoughtful Great Dane breeding programs.

Unfortunately, a large majority of people breeding Danes have minimized and even disregarded the importance of correct build, structure, and movement.

Let’s look at some Great Danes and talk about it!

A Great Dane with a flat chest and poor front angulation

What is Flat Front and Cathedral chest in Great Danes

Flat front in Great Danes are seen because there is a lack of muscle development and “ooomph” in the chest area, and is commonly seen in addition to poor angulation in the front limbs.

A lack of angulation in the front assembly removes any ‘give’ that would be be necessary for joint health and fluidity. Reach (the dogs ability to extend the arms forward) is compromised, and movement is no longer natural.

It’s kind of like walking with peg legs, in other words. At a certain point, that’s going to take a massive toll on the body.

A Great Dane with correct chest, muscle, and angulation will be able to extend the arm (as seen in the image below, from the GDCA written standard), allowing for graceful, long strides and forward momentum.

A flat chest and poor angulation are genetic problems in Great Danes that can lead to early arthritis, poor athletic abilities (sometimes seen as “laziness”), and damage to joint health.

Dogs with poor structure especially must be kept as lean, fit, and sound as possible.

Feeding a good diet and offering lots of free play and movement opportunities on soft-varied terrain benefits all Great Danes, but especially those that lack angulation and chest.

A Great Dane with a flat front, poor angulation, and a “cathedral chest” (indicated by the somewhat peaked arch shown where the legs and chest meet at the front).

What is a Cathedral Chest in Great Danes

A cathedral chest in Great Danes is caused by the shoulders being set too far forward on the chest. This is, as above, genetic.

Keep in mind that a dog carries roughly 60% of their weight on the front end. When the shoulders and front limbs are too far forward, it completely throws off balance, weight distribution, and movement.

The heavy, large chest of a Great Dane should be supported by strong, muscular shoulders that are set correctly; when they are not, the front end suffers.

To put this into perspective, imagine carrying a somewhat heavy or large box by stretching your arms outward, instead of carrying it closer to your chest.

Dogs with a cathedral type chest may even suffer from joint damage and deformities to the feet, elbows, and pasterns as their front limbs struggle to carry their weight.

To compare, here is a drawing of ideal Great Dane structure, from the GDCA written standard. You can see how the dog is able to stand up tall, and the chest is well supported by the structure, ‘lay back’, and placement of the strong and muscular shoulder blades.

On the flip side, below is a young Great Dane dog with a flat chest, cathedral chest, and poor angulation whose feet are flat and straining to support her weight. You may also notice some bowing of the long bones in the front limbs, and that the feet are turning outward.

This is the result of genetics, made worse by poor nutrition and care.

Unfortunately, this dog is being used for breeding by a popular breeder, and as a result is perpetuating painful structural problems in every puppy that she produces.

What is a Weak Chest in Great Danes?

Some Great Danes suffer from weak chest, or poor chest development and breadth of chest.

You can see this in dogs, like the one below, whose front limbs are close together.

While it can take a Great Dane 2-3 years to truly develop and mature physically, many dogs never develop and will have this lanky, narrow ribcage look for life.

This can be made permanent, or worse, by early spay and neuter. It is my belief that Great Danes need hormones to correctly mature, especially if they have unstable structure to begin with. Spay and neuter should happen no sooner than 18-24 months.

Talk to your veterinarian, and be a responsible owner when it comes to breeding or ‘accidental’ breeding of intact pet dogs.

A Great Dane with a Flat Chest and front limbs that are struggling to hold the weight of the dog up

The Role of Ethical Breeding in Great Dane Health

Unfortunately, many of the issues above are extremely common in pet Great Danes. A lot of people are breeding these dogs with very little understanding of how and why to breed for correct structure.

They rarely if ever seek a 3rd party opinion of the dogs they are breeding, and thus, blindly perpetuate orthopedic instability in their pedigree.

This is not fair, nor is it ethical.

Many of these breeders are friendly, have nice websites, and claim to health test their dogs. A lot of them are exceptionally popular because they produce so many puppies each year. That doesn’t mean, however, that they are producing stable, sound, and well-built puppies.

Of course, even in a well-bred, thoughtfully-bred litter from an outstanding pedigree of proven (in show) dogs, most puppies will have some minor faults. But they will have been set up for success, longevity, and health. Those are the breeders we should all be supporting (not the careless, profit-driven ones).

The Great Dane Written Standard

For more information about what Great Dane structure should look like, and how to find an ethical breeder, here as a little light reading for you!

Great Dane Written Standard – GDCA

Great Dane Structure

What is the GDCA?

Going to a Great Dane Dog Show

I Want a Pet, Not a Show Dog!

Health Tests for Great Danes

What Should I Do if my Dog Has a Flat Front or Cathedral Chest?

The good news is that there are things you can do!
- Feed a high-quality, correct diet that supports strong bones and muscle development
- Never use devices that work by restricting movement: these things include front-clip or “no-pull” harnesses, Gentle Leaders and Halti Head collars.
- Trade walks on pavement for long-leash or off-leash exploration on grass, trails, sand, and dirt
- Work with a canine physical therapist, especially if you notice pain, arthritis, stiffness, or poor movement
- Keep your dog lean
- Talk to your veterinarian, especially about joint health and responsible delayed spay/neuter practices
- Keep nails short
- Avoid slick, hard surfaces. Put rugs and runners down in your home.
- Offer an NASC sealed and/or veterinary approved joint supplement, such as Glycoflex or Dasaquin.
December 28, 2022
What is the GDCA Great Dane Club of America?

The GDCA Great Dane Club of America is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1937.

The club’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of the Great Dane breed, as well as to provide education and resources for its members. The GDCA offers a variety of resources including information on health, genetics, training, and more. They also host events throughout the year, which offer opportunities for Great Dane enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their favorite breed!

GDCA Mission & Standards

The purpose of the GDCA is to unite all those interested in the Great Dane and to work for the betterment of the breed by:

– Maintaining a code of ethics for members

– Cooperating with other canine organizations

– Promoting responsible dog ownership

– Supporting research beneficial to the health and welfare of the Great Dane

– Educating members and the public

– Hosting events and activities for Great Dane fanciers

The Great Dane Breed Standard

Great Danes are gentle giants! They should be friendly and courageous, never timid or aggressive.

Well-built Great Danes move gracefully with a powerful reach and drive. They are muscular, yet elegant dogs that should reflect the ideal proportions set forth in the breed standard.

The GDCA has created an illustrated breed standard for Great Dane dogs that can be read here. At dog shows, the dogs are judged against this standard:

https://gdca.org/wp-content/uploads/TheGreatDane/2021-GDCA-Illustrated-Standard-10_19_21.pdf

Compare it to the European FCI version, it’s nearly identical!

Recommended Health Testing for Great Danes

The Great Dane Club of America recommends that breeders complete the following health tests on Great Danes prior to breeding:

Hip Dysplasia

Cardiac Evaluation

Ophthalmologic Examination

Thyroid Panel

For more information about the OFA health testing program and on recommended screenings for Great Danes, read HERE.

Double-Merle Great Dane Breeding

The GDCA does allow for breeders to breed spot to spot. The practice of pairing harlequin (spot) dogs with other harlequin dogs can result in white puppies who may be deaf, blind, or have other health problems.

As of this writing (2022), the GDCA still condones this practice. https://gdca.org/breeders/breeders-color-code/

Some breeders who are exceptionally diligent about health testing, pedigrees, and color testing might breed spot to spot to diversify their genetic pool and produce well-marked puppies.

However, it’s not a practice that we stand behind in general, primarily in regard to the majority of Great Dane breeders (who barely do health testing, let alone care about the breed standard as a whole).

The Great Dane Club of America Events

There are several GDCA events each year throughout the U.S.

The most popular event is the GDCA National Specialty, which is held annually in early summer. Great Dane enthusiasts can attend to show their dogs, learn from others, and participate in other events such as lure coursing and dock diving.

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit HERE.

Great Dane Affiliate Clubs

Many areas have smaller affiliate clubs that are a spin-off from the main parent club.

For a list of GDCA Affiliate clubs, visit this link: https://gdca.org/the-gdca/affiliate-clubs/

How to Become a Member of the GDCA

Members of the GDCA are among a select group of exceptional Great Dane breeders who are dedicated to the betterment of the breed.

To become a member of the GDCA, you need to apply.

Your application must be signed by at least two existing GDCA members in good standing, who have recognized your work and are willing to sponsor you. By sponsoring you, they essentially stand behind you as a member and your breeding practices.

A qualified GDCA member candidate will have proven to others in the Great Dane community that they care about the breed and are willing to adhere to certain standards and ethics.

For more information about becoming a member, read HERE: https://gdca.org/the-gdca/members/

Ethical Great Dane Breeders & Rescue

Choosing a reputable and ethical Great Dane breeder is the best way to ensure that you’ll get a healthy, well-adjusted puppy.

The GDCA has a list of breeders who have signed their Code of Ethics, which can be found HERE.

If you are interested in adopting an adult Great Dane, there are many wonderful rescues that have Danes available as well. Sometimes, they even have puppies!

How to Find a Reputable Breeder

A reputable Great Dane breeder will:

– Health test their dogs

– Follow the GDCA Code of Ethics

– Produce well-adjusted, healthy puppies that meet the breed standard

-Support puppy buyers for life

To find a reputable breeder, we recommend starting with the GDCA Breeder Referral list, HERE: https://gdca.org/breeders/

The people on that list know breeders who are up-and-coming and not yet official members! They can refer you to them as well.

Another great way to find breeders is to attend AKC dog shows and meet them in person.

Great Dane Rescues & the GDCA

The GDCA and many of its members support Great Dane rescues and never want to see the dogs that they breed end up in shelters.

They maintain a list of Great Dane rescues in the U.S. which you can view HERE:

https://gdca.org/the-great-dane/great-dane-rescue

The Great Dane Breed

Great Danes are a special breed with a long and noble history.

For more information about the Great Dane breed, visit HERE: https://gdca.org/the-great-dane/

If you’re thinking about getting a Great Dane, we urge you to do your research and make sure that you are prepared for the challenges of owning one of these amazing dogs! They are not for everyone.

The Great Dane Club and the American Kennel Club have some fantastic resources for Great Dane owners to learn more about the breed and its requirements.

Great Dane Health

With diligent pedigree research and proper health testing, Danes should have exceptional health.

But as with any dog breed, there are certain health conditions to be aware of.

The most common health problems among Great Danes are:

–Hip and elbow dysplasia

–Cardiac disease

-Thyroid Disease

–Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

-Cancer

-Entropion or Cherry Eye

Diligent attention to pedigrees, health testing, overall structure, current research, and genetic testing can help reduce or eliminate the incidence of these diseases in dogs.

Great Dane Temperament

Great Danes should have a gentle and loving disposition. They should be fearless, loyal, and friendly toward people.

Timid behavior is unfortunately common, but not acceptable.

Temperament is largely genetic.

Great Dane Structure

The ideal Great Dane is strongly built, yet elegant; well-formed, yet powerful; proud and upstanding. They should have excellent angulation and nice top lines that contribute to good movement, reach, grace, and athleticism.

Danes should not be heavy, lumbering, or clumsy; these are all signs that they are not built correctly and may also be more likely to be suffering from ACL tears, hip dysplasia, and arthritis.

The coat should be short, thick, and glossy.

Great Dane Colors

The 7 accepted colors within the Great Dane breed standard are:

–Black

–Blue

–Brindle

–Fawn

–Harlequin

–Mantle

-Merle

Danes come in a huge rainbow of colors. Only dogs that meet the written breed standard, in the colors listed above, can compete in dog shows.

Off-Standard Great Dane Coat Colors

There could be room for other colors to become part of the written standard. People who breed Great Danes have to prove that the color occurs naturally from dogs who were paired first for reasons of health and temperament, and prove that the color doesn’t dilute the gene pool or cause additional health issues.

Both the merle and the mantle coat pattern were added within the last 20 years.

Unfortunately, many people breeding dogs are breeding for fun colors, large size, and droop; those things go against GDCA ethics and the written standard.

We stand behind and believe in the GDCA Great Dane Club of America and encourage all Great Dane owners to check out the event calendar. Attend some upcoming events, meet exceptional Great Dane people, learn about dog sports, and see what ethical, dedicated, and responsible dog owners are doing for this breed we love so much!

October 18, 2022
Going to a Great Dane Dog Show
I got to go to a Great Dane dog show. Not only that, I got to step into the show ring for the first time with a beautiful Harlequin Dane puppy by my side.

If you’d asked me 2 weeks ago, I would have told you that I was completely intimidated by dog shows. They have a reputation for being elitist, snobby, and comprised of cliques who talk behind each other’s backs.

The Great Dane community is pretty amazing, though. Everybody at the dog show was helpful, friendly, and welcoming.

Glacier Danes with one of their stunning Mantle dogs.

I’m New to the Show Ring

I had never shown a dog before, let alone attended a dog show.

The breeder of one of my Danes wanted to show two of her puppies. She asked me if I’d be interested in learning the ropes. I jumped on the opportunity!

After just two lessons with an experienced Great Dane show handler (Carol from Rocwind K-9), I was tasked with taking a very wiggly and inexperienced puppy into the ring.

I didn’t know what to wear, didn’t know what to expect, and knew that I’d be rubbing elbows with some BIG names in the Great Dane community.

Talk about NERVE WRACKING!

A gorgeous Fawn Great Dane from Grateful Danes

What Happens at a Dog Show?

What we attended was a Great Dane specialty. That means that the show was exclusively for Great Danes.

People who want to show their dogs and obtain titles will travel to these events, even if it means crossing multiple States to do so.

The show area was an outdoor covered pavilion. Our local Great Dane club set up a raffle table and even bought everybody lunch on the first day of the show!

(I got something from the raffle, read to the end to see what!)

The people who came with their dogs had all kinds of gear, including crates and fences to help them contain their dogs. It was clear that the dogs comfort was of utmost importance: the dogs all had food, water, nice bedding, and opportunities to relax or play.

There were beautiful Great Danes everywhere!
All of them were intact, well kept, and incredibly well-behaved.

One by one, numbers are called and Great Danes enter the show ring based on their class.

What Happens in a Dog Show Ring?

The judge directs each dog and handler to a place in the ring and then begins their assessment. This assessment is all about conformation, which in Great Danes means that they adhere to this standard.

The dogs want to be there! They prance, perk their ears, wag their tails, and engage happily with their handlers.

One at a time, the judge gives the handler a moment to stack their dog. Good handlers are ready and waiting before the judge walks up.

A stack is a stance that a show dog takes to show off their structure. For Great Danes, this means that their rear hocks are perpendicular to the ground, and the front legs are stacked directly under the shoulders.

Teaching a dog to stack on command takes practice, however, dogs that are built correctly with excellent structure will stack easily and naturally!

Here is an image from the Great Dane Standard (U.S.) showing the male and female dogs in a stacked position.

Once stacked, the judge will evaluate adherence to breed type and the way that the dog is built. They may also ask to look at the teeth.

This is not a beauty contest! Great Danes are giant breed dogs and having the correct structure means they are more likely to live long, pain-free lives.

This is a big reason that we like to see breeders seeking 3rd party evaluation of their breeding stock at dog shows.

Why Do Dogs Run in the Show Ring?

After the judge has evaluated the dog, they will ask the handler to run “out and back”, which means to take the dog out to the corner of the ring and then turn and come back. After that, the dog is once again stacked for evaluation before the judge asks the handler to run around the ring and go to the end of the line.

Doing this requires a bit of skill. If you go too fast, the dog will enter a run. If you go too slow, the dog will become bored and start wandering. If you are sloppy with your own leash skills and steps, the dog will be sloppy, too.

When the dog is moving, the judge is evaluating reach, drive, and overall movement.

A properly built Great Dane will almost look like they are floating! They are graceful and powerful, not clumsy, slow, or lumbering.

The extension of the front limbs and placement of the feet in the gait pattern are just some of the things the judge is looking for.

Sometimes the judge will single out a few dogs and ask them to run or stack again.

Eventually, the judge will be satisfied and will calmly and quietly indicate the winners with a hand signal that can be easy to miss. Watch for it!

The winners will line up for their ribbons and the rest of the dogs’ exit the ring, ready to try again another time.

A Brindle Great Dane at the 2020 National Dog Show. SOURCE

How Dog Show Judging Works

This is an age-old question that is best answered by attending dog shows.

Did you know that dog shows are a family-friendly spectator sport, and most of the time there are no entry fees?

There are actually several awards that a single dog might earn during a dog show. Here are a just a few:
- Best of Breed
- Best of Winners
- Best of Opposite
- Select Dog
- Select Bitch
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/resources/road-to-best-in-show/

These awards count for points and over time, some dogs are able to earn their CH (Champion) and GCH (Grand Champion) titles. This is a major badge of honor for a breeder!

The point system is, however, very complicated. You can dig into this a little bit HERE.

A Black Great Dane being Judged in the Show Ring. SOURCE: AKC

Showing a Great Dane Puppy

I stepped into the ring with a beautiful little Harlequin puppy named Clementine. At 4 months of age she was just excited for life and pretty clueless about the process! Both of us were, actually. Remember, neither of us had done this before.

The great news is that the beginner puppy class gives breeders a chance to practice in their ring with young dogs, without the stress of actual competition.

Read more about the 4-6 months beginner puppy class.

I did my best to stack her (a process that she’d not yet spent enough time practicing) and she did a beautiful gait out and back in the show ring. She had FUN and that was the most important thing.

I had fun too! When the judge flashed two fingers at me, I couldn’t believe it. Clementine was awarded the “Puppy Class Best of Opposite”.

Dog Show Myths, Busted

Many people think dog shows are snobby beauty contests. My experience was anything but that, and I cannot wait to go back!

The people were friendly, welcoming and complimentary.

The dogs are all so well kept. Not only did they have excellent body condition (healthy weight covered in muscle), but their nails were short, their teeth were clean, and they were robust and shiny. Show dogs are very well cared for.

Most of them have already obtained their CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title. They are friendly, confident, and obedient. Not timid, fearful, protective, or anxious as we see all too often in Great Danes.

Dog shows were created to help breeders and breed clubs sort out the best candidates for breeding.

Do not be afraid to approach a show breeder for your next Great Dane puppy! You can meet them at dog shows, and most of them love to answer questions. The dogs they breed will likely be excellent examples of the breed and will have stability in structure, temperament and health.

After our win in the beginner puppy class, we got to take a photo. Clementine has a lot to learn, and so do I! When we took this photo she was bouncing off the walls, as puppies do, and uninterested in stacking or standing still. The photographer was amazing and grabbed her in a split second when she was at least “sort of” in a decent position.

All we can do is laugh.

Our goal in the next 2 months is to make stacking the most valuable thing she can do. Treats for days. Praise, love, and attention.

I’m officially hooked and cannot wait to someday have my own stud to show in the ring.

Remember how I said there was a raffle? I fell in love with a piece of handmade art that looked just like my Mantle Great Dane.

Winning this became the cherry on top of an already amazing experience.
September 27, 2022
The Great Dane Breed Standard
The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its GIANT size. Today we are discussing the Great Dane breed standard!

This standard is the official illustrated guide that outlines the breed structure, temperament, movement, and features. It was created to help owners, breeders, and judges identify the ideal Great Dane.

WHAT DOES THE GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD MEAN?

The Great Dane illustrated standard covers all aspects of the breed including:
1. The history and origins of the Great Dane
2. The physical features that make up the Great Dane Breed Standard
3. The structure and movement of a well-built Great Dane
4. The ideal temperament of the Great Dane
5. The differences between a Dog (male) and a Bitch (female) Great Dane
A well-bred Harlequin Great Dane. Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

Why the Great Dane Breed Standard Matters

The Great Dane breed standard is important because it ensures that all Great Danes are bred to be the best they can be.

Breeders: Shady Business
Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?
Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder
What Makes a Breeder Good?

When incorrect structure, health, and temperament find their way into a pedigree, it can be difficult to get rid of.

We all want healthy, robust, loving family dogs. By adhering to a breed standard, ethical breeders are able to create sound, beautiful, healthy dogs for years to come.

The standard covers everything from physical appearance to temperament and movement. Because Great Danes are so large, having proper structure is key.

When you see a Great Dane with a sway back, no angulation, droopy red haws (eyes), flat feet, or cow hocks you are looking at a Great Dane that was not bred with the written standard in mind.

What is OFA Health Testing?
Off Color and Designer Great Danes
White Great Danes
Obesity in Great Danes: Fat Danes Face Serious Health Risks
Euro Danes: A Big, Droopy Problem
What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

The Many Great Dane Spots, Colors, and Stripes
Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version

The written standard keeps the breed that we love healthy and strong!

Great Danes at Dog Shows

Dog shows are one way that breeders can share how they are intentionally and thoughtfully breeding dogs who meet the standard.

Close attention is paid to choosing parents who have excellent structure, movement, angles, and temperament.

Not all pets are show dogs, but all show dogs are pets!
Pat Trotter, BIS Judge 2021 Westminster Kennel Club

If you are interested in showing your Great Dane, you will need to find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed standard and the general appearance of a thoughtfully bred Great Dane.

FIND A GREAT DANE BREEDER!

Unfortunately, many Great Danes are bred by breeders who are more focused on profits, designer color, or ‘EURO’ hyper types than they are on health, structure, and preservation of the breed. This can have a serious effect on the health of the dogs being bred.

WHAT IS A EURO GREAT DANE?

Learn about the EURO Dane ↗

Dogs from those breeders will not typically do well in dog shows, as they may have poor structure, unstable temperaments, and other significant faults that mean they don’t meet the written standard.

A good breeder will be able to help get you started on the right foot. They can provide guidance on nutrition, socialization, training, conformation handling, and more.

A breeder who shows their dogs is a breeder that is 110% dedicated not only to the breed but to the owners of the puppies they produce.

Not all puppies from a litter will be ‘show quality’, and will need to be placed in great pet homes.

Don’t be afraid to talk to a show breeder about purchasing a Great Dane puppy or getting into showing (and breeding) dogs yourself! These are the breeders who are at the top of the field.

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

The Great Dane Head

One of the most striking features of the Great Dane is the head. Many people call the Dane head ‘brick on brick’, meaning that it should be angular and strong with a well-defined ‘STOP’ from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.

From the GDCA Illustrated Standard for Great Danes

A round dome-shaped head, short muzzle, and/or excessive jowls are faults.

The ideal ratio of muzzle to the skull is 50/50. This is different from many other breeds, which often have longer muzzles.

Great Danes should have a strong jaw, with a complete scissor bite. This means that the top teeth should just barely touch the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed.

The eyes of a Great Dane should be large and dark, with an almond shape. They should be fairly deep-set well into the skull and give the dog an intelligent and alert expression. Some colors may have lighter eyes, however, most will have amber-colored eyes.

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

The ears of a Great Dane can be either cropped or left natural. If they are cropped, they should be done so at an early age, before the cartilage has set.

The natural ears should be medium in size and set high on the head. They should be triangular in shape, and taper to a point.

When natural, the ears should be soft and hang close to the head. When cropped, they should be erect and point forward.

https://gdca.org/wp-content/uploads/TheGreatDane/2021-GDCA-Illustrated-Standard-10_19_21.pdf

The neck of a Great Dane should be thick and muscular, without being excessively long. It should taper slightly from the shoulders to the skull.

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

Ideal Structure for Great Danes

The body of a Great Dane should be long and rectangular. They should have well-sprung ribs and a deep chest. The top line should be level, with a slight rise over the loin.

The Dane’s underline should be slightly tucked up. This gives them the ‘waist’ that is characteristic of the breed. Great Danes are a lean breed that should never be stocky or bulky.

Great Danes should have well-angulated hindquarters.

Danes should have round, firm cat feet. The toes should be well-arched and close together.

The nails should be short and dark on most colors, however light nails are acceptable on Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle Great Danes. Dewclaws are typically removed.

Danes should have a long, strong tail that is set high on the rump. When the dog is in motion, the tail should be carried level with the back, or slightly above.

A ‘hook’ tail or tail carried high above the back are faults.

Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

Great Dane Size

Great Danes are a large breed, with a height range of 28-32 inches for males and 26-30 inches for females.

The weight range for Great Danes is 100-180 pounds for males and 80-140 pounds for females.

While these are the ideal heights and weights, many Danes will fall outside of that range.

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Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart
Which Crate is Best for the Size of a Great Dane?

Great Danes fed an incorrect diet, or overfed can become too tall or too large. This is bad for their orthopedic health and may also cause problems for their bones, heart, thyroid, or pancreas.

Danes should be kept lean with good muscle, and be fed an age-appropriate, highly-researched diet.

THE BEST FOODS FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES

See what brands we recommend ↗

Great Dane Colors

There are seven recognized colors of Great Dane. Click on any heading to see the color in more detail!

Black. A black Great Dane should have a shiny, even black coat without any fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.

Blue. A blue Great Dane should have a pure steel-blue coat with no fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.

Merle. A merle Great Dane is just like a harlequin, but with a dark or light grey base coat. Torn black patches are scattered over the entire body. An ideal version of merle includes solid merle or the ‘mantle merle’ coat pattern. The white blaze is optional.

Fawn. A fawn Great Dane should have a stunning light golden coat and a black mask on the face. There should be no white markings.

Brindle. A brindle Great Dane should have a fawn coat with dark stripes all over, and a black mask on the face. Ideally, there are no white markings.

Harlequin. A harlequin Great Dane should have a white base coat with large black patches evenly distributed over the body. The ideal harlequin has as much white as possible, and the white collar is preferred.

Mantle. A mantle Great Dane should have a solid black blanket extending from the neck to the tail with a white chest, neck, blaze, and white-tipped black tail. The rest of the body should be either all black or predominately black with small amounts of white.

ALL ABOUT OFF-STANDARD AND DESIGNER COLOR GREAT DANES

Are they good or bad? ↗

Great Danes do come in many, many other colors, however! Only a few are recognized and accepted by the breed club.

Some of the more unusual colors include lilac, blue fawn, fawnequin, brindlequin, blue harlequin, chocolate, and tan point.

For more information on the ethical breeding of Great Danes, and on designer colors, read here.

Ear Cropping in Great Danes

As mentioned before, Great Danes can have either cropped or natural ears.

The practice of cropping ears has been around for centuries. It was originally done as a utilitarian measure, to help protect the dog’s ears from being torn and shredded by wild boar during hunts. Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild board!

Nowadays, ear cropping is done purely for cosmetic reasons.

The practice is controversial, and many countries have banned it outright. In the United States, it is still legal but must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

When done by a highly qualified veterinarian with an excellent portfolio of cropping (showcasing talent and experience), the procedure is humane.

Ear Cropping in Great Danes

Ear Cropping: The Two Sided Debate

How to Tape a Cropped Dane’s Ears

American vs. Euro Great Danes

People believe that there are two types of Great Danes: American and Euro.

They believe that the American Dane is smaller and more refined, almost ‘greyhound like’ in their appearance.

They also believe that the ‘Euro’ Great Dane is stocky, beefy and droopy with a more ‘mastiff like’ appearance.

When comparing the written standard for Great Danes from both America and Europe, the dogs should be nearly identical.

‘American’ and ‘Euro’ are essentially made up terms.

There is only one Great Dane breed, in other words. A Great Dane that is either too refined (‘American’) or too exaggerated (‘Euro’) is a Great Dane that was bred outside of the written standard.

What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version

One Big Droopy Eyed Dog: Eyelid Ectropion in a Dog’s Eye

A Well-Bred Great Dane

A Harlequin Great Dane

A Euro-Bred Great Dane

How to choose a Great Dane Breeder

When looking for a Great Dane breeder, it is important to find one that adheres to the breed standard. This can help ensure that your Great Dane puppy comes from genetics that have been proven for structure and temperament.

For ethical reasons, it is important that we are only breeding well-structured Great Danes! Poor structure leads to orthopedic break down including wobblers, pain, arthritis and injuries.

Temperament is genetic!

A Great Dane that meets the breed standard for temperament will be confident, friendly and courageous. Not timid or fearful.

Aggressive and fearful behavior has genetic roots. Your breeder should be proving that they are creating sound, stable dogs that enjoy activities, people and socialization.

A well-bred Great Dane will be easy to train, friendly, calm and ready for anything.

It’s a myth that Great Danes are timid and fearful!

One way that you can ensure you’ve chosen an ethical breeder is to ask them if they do ENS or Puppy Culture. These proven early-socialization practices take stable, well-bred puppies and turn them into excellent companions and family pets!

WHAT IS PUPPY CULTURE?

Is your breeder making confident puppies? ↗

Titles & Certifications

Ask the breeder about titles. We recommend that in the pedigree that are titles for conformation, obedience, and/or sports. Former puppies may carry these titles, or the parents might as well (ideal).

These titles are earned at sanctioned AKC, FCI and Canadian Kennel Club events.

Common titles you might see include (but are not limited to):

CH. – Champion (conformation)

BIS – Best in Show (conformation)

CGC – Canine Good Citizen

THD – Therapy Dog

It’s important to note that ‘service dog’ is NOT a title or a legitimate certification.

Health tests for Great Dane Breeding

A responsible and reputable breeder will be able to show you health clearances for both of the dog’s parents.

At minimum, the breeder must show proof that both dogs in the breed pairing have undergone (and passed) the following tests prior to breeding:

Eye exam with a board -certified veterinary ophthalmologist

Hip and elbow evaluation with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP

Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist

A thyroid panel reviewed by a veterinarian

WHAT IS OFA HEALTH TESTING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Learn about the tests your breeder MUST do before breeding ↗

Some breeders will take this a step further and also include the following:

A DNA test for von Willebrand’s disease

A DNA test for Degenerative Myelopathy.

A DNA test for color

A DNA test for bloat

A breeder who only does one or two of those tests is NOT reputable nor are they ethical, no matter how ‘friendly’ or ‘popular’ they seem.

Scam Breeders: What to Look For

Breeders: Shady Business

Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?

Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder

Great Dane Exercise

It’s a myth that Great Danes are fragile!

When they are correctly built and have robust, well-angled structure they are very athletic dogs that love to run, move and play.

Great Danes benefit the most from off-leash exercise, being allowed to freely explore varied terrain. We recommend that all Danes be reliably off-leash trained for this reason.

Walks on hard pavement are not ideal for the joints, nor do they do much to help build muscle and stamina. While there is nothing wrong with ‘walking your dog’, we highly recommend balancing regular walks with off-leash play.

Mature Great Danes should be lean and muscular, not bulky, lanky, unstable, or slow.

Puppies especially benefit from free play on varied outdoor terrain!

We do not recommend fetch, running or long leashed walks for puppies.

9 Tips to Having a Trained Great Dane with Balanced Training

E collar 900 review: honest and unbiased

Great Dane Health Conditions

Great Danes are prone to a number of health conditions, most of which are genetic, and all of which contribute to the so often ‘shorter lifespan’ seen in Great Danes.

Those conditions include but are not limited to:

Hip and elbow dysplasia

DCM/Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Wobblers Syndrome

Cancer

Bloat

Arthritis

Allergies

Autoimmune conditions.

A responsible breeder will have health clearances for their dogs as well as knowledge about how to avoid or minimize the impact of these disorders on the puppies they breed.

It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian about choosing an appropriate food for your Great Dane! There is a lot of misinformation being spread, and that information is unfortunately hurting our breed.

Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

The Great Great Dane

Now that you’ve read about the Great Dane Breed Standard, everything you need to know, we hope you’ll consider this amazing breed when looking for your next furry family member!

If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help!

READ MORE:
HOW TO FIND THE BEST CRATE FOR A GREAT DANE
June 28, 2022