The Colors of a Great Dane 2: Harlequin
Today’s color will be:
Harlequin:
The base color of a Harlequin Dane has to be pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect.
Where does this name originate from? It could be that they are named after Arlecchino (Harlequin in English) who was so poor a servant that his clothes were old & patched together to the point that they lost their original color & material. Arlecchino could not read or write so made his meager living as an acrobat and a clown. Some people say Harlequin Great Danes take after Arlecchino (and future entertainers who dressed like him) with their clownish antics.
Did you know?
- Great Danes are the only breed of dog with this color pattern (Miniature Pinschers use to come in this variation but now are uncommon)
When Harlequins are bred together they may or may not produce Harlequin puppies.
- Harlequin Great Danes bred with another Harlequin can produce white puppies that frequently are deaf and/or blind.
- Harlequin Great Danes are frequently mistaken by the general public as Dalmatians.
- Harlequins sometimes can be so heavily marked that they resemble a Mantle with the only noticeable difference being that they have merle (grey) somewhere on them.
Famous Harlequin Great Dane: World’s Tallest Dog!!
