NOTE: Black Bred Great Danes may be bred to Blacks, Blues, Harlequins or Mantles only. Puppies resulting from these breedings will become Blacks, Harlequins from Harlequin breeding or Mantle. (category 2 above).
Mantle/Boston - irish spotted, which means white markings on the muzzle, legs, chest, neck and tail tip. Porcelaine - any harlequin colour other than black. e.g.
brindle harlequin, blue harlequin, fawn harlequin. Breeding We're going to look at a few different example breedings to get a better idea of how Great Dane genetics work. The Great Dane is loved for their affectionate personality, giant size, and different amazing coat colors.
The American Kennel Club recognizes seven coat color patterns of the Great Dane as standard colors of the breed. These colors are Harlequin, Black, Brindle, Fawn, Blue, Mantle, and Merle. Blue brindle Blue brindle harlequin Blue brindle harlequin mantle Blue brindle mantle Blue brindle merle Blue brindle merle mantle Blue fawn Blue fawn harlequin Blue fawn harlequin mantle Blue fawn mantle Blue fawn merle Blue fawn merle mantle Blue harlequin Blue harlequin mantle Blue mantle Brindle harlequin Brindle harlequin mantle Brindle.
Harlequin Coat Colour Genetics Neil O'Sullivan, Ph.D. First off, regardless of what combos you try, large numbers of mismarked puppies are expected in all breeding involving harlequin (& merle) dogs. The best you can ever hope for is about 75% correct colour & pattern; 50% is the average if you count both Harlequin & Mantle offspring.
Great Dane Colors There are seven showable Dane colors: fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, mantle, and merle as well as some common mismarks (any non-showable color). The Great Dane Club of Germany (DDC) specifically prohibited breeding Harlequin X Harlequin in the fall of 1995. This at least prevents (registered) litters that will result in the MM double merle genotype and its associated problems.
The Harlequin breeding can also produce solid black and variations of that color, black with white. White markings are sometimes found on the chest and toes with out white on the tip of the tail. This dog is an acceptable show color for the black class but would be bred to harl/mantle color.
The Harlequin Great Dane's unique coat pattern, determined by their genetic makeup, is not just a beautiful feature, but a key element of their identity. Understanding the color chart and responsible breeding practices is essential for ensuring healthy and happy Harlequin Great Danes for years to come. The Great Dane Rescue has a color code that helps breeders determine which colors shouldn't be combined in the breeding program for Great Danes.
Blue shouldn't be bred with fawn, brindle, harlequin, or black from a harlequin Great Dane since these don't fit the breed standards.