The Harlequin Great Dane is not a separate breed but rather a coat color pattern found within the Great Dane breed. Great Danes are known for their immense size, elegance, and friendly temperament.
Harlequin Great Dane Short Overview –
The Harlequin Great Dane is a strikingly beautiful and distinctive coat pattern found in Great Danes.
They are known for their large size and gentle nature, and the Harlequin pattern adds to their unique appearance.
| Features | characteristics |
|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches |
| Weight | 110-175 pounds |
| Life span | 7-10 years |
| Good with | Family |
| Temperament | Vigilant, friendly, playful, gentle |
| Intelligence | Average |
| Shedding amount | Moderate |
| Grooming | Low |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Energy level | High |
| Barking level | Moderate |
| Drool amount | High |
| Coat length/texture | Smooth and short |
| Colors | Black and white |
| Patterns | Harlequin |
Harlequin Great Dane Breed Info –
The Harlequin is a distinctive and visually striking variety of the Great Dane breed, known for its black and white coat pattern that resembles the traditional Harlequin clown costume. These dogs are recognized for their elegance, size, and gentle disposition.
Coat Pattern:
The defining feature of the Harlequin GD is its coat pattern, which consists of white as the base color with irregular, well-distributed black patches.
The black patches should ideally be well-spaced and not merge together, creating a pleasing and symmetrical harlequin pattern. Excessive black coloring or a predominance of white is generally considered less desirable.
Size:
Great Danes, including Harlequins, are among the largest dog breeds in the world. Adult Harlequin Great Danes typically stand between 28 to 34 inches (71 to 86 cm) tall at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds (64 to 91 kg) or more.
Build:
These dogs have a well-muscled, athletic, and proportionate build. They have a deep chest, a broad back, and a long, graceful neck. Their legs are long and straight, and they have a powerful, arched backline.
Head:
The head of a Harlequin GD is large and square-shaped. They have a deep, pronounced stop (the indentation between the forehead and the nose), and their muzzle is straight and relatively long.
Their expressive eyes are medium-sized and dark in color. The ears are typically cropped to stand upright, but this practice is becoming less common in some regions.
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Tail:
Their tail is long and tapers to a point. It is typically carried low and hangs down with a slight curve.
Coloration:
The primary coat color of a Harlequin is white, and the secondary color is black in the form of patches. The amount and distribution of black can vary from dog to dog, but the harlequin pattern is the desired and recognizable look for this variety of Great Dane.
Expression:
Harlequin Great Danes are known for their gentle and kind expression, reflecting their friendly and amiable temperament.
Overall Impression:
When you see a Harlequin Great Dane, you’re likely to be struck by its majestic and elegant appearance. They have a regal bearing and a commanding presence due to their imposing size and unique coat pattern.
Temperament:
Harlequin Great Danes are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are typically good with children and make excellent family pets. While they are usually mild-mannered, they can be protective of their family if the need arises.
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Exercise and Space:
Despite their imposing size, Harlequin Great Danes are relatively calm indoors and do not require excessive exercise.
However, they do need daily walks and some playtime to keep them healthy and happy. Due to their large size, they require a spacious living area.
Health:
Like all Great Danes, Harlequins are prone to certain health issues due to their size. These may include bloat (gastric torsion), hip dysplasia, and heart problems. Responsible breeding practices can help mitigate these risks.
Lifespan:
The average lifespan of a Harlequin Great Dane is around 7 to 10 years, which is relatively short compared to smaller dog breeds. Proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups can help extend their lifespan.
Grooming:
Harlequin GD has short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain. Regular brushing and occasional baths are usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition. They do shed, but it’s typically not excessive.
Training:
Early socialization and obedience training are essential for Harlequin Great Danes to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and obedient pets. Due to their size, it’s crucial to establish control and manners from a young age.
History of Harlequin Great Dane
The history of the Great Dane, including the Harlequin variety, is a long and fascinating one that spans several centuries. Here is an overview of the breed’s history:
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Ancient Origins:
The Great Dane’s ancestry can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Dogs resembling Great Danes are depicted in ancient Egyptian artifacts and Babylonian carvings. However, the breed as we know it today is believed to have originated in Germany.
Development in Germany:
The breed’s development in Germany occurred during the 16th century. It was originally used for hunting large game, including wild boar and deer. The breed’s ancestors were powerful and robust dogs that were crossed with other breeds to enhance their hunting abilities.
Name Evolution:
The breed was initially known by various regional names, including “Deutsche Dogge” in Germany, which translates to “German Mastiff.” The name “Great Dane” likely originated from a French naturalist named Buffon, who called them “Grand Danois” or “Great Danish” in the 18th century. However, they have no historical connection to Denmark.
Role in Hunting and Guarding: Great Danes were highly regarded as hunting dogs and later as guard dogs for estates and castles. Their imposing size and strength made them effective at deterring intruders.
Noble Companions:
In the 17th century, Great Danes became popular among European nobility and were often kept as companions and status symbols by royalty and aristocrats. Their breeding was refined to emphasize their gentle temperament and regal appearance.
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Recognition as a Breed:
The first breed standard for the Great Dane was established in Germany in 1880. This standard outlined the desired characteristics and appearance of the breed. The breed was also recognized by kennel clubs in other countries during this time.
Varieties of Great Danes:
Great Danes come in several color varieties, including Harlequin (black and white patches), Fawn (yellow gold with a black mask), Blue (solid steel blue), and Brindle (fawn and black stripes). Each variety has its unique appeal.
Modern Era:
Great Danes, including Harlequins, have continued to be popular as companion animals, though their hunting and guarding roles have diminished. They are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them beloved family pets.
Breeding and Standards:
Today, responsible breeding practices are essential to maintain the breed’s health and conform to breed standards. Breeders aim to produce Great Danes with excellent temperament, health, and the distinctive appearance for which they are known.
Harlequin Great Dane Price in USA 2023
Harlequin Great Dane’s Price can vary depending on several factors such as the breeder, location, pedigree, and quality of the dog. Generally, Harlequin GDs are considered rare and highly sought after, which can influence their price.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for a Harlequin Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder.
However, prices can go higher if you’re looking for a show-quality dog with exceptional lineage or if you’re purchasing from a well-known breeder with a strong reputation.
It’s important to note that the initial purchase price is just one aspect of owning a dog. There are also ongoing expenses such as veterinary care, food, grooming, and training to consider.
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Additionally, it’s recommended to thoroughly research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Is Harlequin Great Dane aggressive?
Harlequin GDs, like any other dog breed, do not inherently possess aggressive tendencies. Their temperament is influenced by genetics, socialization, and the environment in which they are raised. Harlequin GDs, are generally known for their gentle and friendly nature.
However, it’s important to note that individual dogs can vary in temperament regardless of their breed. Factors such as early socialization, training, and proper handling play significant roles in shaping a dog’s behavior.
A well-bred and well-socialized Harlequin Great Dane who has been properly trained and socialized from a young age should exhibit a calm and friendly disposition.
As with any dog, it’s important to provide appropriate training, socialization, and positive reinforcement to help them become well-rounded and well-behaved companions.
Additionally, responsible ownership, including providing regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a loving environment, can contribute to a well-behaved and non-aggressive dog.
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Harlequin Great Dane breeding color chart
When it comes to breeding Harlequin GDs, there are certain color patterns and genetic factors to consider. Here is a basic color chart for Harlequin GD breeding:
Harlequin:
Harlequin is the primary color pattern for this breed. It consists of a white base coat with irregular patches of black or blue.
Mantle:
Mantle is another recognized color pattern in Great Danes. It features a black or blue base coat with a solid white collar, chest, and stomach area. The white areas should not exceed one-third of the dog’s body.
Merle:
Merle is a pattern that involves a mottled or marbled coat with patches or streaks of diluted color (such as blue or fawn) on a base coat of gray or black. It is important to note that merle-to-merle breeding can result in health issues, including potential hearing and vision problems, so it’s generally discouraged.
Black:
Some Harlequin GDs may carry the recessive gene for solid black. Breeding a Harlequin with a solid black Dane can produce black puppies.
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Blue:
Blue is a dilute gene that can affect the black areas of a Harlequin Dane, resulting in a grayish-blue color. Breeding a Harlequin with a blue Dane can produce blue puppies.
It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable and responsible breeder who understands the genetics and health considerations associated with breeding Harlequin Great Danes.
Harlequin Great Dane Girl Names
Here are some Harlequin Great Dane girl names for you:
| Names | Meanings |
|---|---|
| Luna | Meaning “moon,” symbolizing elegance and grace |
| Bella | Derived from the Latin word “bellus,” meaning “beautiful.” |
| Athena | Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage. |
| Freya | Derived from Norse mythology, meaning “goddess of love and beauty.” |
| Cleo | Short for Cleopatra, meaning “glory of the father” in Greek. |
| Duchess | Reflecting nobility, grace, and regality. |
| Willow | A graceful and slender tree, symbolizing flexibility and resilience. |
| Nova | Latin for “new,” representing a star that suddenly becomes incredibly bright. |
| Stella | Meaning “star” in Latin, symbolizing radiance and beauty. |
| Gaia | Named after the Greek goddess of the Earth |
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