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The Great Dane is a well-known breed with immense popularity. Its titanic size has led to it being one of the most beloved breeds in the world. Like most other breeds, The Great Dane can have various coat colors. A Great Dane’s coat can be black, white, blue, brindle, fawn, mantle, merle, and most importantly, harlequin.
A Harlequin Great Dane has a coat with a white base color and irregular black spots. The coat very closely resembles the coat of a Dalmatian. If you’re interested in this incredible animal or want to adopt one, keep reading; below, we’ll detail everything you need to know about the Harlequin Great Dane.
The Earliest Records of the Harlequin Great Dane in History
The history of The Great Dane isn’t entirely known; dogs that resemble Great Danes can be found in Egyptian art from 3,000 years ago, but those most likely depict a different breed entirely. What is known for sure is that the Great Dane originated in modern-day Germany and was used as a boar-hunting dog in the 1500s.
The Great Dane was most likely created by breeding The Irish Wolfhound and The English Mastiff. Eventually, The Great Dane became a very popular dog across Europe; it was around the time the practice of cutting Great Danes’ ears to protect them from boar tusks began.
How the Harlequin Great Dane Gained Popularity?
The Great Dane became very popular amongst the German nobles, and they began to use them more as pampered companions, but they still mostly lived as hunting hounds. Like many things, The Great Dane’s role in society was dramatically changed during the industrial revolution, as the demand for boar-hunting canines began to fade.
The Great Danes gradually transitioned from working dogs to loyal companions, but that doesn’t mean they completely lost their place as working dogs. The Great Dane was still commonly kept as a guard dog and was employed to protect Otto Von Bismarck, who adored the breed. The exact origin of Harlequin Great Danes is unknown, but we know they were kept as pets in the 1800s.
Formal Recognition of the Harlequin Great Dane
The first breed club for the Great Dane was formed in Germany in the late 1800s, and its standards were set in 1881. In 1878, the breed was recognized as the official dog of Germany under the name “Deutsche Dogge,” which is still used in Germany today.
It wasn’t until 1887 that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed and until 1889 for the first American Great Dane Club to be formed. It took longer for the United Kennel Club to recognize the species. It took them until 1923 and even longer for the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which didn’t recognize the breed until 1961.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Harlequin Great Danes
1. The Tallest Dog in Known History Was a Great Dane
The tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus. Zeus stood at a massive 3 feet 8 inches tall and measured 7 feet 5 inches in length. He is recognized officially by the Guinness Book of World Records.
2. Scooby Doo Is a Great Dane
Scooby Doo is probably the most famous dog ever, fictional or otherwise. It would be a challenge to find anyone in the United States who didn’t know of Scooby Doo, but you might not know that he’s a Great Dane.
3. The Great Dane Is the Official Dog of Pennsylvania
In 1965, The Great Dane was made the Official State Dog of Pennsylvania. This was done because William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, owned a Great Dane and a painting of him and the dog currently hangs in the state capitol building.
4. Their Spots Change
When Harlequin Great Danes are puppies, their spots resemble those of Dalmatians, but as they age, their spots change shape and become much less uniform. When a Harlequin Great Dane reaches adulthood, its spots will look more like splotches.
5. Their Name Comes From France
Great Danes come from Germany, where they’re called Deutsche Dogges, so where did “Great Dane” come from? We know the name “Great Dane” is the English translation of the French name for the breed, “Grand Dannois,” but we don’t understand why the French labeled the dogs Great Danes since they aren’t Danish.
Does the Harlequin Great Dane Make a Good Pet?
Thanks to careful breeding, The Harlequin Great Dane has lost most of, if not all, the natural aggression it had as a hunting dog. It has become an incredibly sweet and kind dog regardless of its coat color and is the definition of a gentle giant thanks to its loving and social temperament.
They’re also easy to care for, requiring very little grooming and only 30 minutes of exercise a day. The Great Dane can be a perfect family dog with proper training, but since they are so large, they’re not suitable for small apartments. Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to speak to a vet before deciding which dog breed is right for you.
Conclusion
If you’re adopting a Harlequin Great Dane, you’re making a good choice. The Great Dane can be an excellent pet for families with plenty of space, and with adequate training and socialization, they can become loyal companions to older children. Although their size can be intimidating, they’re gentle, goofy, and love being around humans.
Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
