Great Dane

Appearance

There are six show-acceptable coat colors for Great Danes.

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: Fawn: Yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip.

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: Brindle: Fawn and black in a chevron stripe pattern. Often also referred to as a tiger-stripe pattern.

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: Blue: Deep grey with a bluish tinge. Reminiscent of Weimaraners.

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: Black: Pure jet black.

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: Harlequin: Torn black patches on white. The Great Dane is the only dog breed that shows this particular coat color pattern. (Dalmatians have round black spots.)

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: Mantle: Black coat and mask on white. Looks like the markings on Boston Terriers.

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Other colors occur occasionally but are not acceptable in the show ring. Because they are not valid for show dogs, they are not pursued by breeders. These colors include white, fawnequin, merle, merlequin, fawn mantle, and others. These are sometimes advertised as "rare" colors to unsuspecting buyers. Any coat that includes "mouse grey" is disqualified from show.

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Cropping of the ears is common in the United States and much less common in Europe. Indeed, in some European countries, in parts of Australia, and in New Zealand, the practice is banned, or controlled such that it may only be performed by veterinary surgeons for health reasons.

Related Topics:
Cropping - Veterinary surgeons

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Height and weight requirements for show dogs vary from one kennel club's standards to another, but generally the minimum weight falls between 100 to 120 lb (46 to 54 kg) and the minimum height must be between 28 and 32 inches (71 to 81 cm) at the withers. Most standards do not specify a maximum height or weight.

Related Topics:
Show dog - Withers

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