There are a variety of patterns and colors born in a Harlequin family litter. On average only about 1/3 of a litter will be of potentially a show marked dane. There are 2 show marked colors that can be produced in a Harlequin family litter. Those colors are Harlequin and Mantle. On the extremely rare occasion a show marked Black may be produced but most Blacks born in a Harlequin family litter tends to have to much white. Other colors or patterns produced in a Harlequin family litter are non-showable due to color but no less in quality of confirmation or health than their showable siblings.

** SHOWABLE COLORS & PATTERNS **

Harlequin

(Ideally marked Harlequin)

Base color shall 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. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small gray patches, or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect. Any variance in color or markings described above shall be faulted to the extent of the deviation. Any Great Dane which does not fall within the above color classifications must be disqualified.

The Harlequin is a pattern. Harlequins can have black,blue, fawn, merle, or brindle colored patches but black is the only color able to be shown.

(Variations of the Harlequin pattern)

Mantle

(Ideally marked Mantle)

The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar.

The Mantle is a pattern. Mantles can have black, blue, fawn, merle, or brindle colored skull and blanket but black is the only color able to be shown.

(Variations of the Mantle pattern)

** NON-SHOWABLE COLORS & PATTERNS **

Merle

The Merle coloring has a grey base with black patches. Merle's may have white on the head, chest, feet/legs, or tail as well.

The Merle is a coloration that may show in a variety of patterns such as patches, blanket, or pied.

Pied

The Pied is a pattern that tends to have markings on the head that can be of any color or have a harlequin type pattern and a white body. The Pied also tends to have a large round or oval shaped patch near the tail.

Black with White

The Black with White is a color that is primarily black with excessive white on the muzzle, chest, feet, or tail yet not enough to classify as a Mantle.

White

The White is a dane that has the absence of all color or with very minimum coloration. They tend to have pink noses and ears with blue eyes. The White coloration also has a chance of creating the dane deaf and/or blind.