Harlequin Great Dane – Facts To Know About This Gentle Giant

Introduction

The gigantic Harlequin Great Danes are known for their sweetness and friendly ways with their owners. Some people can be intimidated by their size and believe that this dog is aggressive, but that is untrue. They are constantly referred to as the “Gentle Giants,” and for good reason. It is crucial to note that the Harlequin color pattern is unique to Great Danes. It’s not a distinct breed. It can be recognized by its white base coat and irregularly spaced black patches all over its body. The majority of people favor harlequins with white necks. The fact that no two Harlequin Great Danes are alike makes them even more intriguing. Each of them is distinctive.

Background and History

Speaking of history, it’s thought that the Harlequin Great Dane has existed for more than 400 years. Although it’s a common myth that this breed originated in Denmark, research has shown that they are actually a German breed. They were used in Germany in the early 1800s to protect homes and traveling caravans. They were previously employed for boar hunting. Germans began banning the name “Great Danes” in 1880, replacing it with “Deutsche Dogge,” which means German Mastiffs. It suggests that these dogs are descended from a breed similar to the German Mastiff. Even if the Germans adopted a new name, in nations where English is the primary language, they were still referred to as Great Dane.

Harlequin Great Dane Physical Appearance

This dog is enormous in terms of appearance. Puppies of Harlequin Great Dane have pinkish noses that eventually become black as they get older. They feature drooping ears and deep-set eyes. To prevent them from suffering injuries while chasing after the hunt, their floppy ears would be chopped when they were utilized as hunting dogs. They have a long, muscular body, a rectangle-shaped head, and legs that are straight. The male dog is between 30 and 32 inches tall and weighs between 140 and 175 pounds. The ladies, on the other hand, stand between 28 and 30 inches tall and weigh between 110 and 140 pounds.

The short, silky coat of Harlequin Great Dane sheds lightly.

Personality of Harlequin Great Dane

Many people believe them to be hostile and aggressive due to their massive size and scary appearance, however this is not the truth. Due to their friendly and sociable nature, Great Danes are known as the Gentle Giants. Towards kids, other dogs, and even cats, Harlequin Great Dane are amusing, wonderful, and kind. As guard dogs by nature, Harlequin Great Danes may exhibit some reserve when meeting new people. However, if the Harlequin Great Dane puppies are socialization-trained, they will find it simple to feel at ease around unfamiliar people and environments. They are bright and simple to instruct.

Caring and Grooming

Their soft, short coat requires little upkeep. Although they don’t shed much, their enormous bodies cause them to shed a lot of hair. When the weather warms up in the spring, they typically shed more. Throughout the entire year, it is advisable to brush their coats once a week. However, when they are heavily shedding, they require daily brushing. Additionally, they occasionally require bathing. Along with taking care of their fur, you also need to trim their nails on a regular basis. To keep them clean, examine their ears periodically. Wax, moisture, or dirt buildup could occur if it is not addressed. Ear infections may occur from this. Furthermore, due to their size, they are more likely to experience issues with their muscles and bones. As a result, you must monitor their fitness regimen. Don’t overwork physically. Check their elbows, hips, and joints frequently as well. Get your dog examined out and evaluated by a veterinarian if you don’t know how to do it yourself.

What Is the Price of a Harlequin Great Dane?

The price of a Harlequin Great Dane ranges from $500 to $3000, depending on where you live and the sort of Great Dane you may be searching for. The standard of a breeder or a dog’s pedigree may also have an impact on the price. Because breeding a Harlequin needs years of practice, they are pricey. A female can have seven to ten litters.

A huge dog like the Great Dane also has hefty maintenance costs. They consume more than a dog of the typical size. If they are sick, they require high dosages of medication, which raises the price as well. Before getting a large dog like a Great Dane, it is crucial to keep these things in mind.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Harlequin Great Dane

Any dog may be fun to own. They are loyal friends who can make your day better by simply being there. There are many benefits to owning a Harlequin Great Dane, just like any other dog, but there are also some drawbacks. The benefits and drawbacks of owning a Harlequin Great Dane as a pet are discussed below.

Pros
They are calm and friendly dogs. They don’t require much grooming. They make excellent watchdogs.

Cons
They are unsuitable for those who live in small apartments. They live short lives. They are more expensive than other breeds. In the spring, they shed a lot, which might be problematic for those who are allergic to them.

The Harlequin Great Dane: Fun Facts

The following information about this gentle giant is fascinating.

• They grow fast, and a few months after birth, the young stop to look like pups.
• They often drool.
• These dogs are the tallest in the entire world.
• Since it requires several generations of breeding to achieve the ideal harlequin color pattern, their color is the most difficult to achieve.
• They are referred to be “The Apollo of dogs” due of their poise and boldness.
• They were initially used to hunt wild boars in Germany.
• They still possess a keen sense of smell because they were once boarhounds.
• Their ears were cropped when they were utilized for hunting to prevent injuries while out in the field.

Health of Harlequin Great Dane

Many deadly diseases are known to be contagious in Great Danes. Gastric dilation-volvulus, or GDV, is one of them. This is a potentially fatal condition that can cause a dog’s stomach to fill with air and flip or twist as a result. The pressure from the twisted stomach eventually affects other organs. Due to the Great Danes’ enormous stomachs, which have plenty of capacity for the stomach to flip over, this happens. This condition is treatable with a specialized operation in which the stomach of a dog is sewn to the abdominal wall to prevent it from flipping on its own. They are also prone to infections of the eyes and ailments of the heart.

They are also more likely to become obese because of their enormous weight and average energy levels.

What Should You Feed Your Harlequin Great Dane?

The size of a Great Dane does not warrant feeding him larger meals. The food should be fed instead throughout the day in short meals. They require a diet heavy in proteins and healthy fats. Additionally, you need to pay attention to how often they exercise and play. You shouldn’t make them exercise right before or right after their meals because they are likely to bloat. This might put them at danger of dying since it could force their stomachs to flip and twist.

How Much Exercise Is Needed for a Great Dane?

When it comes to exercising, it’s crucial to keep in mind that Harlequin Great Danes don’t need intense exercise. They shouldn’t be forced to exercise too much. Instead, a 30-minute stroll to a dog park or some playtime in your backyard might be sufficient for them. They are not the kind of dogs who would spend the entire day in your backyard or a kennel. They take pleasure in playing and strolling. So, you must pay attention to them and invest effort in keeping them entertained.

Harlequin Great Dane Lifespan

Compared to other dog breeds, they tend to live shorter lives. They have a 7–10 year lifespan. Some may grow up to be twelve years old, but this is rare.

You must educate yourself about this large and lovely dog if you intend to bring a Harlequin Great Dane into your home. Additionally, you should plan ahead for his accommodations so he can settle in quickly. Because they eat more than medium- or small-sized dogs, it’s equally essential to consider their nutritional needs. You also need to keep in mind the cost of keeping a Great Dane, as was previously mentioned. To keep them entertained and active, you should also take them outside every day or play with them in the backyard. Your Harlequin Great Dane will be a loyal and affectionate companion with love, best care, and a healthy lifestyle. You’ll have a great dog friend if you put some time into training him.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)