The Great Dane Club of Victoria - Breed Information There are five recognised colours of Great Danes. (Illustrations of these below.) These are Fawn, Black, Brindle, Blue & Harlequin. The Great Dane is a giant breed, originating from breeds like the Mastiff and Greyhound. The development of the breed is attributed to Germany, although the breeds roots go way back into history where Dane like dogs were found in Assyria, and the Greeks and Romans also had Dane like dogs. Many Scientists believe that the highlands of Tibet was the original country of all Dane like specimens. Dogs with Dane type figures, independantly of others existed in Russia, Poland and middle Germany. There is a view based on historic findings that the Great Dane, the Tibetan Dog (Molloser) the Mastiff, the Newfoundland and the St Bernard are of the same family. The original Great Dane was developed as a Boar hunting dog, thought todays dog is very different looking one from his forebears, he should still display the size, substance and elegance befitting his breed. He is no longer a savage hunting dog, and is now sought after as a trusted family companion and guardian. Country of origin can greatly affect the look of the Dane, depending on what bloodlines breeders prefer, and will influence the style of the dog, and observers will note the difference between specimens. Regardless of this, the standard is still the yardstick by which the Great Dane is measured, and the interpretation of breeders ends in the resulting differences, and similarities, between specimens. The Great Dane Standard allows for Dogs to be a minimum of 30 inches at the shoulder, though mature dogs of at least 33 inches upwards are preferred, and bitches of minimum 28 inches, again preferably taller.

Fawn Colour from light buff to red.A black mask is permisable Brindle Brindle. Base colour from light buff to red. Striping is black, and patterning can vary from light brindling to heavy. (Liver or blue coloured striping and masking is considered mismarking) Harlequin Harlequin: Clear white coat with Black (or Blue) torn patches. This variety can come very lightly marked to heavily marked.

Blue Blue : Colour from lightest silver to deepest slate.(not unlike gun metal or Russian Blue cats) colour should not be fawn tinged or mouse grey. Black Black is black, although white on chest and toes does occur. Sometimes blacks go a little coppery if allowed to sun bake, or durring coat change.( Liver or chocolate is considered a mismark) NOTES: In harlequin breeding various mismarks can occur. These can be merle,( silver with black patches and roaning appearance, often with white areas). Boston, which is black with white face, collar, belly and legs. (This pattern has been accepted as a standard colour in some other countries and may one day be included in Australia) Liver and white, fawn and white and sometimes mixtures of these colours! All white Danes are likely to be deaf and /or blind. Most conscientious breeders will put them down, if they survive the birth, as this is a lethal colour in Great Danes. None of the above mismark colours are considered ‘rare’ ! Also note that Cropping the ears is illegal in Australia.