DIAGRAMS & DESCRIPTIONS OF VARIATIONS IN COAT COLORS AS FOUND IN THE HARLEQUIN FAMILY:

Below is a set of descriptions and illustrations of typical coat color variations found in the Harlequin family of dogs with some closing comments on the special (even unique) difficulties found in showing and breeding Harlequins and Mantles. This article was written specifically for the Dane fancier wanting to familiarize themselves with some of the seemingly endless array of variation found in our "spotted" Danes, but is also for the individual outside the breed with an interest in "color" dogs in general. The Harlequin Great Dane is a unique merle variant--a "dual spotting heterozygote"--created by adding a special "bleaching" (harl) gene on top of the dilution gene called merle; other recessive spotting genes can then be added in, so this animal potentialy carries all known spotting genes found in the domestic dog. The easiest way to visualize the complex coat pattern of the Harlequin is to see how it is typically "built up": starting with a Black or Mantle dog, the merle gene is added in, which dilutes large portions of the black coat, (and so creates a traditional merle or a mantled merle), and then the unique harlequin gene is added, which "takes the gray out" (thus eliminating most of the diluted pigment created by merle), leaving a largely black and white dog. This animal, with a white base coat & torn (ragged) black patches, then meets the description of a Harlequin under the breed standard. As this non-technical description is already complicated enough, for ease of understanding, the old Little terminology is used below when discussing the genetics of the coat colors shown. However this will first be augmented and then replaced as more specific alleles & loci are defined and labeled at a molecular level, and that terminology then becomes more common place (and there is an article linked below for those more technically minded). Note this is a "to the best of our knowledge" sort of working article, so please refer to the links given for the most up-to-date (if typically more technical) information on coat color genetics in the Great Dane. The paragraphs in this article which discuss the interpretation of what is "show" color are the author's own opinions: what is presented here otherwise however is not some breeder's personal theory, but rather a non-technical version of the current state of understanding of the Harlequin family of dogs, from the genetics on up to the phenotypes that result. So these facts are not in dispute.

"Let's begin by stating the observable facts that every harlequin breeder has to contend with. For starters, there are four basic colors found in harlequin litters. These are black, harlequin, merle, and white. This outcome is markedly different from the other four accepted colors (fawn, brindle, black and blue), which can be selected to breed true (harlequin cannot)." From BMW: A Harlequin Breeders Perspective, 1984. (By Laura Kialenaus, Tom & Holly Sayvetz.)

TO See an illustrated guide to how various colors in Harlequin breedings combine, CLICK HERE.

HARLS, MERLES, BLACKS, WHITES: FOUR BASIC PHENOTYPES: In Harlequin breeding there are many iterations, endless variation, but essentially four basic phenotypes, which correlate with four basic genotypes and which result in specific and expected variation when they interact. This is what is outlined below. For more information and details on this complex relationship, there are many other articles on various aspects of Dane coloration gathered up here. For a discussion of spotted Danes beyond the "black-merle-white standard set," see this article on recessive pigment interaction with harlequin genetics. For a discussion on what is seen (especially in the show ring) in this color family, just scroll. The link above offers a set of Punnett squares that diagrams breeding outcomes for the various phenotypes discussed.

To see an outline/overview of color issues and currently available coat color tests for the Great Dane, see these two GDCA links: ALL COAT COLORS & HARLEQUIN FAMILY COAT COLORS.

TO See the latest (this a technical article) on coat color research in dogs, CLICK HERE.

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A. HARLEQUIN: A Harlequin is considered a merle-bearing dog with a single Harlequin gene: a double heterozygote (MmHh) with black pigment (E-K-). This is a combination of two "dominant white spotting" genes, and produces a white base coat with black torn patches irregularly distributed over the body, head, neck, legs and tail. Without recessive white spotting genes ("irish" or "piebald"), the Harlequin will usually be referred to as "heavily marked." When the Harlequin has extensive white from the action of the more recessive of the "S locus" alleles, then it will be referred to as "lightly marked." When carrying only "irish" alleles, the Harlequin will be thought close to the ideal under the current breed standard. Harlequins are unique: like snowflakes no two are ever just alike. And their markings can be very pleasing or not-so-much when the dogs are identical as to genotype (and so to breedability). This isn't a color that will "breed true" in any sense of the word and simply cannot be standardized beyond some basic RANGE of markings. A WIDE range of markings (from heavily marked to lightly marked) is allowed under the breed standard & variations within the standard shouldn't be heavily penalized:: see the GDCA's illustrated standard for details. And note also that ALL Harlequins have some merle markings.

The heavier the markings on the Harlequin, the more merle is visible to the casual glance, just because the dog has more pigment in general, but all true Harlequins that are not altered in appearance have merle markings somewhere because Harlequins _are_ a form of merle (this is a fact documented at the gene level and has always been understood by the experience Harlequin breeder). And merle markings are not the gun-metal gray color of our blue Danes (which is a totally seperate gene): merle is not always some pale shade of silver or even an obvious gray; merle is referred to as a "mouse" color, that is gray-brown, and these merle patches can appear "tarnished," so the merling can be more tan to chocolate in appearance. This does not mean the Harlequin is "showing" fawn or chocolate pigment (a genetic impossibility) and does not mean the animal in question is even carrying for these other recessive pigments. Merling may not be necessarily aesthetically pleasing, but it's a natural part of the Harlequin pattern. So it shouldn't be weighted heavily against the dog, in that it's purely aesthetics, a completely random event, and has no real bearing on the dog's breedability as doesn't reflect some change in the basic genotype for Harlequin. It is also worth noting the lighter the dog is, for all that means the less likely merling is obvious, the more likely that hearing and sight will be adversely affected in potential offspring. So it just doesn't make sense to penalize dogs more heavily for having heavier markings when the dog still fits the standard, particularly since it is pigment that protects the Harlequin from the health problems associated with merle. (Nevermind the standard is explicit that faults should be penalized by the amount of deviation, not the direction of deviation.) Most everything in breeding Harlequins involves trade-offs; this is just one example. That these simple facts about merling are not widely appreciated is a constant frustration to the experienced Harlequin breeder, who is already laboring under quite a burden to produce show marked dogs.

Part of the the take home message here should be that *COLOR* has been far too much the focus in both judging and breeding, while there has been too little emphasis on **PATTERN**: Pattern is the stable point in Harlequin breeding, the one place where all good quality breeding stock and correctly marked show dogs have both looks and genetics in common. This simple fact has been very much undervalued and overlooked it would seem. Pattern genes are a critical component in getting correct color and arguably the most critical component as pattern, indubitably, is the most certain point of control in producing correctly marked Harlequins & Mantles. Color (Harl, Merle, Mantle, White) just describes how the various necessary genes to produce Harlequins statistically sort in the population/gene pool & there isn't control over this in any real sense (i.e. you cannot find a breeding to rid the gene pool of all but show color). Pattern on the other hand can be managed and maintained: there is one true breeding (the Irish homozygote) show mark and a couple of hybrids (the pseudo-Irish dog that is an irish/piebald heterozygote) that can produce show markings. So the **PATTERN**that results in the show-marked Harlequin & Mantle (and Merle when/if that's accepted) IS THE SAME PATTERN: all show-marked Danes in the Harlequin family have to have, need to have, the IRISH PATTERN to meet the current standard. Therefore it's pattern, not color, that should be the focus in Harlequin breeding. Control the pattern & you create a situation where you can maximize the number of show marks. Consider everything equally breedable as to color/pattern & you lose control.

NOTE: all of the Harlequins illustrated here are acceptable under the current standard.

Harlequin #1: A-B-C-D-E-K-SSMmHh: Harlequin without recessive white spotting genes; more heavily marked (i.e. lots of black markings) with ragged patches of various size, often from very small (ticky) to very large (blanket-like). Take away the harl and merle genes and this is a solid black dog. Typically will have lots of merling. Harlequin #2: A-B-C-D-E-K-SS(Ss)MmHh: The 2nd category here is the Harlequin equivalent of the old "harlequin black", also referred to in other breeds as "irish" or "tuxedo" markings. These animals will be less heavily marked than the Harlequin that corresponds to the solid black Dane, but typically still more densely pigmented than the fully collared Mantle. Typically this dog will have pleasing (if heavier) markings-take away the harl and merle genes and this dog wll usually be a "mismarked black" or "broken collared Mantle" in breed parlance. There are actually two ways to make the markings you see in #2, one using the stable "Irish" gene (i.e. breeding a homozygote), the other where piebald spotting is involved (i.e. Little's pseudo-Irish dog). See #4 for more on such "spotting hybrids." Harlequin #3: A-B-C-D-E-K-SS(Ss)MmHh: The "collared" Harlequin: this is the dog that meets the ideal for the breed (standard) most all of the time; a dog with extensive pigment on the head and torso, with white predominating on the legs and neck. Take away the merle and harl genes, and the dog would be a partial-to-full collared Mantle. There are actually two ways to make the markings you see in #3, one using the stable "Irish" gene (i.e. breeding a homozygote), the other where piebald spotting is involved (i.e. Little's pseudo-Irish dog). See #4 for more on such "spotting hybrids." Harlequin #4: A-B-C-D-E-K-Ss(ss)MmHh: The category inclusive of irish-piebald dogs is represented here: "spotting hybrids" if you will.. These animals will be less pigmented than the typical Irish, but more than the usual piebald (and so may be within acceptable range under the standard). Take away merle and harl genes, and the dogs in this category would be "flashy" Mantles with broken blankets to "plated" dogs with "Pointer" spots. Some dogs here are actual piebalds, others are piebald carriers. Such hybrids don't breed true and excessively white dogs (i.e. piebalds) will result when they are bred. Harlequin #5: A-B-C-D-E-K-MmssHh: The "piebald" Harlequin: this is the dog that is predominately white, with what pigment that is left restricted to the head and small areas on the torso. The variation here is an animal from what is referred to as "lightly marked," to one that is sometimes called a "harl-head." Some of these piebald Harlequins can be confused with white Danes, as so much pigment is lost from the combination of harl, merle and piebald genes. And some are reported to have hearing and sight issues; more might have defects than is immediately obvious as CERF and especially BAER testing is rarely done in this breed, and piebaldism alone is associated with deafness, plus merles with extensive white can have both hearing loss and eye defects (e.g. merle ocular dysgenesis). "Harlequins" this white are not "normal" in the sense they are actually either homozygous merles or homozygous piebalds; so some do not even carry a harl gene at all.

According to current data, the "true" Irish spotting" pattern prefered for breeding that produces the show pattern (head color and body color with white trim in a tuxedo pattern) is actually caused by an entirely seperate gene from S spotting (which has been demonstrated to have only two alleles, one for solid, the other for piebald). Thus the "cap and blanket" pattern prefered under the AKC Dane standard results from this "true" Irish gene, but as there is not any convention currently for what this second recessive white spotting gene would be called, the gene isn't represented in the diagrams.

NOTE: "ss" is not entirely accurate in the old Little sense of a single locus for spotting with several recessive alleles. The evidence to date is that there are only two alleles at the S locus: the dominant is for solid body color, the recessive gene (allele) here is s^p--called piebald or "excessive white"---and produces a mostly white dog. The hybrid at S (Ss or S s^p heterozygote) is Little's old "pseudo-Irish" dog. The dogs tested so far for piebald are (recessive) MITF SINE homozygotes & some harlequin, merles and mantles that are within the standard are MITF heterozygotes (i.e. carry the recessive SINE=piebald allele). The "true" breeding Dane for the show pattern (head color and body color with white trim in a tuxedo pattern) is actually caused by an entirely seperate gene it would seem. This is the "true" Irish gene. As there is not any convention currently for what this second recessive white spotting gene would be called, the gene isn't represented in the diagrams. SCROLL DOWN TO THE MANTLE SECTION TO SEE MORE ABOUT TRUE IRISH AND PSEUDOIRISH PATTERNING.

B. MERLES: A merle under this breed's definition is actually a heterozygous merle (Mm), as the homozygous merle has a special category in the Great Dane and is referred to as a white (White Tiger=weisstiger) or "merlikin." Normal Merles are predominately gray dogs (brownish gray or "mouse" basecoat) with black markings; some have white markings as well. Merle as a gene dilutes the normally black pigment randomly, so has a sort of inadequate "bleaching" effect & so is called a dilution gene by many dog breeders. Merles are called "Grey Tigers" (grautiger) in German; Harlequins being Tigerdoggen (the term for a paint horse is "Tiger") in the old German parlance. Normally these "normal merles" ( the heterozygotes) are perfectly normal dog (i.e. do not exhibit deafness or the eye defects that can be associated with the merle gene, and are seen in "double merle" dogs, called white Danes in this breed). Merles are disqualified under the Great Dane breed standard but are exhibited in several other AKC breeds. Recall merle is MOUSE color--a brownish gray, not the gun metal gray of our blues. NOTE: Merles DO NOT carry Harlequin genes: all are Mmhh. Merle#1: A-B-C-D-E-K-SSMmhh: Merle without white spotting genes: "mouse" or solid merle dog (no white trim). A black dog without the merle gene. Merle#2: A-B-C-D-E-K-SS(Ss)Mmhh: Merle "solid-spotting" hybrid with white trim (toes, belly, chest, tail). A "mismarked black" without the merle gene. Merle#3: A-B-C-D-E-K-SS(Ss)Mmhh: "Boston" or "mantled" merle (true Irish dog--homozygous for irish spotting). A Mantle without the merle gene. Merle#4: A-B-C-D-E-K-Ss(ss)Mmhh: "Spotting hybrid" dogs with extensive white trim: lots of face white, broken blankets, & dogs with big merle "plates" (areas of pigment) where white predominates. A broken-blanket/mismarked mantle or piebald without the merle gene. Merle#5: A-B-C-D-E-K-Mmsshh: Piebald merle: will appear either as a "merle-head" or a "pointer" marked dog that appears largely white with some round or oval areas of gray, with black spots in the gray areas typically. Sometimes these dogs get called "merlikins" (see whites below for more on merlikins). A piebald or "boston head" without the merle gene.

WHITE DANES: In the Great Dane, the genotype otherwise called "dominant white," "double merle" or "white merle" is simply referred to as "white" (also called White Tiger=weisstiger) and is a homozygous merle dog. This animal in this breed is given it's own category because it has a seperate set of outcomes to the normal merle when used in a breeding program, as well as has a radically different appearance than the predominately gray dog that a normal, heterozygous merle is, AND because nearly all white Danes are deaf and/or suffer from various eye and other defects, whereas our normal, gray merles do not. White Danes can be referred to as "lightly marked" Harlequins when this predominately white animal has enough black pigment to be confused with a normal Harlequin. White Danes also get called "merlikins" when they have some visually obvious amount of gray pigment predominating. This term came about as the gray patches appear torn & the dog has lost so much pigment he has a white base coat, so looks somewhat like a Harlequin. But merlikins with even extensive pigment do NOT breed as Harlequins, but rather breed as do the more obviously white "white" (MM) Dane. Some genetic merle piebalds get errroniously put in this cateory too as they are predominately white. But a piebald merle also only has only one merle gene (not two as does a "true" Dane white or "merlikin"), a piebald merle never has any harl genes at all. There are some distinctions in appearance of these various "white" Danes to the experienced eye, but it's not always obvious at a glance which is what genotype. But there is now a test for merle, as well as for piebald, so any time there is doubt about a dog's genetic status, there is no longer any need to speculate (and no need to test breed), as the dog can be tested directly at the gene level, and it can be documented if the predominantly white Dane has one, two, or no merle genes, etc. There is no current test (research is underway) for the harlequin gene, but as harlequin gene homozygosity is typically considered lethal, the "true" white Dane can only carry a single harlequin gene--MMHh--is the genotype for the "true" white; while the white without the harl gene--MMhh--is the "merlikin" if making a distinction between these two homozygous merle dogs). To read more about white (MM) danes, click here. To see all the various things merle can do in various breeds, click here. There are three broad genetic categories for the predominately white Dane and they represent three major different genotypes, but the one thing they share in common is they have such a massive loss of pigmentation they are at increased risk for defects associated with white dogs, plus they will all be hard (without extensive gene level testing) to identify properly. This is likely why predominately white dogs have always been considered a fault or outright banned under various Great Dane breed standards.

ALL "true" WHITE DANES ARE actually MM "double merles." However there are variations in genotype: some Whites carry recessive white spotting (such as "S locus") genes, and in fact the "whiter whites" most likely always carry the more recessive alleles. Some Whites carry a harlequin gene, that is they are "harl-factored," but that's not necessarily visually obvious. Some white dogs are actually extreme piebalds without merle or harl genes at all. All predominately white dogs carry an increased risk for defect. Three basic categories of "whites" are presented below. To read more about white (MM) danes, click here. White #1: "double-merle" (white merle, double dilute) = A-B-C-D-E-K-MM(hh or Hh). Dominant-whites which are "harl-factored" could produce harls; dogs without the harlequin gene (merlikins) would be dependent upon their Mantle mate to contribute harl genes for any harl offspring to be produced. Phenotype would appear (nearly?) identical for both of these predominately white double merles, however the "harl-factored" white is less likely to show any pigment (which will more likely be predominately black). And some research/breeder lore suggests this "true" white is less likely to survive. "Real" merlikins (dogs with merle ragged patches) are these white or "double" merles that appear generally then to lack the harl gene (hence the merle spotting predominates). Both variations are double (homozygous) merles. White #2: "hybrid white" (piebald harlequin) = A-B-C-D-E-K-MmHh. This is essentially an undermarked (overly white) harlequin, just as the piebald white described below is an undermarked Mantle. Such animals will contribute to the production of mismarked (i.e. white bodied, colour-headed dogs) more so than more normally marked dogs. But these "harl-heads" are at least carrying one harl and one merle gene, and in that sense are like a "normal" harlequin--just poorly marked, due to the action of the piebald gene. Piebald harlequin dogs were traditionally referred to as "harl-heads," and can be called "light-marked harls." White #3: "piebald" (recessive-white/colored-headed white) = A-B-C-D-E-Kmmsshh. These are predominately white dogs with black spots or "plates" but which are NOT Harlequin "ragged patches." Such whites cannot contribute to the production of harl/merle offspring; but will contribute, recessively, to the extension of white and the lack of body markings, thus increasing over time the number of mismarks produced. See more about PIEBALDS BELOW.

For more on excessive white dogs, their variation, and their commonality as to defect, click on the following links:

Color-Associated Health Problems in Dogs (explained by a geneticist and working breeder--with links), Spotting in Dogs, Pattern White Dogs, Double Merle, & DDEAF (Deaf Dog Education Action Fund).

BLACK TO MANTLE TO PIEBALD DANES: Despite a wide range of appearance, this is one category to the Harlequin Dane breeder, as these animals all lack the merle gene, and so have been traditionally considered the perfect breeding partner to the Harlequin, because no "double merles" (whites) can be produced. The variation in appearance of the black, Mantle and piebald is due NOT to dominant white spotting genes like merle and harlequin, but rather to recessive white spotting genes. What is important to also note is while Black/Mantle/Piebald Dane NEVER carry merle, they *can* carry the harlequin gene sight unseen, and thus contribute to both the potential for the lethal harlequin homozygote as well as a higher percentage of show-marked offspring (i.e. producing more Harlequin pups) when they do. Note that for all mismarked blacks and outright piebalds are disqualified under the breed standard, a WIDE range of markings are allowed & variations within the standard shouldn't be heavily penalized: see the GDCA's illustrated standard for details The basic five iterations that correlate with Harlequin are presented below. Do note that some variations of Mantle can be produced by at least two different sets of genes.(this is something at least breeders have to remember). Also, recall that a percentage of black/Mantle/piebald Great Danes carry the harl gene (H) sight unseen.

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TO See how various colors in Harlequin breedings combine, CLICK HERE.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HARLEQUIN BREEDING:

1. Harlequins, being heterozygotes, cannot breed true; i.e. cannot reproduce themselves consistency in either phenotype or genotype.
2. There is a loss of possible progeny due to MM and/or HH reduced viability and increased defect.
3. There is considerable difficulty in controlling the color patterning & the amount of pigment even when correctly marked individuals are consistently bred to each other; so multiple incorrectly marked puppies therefore are born in most all litters, resulting in a reduced number of show/breed stock to select otherwise correct/superior individuals; high number of pets-by-markings produced..
4. Remaining well-marked animals may lack for breed type, conformation & soundness, so breeding choices and even quality can be starkly reduced when trying to assemble suitable breeding stock.
5. The genotype of the various near-white individuals cannot be determined necessarily on phenotype; test breedings/genetic testing may have to be performed to determine genotype (if these animals are kept for potential breeding stock, rather than culled): which requires raising & rearing mismarks which may prove useless for breed improvement.
6. All near-white & white individuals should be checked for hearing & eye anomalies if not euthanized at birth as defects are to be expected in the majority of animals. Also animals with such defects may contribute to a rise in defective offspring.
7. Modifiers/other undefined genes inherited independently of recessive spotting (S locus/other loci?) and dominant spotting (M/H loci) may affect the resulting phenotype and may prove hard to control. Currently it's considered that all these white spotting loci are incompletely dominant and may well interact, leading to unpredictable pattern variations in offspring & mismarks born routinely to even correctly marked stock.
8. All stud contract/co-ownerships must be carefully read & agreement of which color-type individuals will be euthanized at birth/how all mis-marks must be handled (e.g. culled, euthanized, limited registration, spay/neuter contracts) must be settled between attendant parties given the ethical dilemmas inherent in this situation.
9. It is not uncommon for litters to include only 1 or 2 correctly marked Harlequin offspring. Further, many of the (now acceptable) Mantle offspring may be poorly marked or poorly made for consideration as show/breeding stock. Successive litters therefore may contain no correctly marked offspring, or the correctly marked offspring present may be the least adequate in all other breed features. The sex desired in also often unavailable in the desired color pattern. The result is few animals of real breeding quality being available. So breeding appropriately becomes a certain challenge indeed. Since the serious fancier can easily find the opportunity (such as with fawns producing ~8 pups to choose from in every litter) to more reliably select and breed suitable Great Dane breeding stock, there is little long-term, educated and sustained interest in breeding Harlequins, given such constraints.
10. After careful consideration, most breeders interested in consistently producing quality stock turn to one of the other acceptable colors in Great Danes, where this is more likely to be a reality. This, combined with the low number of animals acceptable as breeding stock means there is a reduced gene-pool as to both size and quality in the harlequin family. The color unfortunately attracts many novices who are unable/unwilling(?) to learn enough about the breed & the harl variant to produce correct specimens, or simply abandon the color after some poor breeding results. Many more who even routinely participate in breeding Harlequins are simply too fixated on coat color to actually produce good dogs. Given the internal constraints of breeding Harlequins also there is a supply and demand problem, particularly where pets are concerned, that is naturally met by the addition of many rather unsavory or simply opportunity-motivated individuals who exploit the novelty of the color and it's "rarity" to produce entire lines specifically for sale to a ready market. This results in an added burden for the ethical Harlequin breeder who must judiciously (even zealously) screen to avoid homes who are more interested in owning "the spots" than the breed. Limited registrations/spay and neuter options must be rigorously enforced to avoid "spawning" situations where more poor-quality "spotted" Danes are ultimately bred due to their popularity and profitability. Ultimately this portion of the Great Dane breed is maintained and improved by a few knowledgeable & dedicated individuals with a flair for genetics, a good eye for a dog & a gambler's heart.

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PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH JUDGING AND SHOWING HARLEQUINS AND MANTLES:

I've heard it argued from time to time that "you cannot bring all this genetics into the show ring" or expect judges to understand all this. I'd beg to differ, and beg judges to slog through at least the basics here to help better our breed. First I'd offer the argument that a breed standard indeed tries to focus on genetic information as it can be seen, so if not outlined at the biologic level, the idea of a breed standard was still from the start an attempt to codify what the founders of the breed intended to see preserved and preferably bred. So as judges affect the future of the breed, it's imperative they make their decisions based on vital facts about the breed. And to support such declarations, I offer the following logical train of thought that uses breed history which I feel makes understanding an illustrated article like this essential to anyone who hopes to judge Danes properly. A breed standard is developed to protect the breed by promoting those specimens closest to the ideal in the breed. The breed ring was instituted to judge potential breeding stock using the breed standard. I'll grant you spotted Danes are harder to judge than solid, but all our accepted Dane coat colors deserve to be judged on an equal playing field, and to do this with spotted Danes, an appreciation of how such patterns are produced is fundamental.

Thus the issues of "showable" color in the Great Dane that involve the Harlequin family of dogs is important to truly understand. The color portion of the standard was clearly originally written to insure that the dogs that succeeded in the show ring were breedable, & so returned to contribute to the breed what they were in a genetic sense. That is why Harlequins in general were allow a large deviation of patterning, and why the ideal for the color was placed in the middle of this allowed range: it was understood even a 100+ years ago that the Harlequin pattern was not one that could be closely controlled, and that "prettily marked" (even "perfectly marked") spotted Danes will produce imperfect markings--and visa-versa. This is also why the two noted faults of such color (white base coat with a few large spots; bluish-gray pointed background) are listed seperately from what is NOT a fault, but simply defined as less desirable for Harlequins (to include a "dirty" or salt-and-pepper background and obvious merle patches).

Only the spotted Danes that were not predominately black in patching or which were predominately white were to be excluded, which makes sense seen from a breed and breeding standpoint. Note that when the standard listed the DQs for "colors other than described," here is actually what was listed as relevant to the Harlequin Great Dane: White Danes without any black marks (albinos). Merles, a solid mouse-gray color or a mouse-gray base with black or white or both color spots or a white base with mouse-gray spots. Harlequins...in which a large spot extends coatlike over the entire body so that only the legs, neck and point of the tail are white. Danes with predominatly blue, gray, yellow or also brindled spots. Nothing otherwise is supposed to count as a DQ; so for the Harlequin Dane, there are actually very few faults of color, and a large allowable range. This should be kept in mind when judging Danes (as a judge, breeder or just Dane lover); & it is also good to recall color is supposed to always take a back seat to type and structure in judging anyway.

It doesn't benefit the breed (nor make logical sense) to exclude good dogs from a breeding program purely on a personal level reaction to the aesthetic (the "prettiness") of a dog's markings. And in ths breed we have a color disqualification NOT a pattern disqualification. So a Harlequin or Mantle that falls within the general outline of the standard is a dog that can still produce good dogs with good markings, so such a dog deserves to end up a Champion if proper structure and correct type are there. It makes no sense whatsoever to declare a more confined and simply personal set of dictates for judging Harlequins (and Mantles) than the breed standard allows. Such highly personalized interpretations ignore both the breed's history and it's continuing genetic needs. In short, the show ring should serve the breed, not the other way around--otherwise the tail wags the dog. At least that is my argument here & my personal point of view.

So to my mind, then, just as anyone who breeds Harlequins knows (or needs to), our judges also need to know the fundamental facts about our spotted Danes, starting with a sophisticated perception of the patterns for Harlequin and Mantle that allows for a wide range of markings & appreciates this allows the breed to continue in strength. And it would simply be easier for judges if they understood that it is a genetic impossibility for a Harlequin to have a "fawn" or "chocolate" patch--those are just merle patches--any "off black" patch on a Harlequin is a merle patch, regardless of tint or hue, and should be noted as such and so largely ignored. So Harlequins with merle patches that are not silvery are just as correct as any other & in fact the German standard still treats grey or brown patches on a Harlequin as equally faulty. Oddly marked Harlequins are as correct under the standards as those more pleasing to the eye. Heavily marked Harlequins are no more faulty than lightly marked Harlequins. Patches can be deceiving: they can make a good shoulder look straight, a rock-solid topline seem to dip, a good stop disappear, and so on. Our judges need to appreciate these facts I think, as well as understand that the more patches the Harlequin has, the more likely obvious merling is going to be present, so as to not be distracted by trivia and end prejudiced against a perfectly correct dog who maybe just isn't as "pretty" in color. (And in the case of a heavily marked Harlequin, this is a dog in fact that may well help safe guard not only correct pigment but even protect the health of puppies in Harlequin bred litters.) Therefore to properly judge spotted dogs one has to develop an eye that can first ignore pigment and pattern and so judge the Dane underneath the "paint" first and foremost on its type and structure. Color should come in as a last consideration; so says our illustrated standard and our judges education both in fact. And, if there is too much focus too much on color, we are likely to not have much dog left underneath ultimately as breeders. Nevermind judging spotted Danes too focused on coat colar may end with giving some very good specimens less than is their due, while elevating inferior animals simply because their markings are pleasing to the eye.

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Glory be to God for dappled things--For skies of couple-colour as a brindle cow; For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim; Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches' wings; Landscapes plotted and pieced--fold, fallow, and plough; And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange; Whatever is fickle, flecked (who knows how?): With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim; He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change; Praise him.

(Gerald Manley Hopkins)

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This message prepared by JP YOUSHA (2007) for educational purposes. All copyrights & author's rights are to be respected. Written permission can be obtained to disseminate this message for that purpose & that purpose only. . For further information contact: jpy@chromadane.com