Great Danes are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, known for their massive size, gentle temperament, and variety of coat colors and patterns. While many Great Danes have the typical black, blue, fawn, or brindle coats, some Great Danes exhibit a unique spotted coat pattern instead. So what exactly is a spotted Great Dane called?
The Genetics Behind Spotted Great Danes
The distinctive spotted coat pattern seen in some Great Danes is referred to as a merle coat. The merle coat is produced by a dominant gene that causes a random dilution of eumelanin pigment in the coat, leading to patches of lighter hair interspersed with normal coloration. These dilute patches give the signature mottled or spotted appearance of the merle coat.
While merle occurs in several breeds, it is not overly common in Great Danes. Only about 15-18% of Great Danes have the merle gene. Breeding two merle Great Danes together can produce a double merle, or homozygous merle, which has an even higher degree of pigment dilution. Double merle Great Danes often have vision and hearing problems due to the lack of pigment cells in the eyes and inner ears. Responsible breeders avoid breeding two merles together due to the health risks.
Types of Merle Coat Patterns in Great Danes
There are different variations of the merle coat pattern that can occur in Great Danes:
Classic Merle
This is the most common type of merle seen in Great Danes. The coat has a marbled mix of darker patches against a lighter background. The head normally has more concentrated patches of color compared to the body. The classic merle pattern occurs in harlequin, white, black, and blue-based Danes.
Harlequin Merle
Harlequin Danes have a primarily white base coat with torn black patches distributed over the body. When a harlequin Dane also carries the merle gene, these black torn patches become merled, giving a harlequin merle. The white base with merled black patches creates a very striking appearance.
Mantle Merle
Mantle Danes have a very dark coat with a white chest and white on the feet and tail tip. On a mantle merle, these normally black areas become merled/diluted. Mantle merle Danes have a darker, hooded appearance compared to the other merle variants.
Cryptic Merle
Sometimes a Great Dane may carry the merle gene but not outwardly display the typical coat pattern. These “hidden” merles are termed cryptic merles. They may show very subtle signs like lighter-colored eyes or small patches of lighter fur. Breeding two cryptic merles can still produce merle puppies, illustrating the importance of genetic testing.
Controversy Around Merle Great Danes
While merle Great Danes are undeniably beautiful, there is controversy around intentionally breeding for the pattern. Merle is not a naturally occurring color in Great Danes and was introduced through crossbreeding with smaller merle breeds like Chihuahuas, something called “merle to merle” breeding.
There are health risks associated with the merle gene, including blindness, deafness, and increased cancer rates. For this reason, the AKC does not permit registration of merle Great Danes due to concerns that unethical breeding practices were being used to produce the coloration. However, other registries like the UKC do allow registration.
Opinions are mixed within the Great Dane community about merle Danes. Some breeders specialize in merle breeding and assert they can do so responsibly by avoiding double merles. Other breeders choose not to breed merle Danes at all. As with many things, there are nuanced perspectives on both sides of the debate.
Caring for a Merle Great Dane
If considering one of these uniquely colored Danes, prospective owners should ensure health testing is performed beyond the standard Great Dane protocol. Testing for eye defects, hearing, and disorders associated with the lack of pigment cells can help catch any issues early.
Like any Dane, merles need:
- Early socialization and training
- High-quality diet suited for a fast-growing breed
- Access to fresh water at all times
- Daily exercise
- Comfortable housing that accommodates their large size
- Gentle veterinary care customized to their needs
- Lots of love and interaction!
With responsible selective breeding, these affectionate giants can make marvelous pets regardless of their color.
Famous Merle Great Danes
While less common than traditional Great Dane colors, merles have still made their mark in pop culture and as beloved companion dogs. A few famous merle Danes include:
Scooby Doo
The classic cartoon character is perhaps the most iconic fictional Great Dane. While not overtly stated in the animated series, images and promotional materials have depicted Scooby Doo as a black-and-white speckled harlequin merle.
Marmaduke
The lovable troublemaker from newspaper comic strips and movie adaptations has been shown both with and without the merle pattern. More recent animated and film versions tend to display Marmaduke as a mantled harlequin merle.
Horand von Grafrath
The original Great Dane and foundation sire of the breed was a blue merle. Though merle now occurs infrequently in purebred Great Danes, it marked the genesis of the noble breed we know today. Horand lived from 1895-1897.
Great Dane Zeus
The 2012 record holder for world’s tallest dog was a black merle harlequin Great Dane named Zeus. He measured an incredible 44 inches tall on his hind legs! Sadly, Zeus passed away at just 5 years old in 2014.
Brandy
One of the most viral merle Danes is Brandy, a harlequin female from Canada. With her own Facebook page and YouTube channel, her videos have been viewed over 17 million times! Many fans love watching her striking merle coat blend into snowy landscapes.
Key Takeaways on Merle Great Danes
To summarize the key points:
- Merle refers to the distinct spotted coat pattern
- It is produced by a dominant gene that dilutes pigment in random patches
- Several variants occur including harlequin merle, mantle merle, and cryptic merle
- Merle is controversial in Danes due to health risks if bred irresponsibly
- With health testing and responsible breeding, merles can make wonderful companions
- Famous merle Danes include Scooby Doo, Marmaduke, and Zeus
So in direct answer to the original question “What is a spotted Great Dane called?” – the properly descriptive term is a “merle” Great Dane. Their eye-catching coats and huge stature ensure these beautiful Danes will continue turning heads wherever they go!
Conclusion
Great Danes with the distinct merle coat pattern have become popular among many giant breed enthusiasts, despite some controversy around breeding them responsibly. Their patched and dappled coats provide a uniquely striking look within a breed already known for its impressive appearance. However, prospective owners should be aware of potential health considerations associated with merle genetics. With careful selective breeding focused on health, merle Danes can be as wonderful of companions as their solid-colored counterparts and live happy lives with proper care and attention. Their regal and gentle presence will continue capturing hearts regardless of their coat color.
