The Great Dane is a popular breed from Germany that was mostly used as a hunting dog. It is available in different color variations recognized by the Great Dane Council of America (GDCA) and American Kennel Club (AKC). They include Blue, Fawn, Harlequin, Black, Mantle, Merle, and Brindle. The Blue Harlequin is one of the most popular and rare color variations of the breed. In this article, we will provide you with all you need to know about the Blue Harlequin Great Dane. Read on!
What is a Blue Harlequin Great Dane?
A Blue Harlequin Great Dane is a specific color and pattern variation of the Great Dane breed. It is characterized by a blue or grey base coat color with irregular black patches or spots that resemble a harlequin pattern. Blue Harlequin Great Danes are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and are considered a rare color variation within the breed. They are known for their large size, gentle temperament, and striking appearance.
Characteristics
The Blue Harlequin Great Dane is a gentle and loving breed known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They are a large breed, typically weighing between 100 and 200 pounds and standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder. Here are some key characteristics of the breed:
- Coat color and Pattern: The Blue Harlequin Great Dane has a blue or grey base coat with irregular black patches or spots that resemble a harlequin pattern.
- Size: Blue Harlequin Great Danes are a large breed, with males typically weighing between 140 and 175 pounds and females weighing between 110 and 140 pounds.
- Temperament: They are gentle and loving dogs, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are typically good with children and make great family pets.
- Exercise needs: Blue Harlequin Great Danes are an active breed and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime are important for their physical and mental well-being.
- Training: They are intelligent dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Early socialization and training are important to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.
- Health: Like all Great Danes, Blue Harlequin Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat. Regular vet check-ups, exercises, and a healthy diet will help prevent such conditions.
View this post on Instagram
How to Care for Blue Harlequin Great Danes
Caring for this Great Dane breed requires a lot of attention and responsibility due to its large size and specific needs. Here are some general guidelines on how to care for this rare breed:
- Nutrition: Blue Harlequin Great Danes require a balanced and high-quality diet to maintain their health and well-being. Feed them premium dog food that is appropriate for their size and age. You should also monitor their weight and adjust their feeding amounts accordingly to prevent obesity.
- Exercise: Although Blue Harlequin Great Danes have a calm temperament, they still require regular exercise to prevent obesity, boredom, and destructive behavior. Provide them with daily walks, playtime, and access to a large, secure yard to run and play.
- Grooming: Blue Harlequin Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they shed regularly, so you need to brush their coat once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. You should also clean their ears, trim their nails, and brush their teeth regularly.
- Health: Regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and preventative care are essential to maintain the health of Blue Harlequin Great Danes. They are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and bloat, so you should always monitor your dog’s health and seek veterinary care immediately if any symptoms arise.
- Training and Socialization: Blue Harlequin Great Danes are intelligent dogs that require early socialization and obedience training to prevent behavioral problems. Positive reinforcement training methods can help teach them basic commands, proper manners, and prevent aggressive or destructive behavior.
Taking care of a Blue Harlequin Great Dane requires a lot of commitment and responsibility, You’ll enjoy the reward of a loyal and loving companion if you do everything right.
How to Produce a Blue Harlequin Great Dane
You’ll have to breed two Great Danes that carry the harlequin gene. The harlequin gene is a dominant gene that produces a white base coat color with irregular black patches or spots. Therefore, any Great Dane that carries the harlequin gene has the potential to produce Blue Harlequin Great Dane puppies when bred with another harlequin carrier. Some of the Great Dane color variations that can carry the harlequin gene include Mantle, Merle, and Harlequin.
NOTE: We recommend consulting or working with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the dog’s health by following responsible breeding practices.
How Much Does a Blue Harlequin Great Dane Puppy Cost?
The price of a Blue Harlequin Great Dane puppy can vary depending on several factors such as its bloodline, demand, and minor factors like the location of the breeder, experience, and reputation.
Typically, Blue Harlequin Great Dane puppies can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $4,000 or more.
