Harlequin breeding is not an exact science. Even the genetic experts cannot explain exactly how harlequins occur and the heritability of this colour. Although the harlequin is a dominant (i.e. a dog cannot "carry" harlequin - although sometimes it is disguised) it does not breed true.

A harlequin put to a harlequin does not produce a litter of harlequins! Furthermore, it is my belief that not only harlequins are capable of producing harlequins. But that's another story altogether.

Following are the colours and variations thereof that one could expect in a normal harlequin litter. Variations are not rare colours!

Please note that I am not a genetic specialist, but rather an avid amateur who has seen good results based on my research and conclusions.

In essence there are only two variations - black or merle with white markings. However the distribution of these colours and the amount of white results in a wide array of patterns. The colour distribution of the dog is determined by the S series irrespective of the colour of the dog. The S series has four "expressions":

bullet

S - Self coloured pattern (in Great Danes it is referred to as a "solid")

bullet

Si - Irish pattern (in Great Danes it is referred to as a Mantle)

bullet

Sp - Piebald pattern (in Great Danes it is referred to as a Platten)

bullet

Sw - Extreme white (in Great Danes it is referred to as a "harl head")

Each gene has two copies and due to incomplete dominance the colour shown by a dog (phenotype) may be a combination of the two genes in this series. Example: a dog that appears to be a mantle (SiSi) could in fact be a SSp. If put to another dog with the same genes SpSp puppies could be produced i.e. plattens from mantles.

 

Harlequins & Colour Variations
Colour Eligible for Show? S Series Description Example
Harlequin - heavily marked Acceptable Probably SS White with irregular black patches all over the body (including front legs, neck and chest)

Harlequin - ideal

 Yes Probably SiSi Clean white background with large irregular black patches with a clean front and neck. All harlequins must have a merle patch - otherwise they are probably plattens.
Harlequin - lightly marked Acceptable Probably SiSp White with a few small patches - normally confined to the head and flanks. (The patches are normally small, but they could be large).
Harlequin - "harl head" No Probably SwSw White with a few small patches only on the head.
Blacks & Colour Variations
Colour Eligible for Show? S Series Description Example
Black - ideal Yes Probably SS Solid black with as little white marking as possible (not very common in harlequin breeding due to the preference for SiSi i.e.mantle patterned harlequins.
Black - mismark No Probably SSi Black with white markings on the feet, chest, throat and muzzle and perhaps tail tip. Not enough white to be a mantle and too much white to be a black.
Mantle - ideal Yes - not yet in UK & SA Probably SiSi Black with white markings on the muzzle, collar, chest, throat, front legs, back feet and tail tip. A white blaze over the head is optional. A full white collar is preferred and a break in the blanket is acceptable
Mantle - mismark No Probably SiSp As per a black mismark
Platten No Probably SpSp White with normally large symmetrical black markings on head and flanks and tail root. Gives appearance of harlequin, but the edges of the patches are smooth and not irregular. A platten is NOT a harlequin - genetically speaking it is a black dog with a lot of white.
"Mantle head" black No Probably SwSw White with normally symmetrical black markings on head. (In theory this should exist, but I have never seen one in the flesh). ?

Merles & Colour Variations
Colour Eligible for Show? S Series Description Example
Merle No Probably SS Solid merle
Mantle merle No Probably SiSi Merle with white markings on the muzzle, collar, chest, throat, front legs, back feet and tail tip.
Merlequin No Probably SiSi Clean white background with large irregular merle patches.
Platten merle No Probably SpSp White with normally symmetrical merle markings on head and flanks and tail root. No photo available
"Mantle merle head" merle No Probably SwSw White with normally symmetrical merle markings on head. (In theory this should exist, but I have never seen one in the flesh). ?

 

To find out more about colours in the Great Dane go back to the Information Page

 

Page last updated: 18-09-08 11:02:04 PM

Please direct all queries to Webmaster

All content copyright Saxony Great Danes 2003 unless otherwise stated