Body Structure, Color, Markings, and Patterns on Great Danes

American Kennel Club recognized Great Danes (Color, Markings and Patterns):

Brindle: "The base color shall be yellow gold and always brindled with strong black cross stripes in a chevron pattern. A black mask is preferred. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intensive the base color and the more distinct and even the brindling, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are unequally desirable. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted, dirty colored brindles are not desirable." (The Complete Dog Book, p. 274)

Fawn: "The color shall be yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The deep yellow gold must always be given the preference. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted dirty colored fawns are not desirable." (The Complete Dog Book, p. 274-275)

Blue: "The color shall be a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable." (The Complete Dog Book,p. 275)

Black: "The color shall be a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable." (The Complete Dog Book,p. 275)

Harlequin: "Base color shall be pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. the black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, not so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small gray patches, or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect." (The Complete Dog Book,p. 275)

Mantle: "The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar is preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar." (The Complete Dog Book,p. 275)

Merle: The AKC does not formally recognize the Merle Great Danes but will allow them into competition. The Merle shall have a grey or white base color with black, grey and/or white patches. Since this type of Dane has a dirty effect it is less desirable.