The Great Dane is a beloved dog breed that is sought after for its affectionate nature, size, and different coat color patterns.
The European Harlequin Great Dane is a Harlequin Great Dane which is among the several interesting Great Dane coat color patterns.
So, what is European Harlequin Great Dane? What are their qualities?
Read on to learn more about the European Harlequin Great Dane, its appearance, temperament, health concerns, and where to get them.
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What Is A European Harlequin Great Dane?
A European Harlequin Great Dane is a Harlequin Great Dane developed from Mastiff dogs, with its origin in Europe. They are large Great Danes with a Harlequin coat color pattern which is a white base coat covered with torn black patches or spots.
Breed History
The Great Dane dog breed originated in Europe, specifically, Germany. Historical drawings from Egyptian artifacts have also traced dogs that look like the Great Dane back to 3000 B.C.
The Great Dane bloodline is believed to be from a mix of Mastiff, Greyhound, and the Irish Wolfhound.
They were bred to be a working line Great Danes used to hunt wild boars and the characteristics they obtained from this bloodline enabled them to be efficient in this task.
The breed was aggressive and ferocious which helped them succeed in their assigned activity.
With time they were not used for hunting and were kept more at home. Following this transition, German breeders further adjusted their temperament from aggressive dogs to the more gentle and calm Great Danes that we know today.
Today Great Danes are not used for hunting but are family dogs that are mellow and calm.
It is not known when the first Great Danes were brought to the United States, however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1889.
Over time, the breed diverged into two types of Great Danes, that is, the European Great Dane and the American Great Dane through different breeding practices and preferences.
American Dane Vs European : 3 Key Differences
The American Dane and the European Dane are the same breeds, however, there are differences between them that distinguish them. The 3 main differences are:
Appearance
The physical appearance of the two dogs presents a very distinctive difference between the European and the American Great Dane.
The American Dane is smaller in stature compared to the European Great Dane with long a rectangular head, a big muzzle, slightly droopy almond eyes, a thin neck, a narrow chest, and a tightly muscled lean body.
They are covered with a short sleek coat.
On the other hand, the European Great Dane has many traits of a Mastiff dog and they are generally slightly bigger than the American Great Dane.
The European Great Dane has a heavier large square-shaped head, blunt muzzle, droopy almond eyes, long muscular neck, big hanging lips, muscular build, with a short, dense, and sleek coat
Size
The European Great Dane is massive compared to the American Great Dane. Their bodies are more muscular and bigger while the American Great Dane has a leaner structure.
This also means that the European Great Dane weighs more than the American Great Dane.
An adult European Great Dane weighs an average of 220 – 240 pounds while the American Dane weighs between 125 – 140 pounds.
Recommended Reading: Are Harlequin Great Dane bigger?
Temperament
The European Great Dane is massive compared to the American Great Dane. Their bodies are more muscular and bigger while the American Great Dane has a leaner structure.
This also means that the European Great Dane weighs more than the American Great Dane.
An adult European Great Dane weighs an average of 220 – 240 pounds while the American Dane weighs between 125 – 140 pounds.
What Does The European Harlequin Great Dane Look Like?
A European Harlequin Great Dane is larger and more Mastiff-looking compared to an American Harlequin Great Dane which has more Greyhound features, however, both have the Harlequin coat color pattern.
The Harlequin coat color pattern is a completely white coat with torn black patches or spots distributed all over their body.
The European Harlequin Great Dane is a massive Great Dane with a muscular, large square head and muzzle, droopy almond eyes, floppy ears, muscular broad chest, large hanging lips, and a short, dense, and sleek Harlequin coat.
Adult dogs weigh up to 220 – 240 pounds and stand at 31.5 inches high, with the female dogs being slightly smaller than the male dogs.
The European Harlequin Great Dane’s eyes are blue.
Are European Harlequin Great Danes rare?
European Harlequin Great Danes are not rare and are common. They are produced by professional breeders.
They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature which makes them popular and sought after.
Professional breeders breed both the American Great Dane and the European Great Dane, making both types of the breed available.
European Harlequin Great Dane Health Concerns
Unfortunately, research has shown there is a correlation between a dog’s coat color to being more prone to some health problems.
Dogs with lighter-colored coats are more prone to deafness or hearing problems. This includes coat colors that have merle, white, roan, and piebald pigment.
Although the European Harlequin Great Dane coat is mostly white which means they are more prone to congenital deafness.
As a large breed dog, they are also susceptible to several common Great Dane health issues which include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Wobblers syndrome
- Cancer
- Bloat
Although European Harlequin Great Danes are susceptible to these conditions, most are healthy dogs and live healthy lives.
Raising a healthy Great Dane requires good nurturing, a healthy diet, and exercise. Purchasing a healthy puppy from a professional breeder is also important in having a healthy Great Dane.
How much does a European Harlequin Great Dane Cost?
The European Harlequin Great Dane costs between $1000 to $3000, however, prices can be much higher than this because the Harlequin coat color pattern is very much sought after and highly in demand.
This drives up the cost of the European Great Dane. Harlequin Great Danes are the most expensive Great Dane coat color.
European Harlequin Great Dane puppies also tend to be more expensive than adult dogs and dogs in rescue centers up for adoption.
Beware of puppy mills that produce puppies unethically for a profit and scam buyers with high prices.
European Harlequin Great Dane Breeders In The United States
When your heart is set on purchasing European Harlequin Great Dane, there are two places you can purchase them. This is from a reputable breeder or Great Dane rescue group.
Responsible breeders usually provide the health histories of their puppies so that you are aware of their health status. This allows you to buy a healthy puppy and also know what to expect.
There are several purebred Great Dane breeders across the United States, including those who also produce European Great Danes.
The American Kennel Council marketplace is a good resource for specific Great Dane breeders across the United State.
These breeders are certified therefore you are assured to get healthy European Harlequin Great Dane puppies.
A reputable European Harlequin Great Dane Breeder in the United States approved by the American Kennel Council is the Dane Haven.
You may also find a European Harlequin Great Dane for adoption from rescue groups or shelters.
Some of the reputable Great Dane rescue groups include the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Great Dane Rescue Inc, Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue, Great Dane Rescue, and the Great Dane Friends.
Summary: European Harlequin Great Dane
The European Harlequin Great Dane is a Great Dane that has a fascinating Harlequin coat color pattern.
They are large dogs and have some different aspects compared to the American Harlequin Great Dane however, this coat color pattern is similar in the two dogs.
Despite the possible health problems, that the Harlequin coat color pattern presents, they are generally healthy dogs and with good nurturing, they live healthy lives.
European Harlequin Great Danes are good companion dogs with pleasant personalities. They are still a good choice regardless of whether you chose them or the American Harlequin Great Dane.