You’ve probably seen a "standard" Harlequin. That classic, tuxedo-wearing giant with jagged black patches on a crisp white background. They look like a spilled ink bottle on a snowbank. But then, you see one with soft, steely grey patches instead of black. People call them Blue Harlequins, and honestly, they’re one of the most polarizing topics in the Great Dane world.
Is it a rare gem? Or is it a "faulty" dog?
It depends on who you ask—and whether you're standing in an AKC show ring or sitting on a living room rug.
The Science of the Bluequin
Basically, a Blue Harlequin (often nicknamed a "bluequin") is what happens when two different genetic recipes collide. To get a standard Harlequin, you need the Merle gene and the Harlequin gene. But to get the blue version, the dog also has to inherit two copies of the recessive dilution gene (d/d).
This dilution gene takes what would have been black pigment and washes it out into a slate or steel grey.
Genetically, these dogs are $H/h$ (Harlequin), $M/m$ (Merle), and $d/d$ (Dilute). It’s a bit of a biological lottery. Most breeders who follow the American Kennel Club (AKC) guidelines try to avoid this. Why? Because the AKC standard specifically calls for "black torn patches." In the eyes of a judge, a blue patch is a deviation.
But here's the thing: DNA doesn't care about ribbons.
Rare Beauty or "Backyard" Red Flag?
You’ll see a lot of "Rare Blue Harlequin!" ads on Craigslist or sketchy breeder sites.
Be careful.
While the color occurs naturally, reputable breeders usually don't aim for it. They stay in "color families" to keep the genetics predictable. If someone is charging a premium for a Blue Harlequin because it's "rare," they might be a "backyard breeder" prioritizing color over health.
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However, "non-standard" doesn't mean "unhealthy." A Blue Harlequin isn't inherently sicker than a black one. It just doesn't fit the arbitrary rules made up by humans in the late 1800s. In fact, some international clubs are more relaxed about it than the AKC.
What about those blue eyes?
Blue Harlequins often have stunning blue or "wall" eyes. They might even have one blue and one brown. This comes from the Merle gene, which also affects the pigment in the iris. It looks incredible, but it does mean you need to be extra vigilant about sun exposure, as those light eyes can be more sensitive.
Living With a Blue Harlequin Great Dane
If you bring one home, expect to be stopped. Constantly.
People will ask if it’s a Dalmation on steroids. They’ll ask if it’s a "Blue Heeler mix." You’ll spend a lot of time explaining that, no, he’s just a Dane with a funky paint job.
Beyond the coat, you're dealing with a 130-pound lap dog. They’re "Apollo of dogs" for a reason. They are majestic, but they are also incredibly clumsy. A Blue Harlequin’s tail is essentially a fleshy whip that will clear your coffee table in three seconds flat.
The Health Reality
You have to talk about the "B" word: Bloat.
Great Danes are the number one breed for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Their deep chests make it easy for the stomach to twist. It’s fatal without immediate surgery. Many owners of Blue Harlequins opt for a "tack" (gastropexy) during the spay/neuter surgery to staple the stomach in place.
Then there’s the heart. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a real concern.
None of these issues are caused by the blue color, but because these dogs are sometimes produced by breeders who don't do health testing, the risks can be higher. Always ask for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) clearances for hips, elbows, thyroid, and heart.
The "Double Merle" Trap
There is a massive difference between a Blue Harlequin and a Double Merle.
A Blue Harlequin has one Merle gene. A Double Merle ($M/M$) happens when two Merle (or Harlequin/Merle) dogs are bred together. These pups are often mostly white and frequently born deaf, blind, or both.
If you see a "Bluequin" that is almost entirely white with just a tiny bit of blue on the ears, ask about hearing tests. The BAER test is the gold standard here. Don't just take the breeder's word that "he listens just fine."
Maintenance: The White Coat Struggle
White dogs get dirty.
If your Blue Harlequin loves mud, they won’t look like a majestic marble statue for long. They’ll look like a soggy newspaper. Because their coat is short, they also shed "needles"—tiny hairs that weave themselves into the fabric of your sofa and never come out.
- Skin sensitivity: That white base coat means pink skin underneath. They can get sunburned.
- Diet: High-quality food is non-negotiable to avoid skin allergies, which are common in "dilute" and white-based coats.
- Bedding: Their joints are heavy. They need actual mattresses, not just thin pads.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Owners
If you've fallen in love with the look of a Blue Harlequin, don't just jump at the first puppy you see on social media.
First, check the parentage. If the breeder is crossing a Blue Dane with a Harlequin Dane, they are intentionally creating "off-standard" colors. That's fine for a pet, but ensure they aren't skipping the vital $500+$ dollars of health testing just to make a "pretty" dog.
Second, prepare for the "Velcro" life. Danes don't do well being left alone in a backyard. They need to be near you. If you don't want a 150-pound shadow in your kitchen, this isn't the dog for you.
Finally, budget for the giant life. Everything is more expensive. The heartworm meds? Double the price. The crate? It's the size of a small apartment. The vet bills? They charge by weight for many medications.
A Blue Harlequin is a conversation starter and a gentle soul wrapped in a "faulty" coat. As long as the heart and hips are solid, that blue-grey ink is just a beautiful quirk of nature.
If you're looking for a breeder, start by looking at the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA) directory. Even if you want a pet-quality Blue Harlequin, a breeder who shows their dogs in standard colors is more likely to have "accidental" bluequins that are backed by generations of health testing and sound temperament.
Quick Summary Checklist
- Verify OFA health clearances for both parents (Heart, Hips, Eyes, Thyroid).
- Ensure the puppy has had a BAER hearing test if there is a lot of white on the head.
- Invest in a high-quality orthopedic bed to protect those heavy joints.
- Research local emergency vets that are experienced with Bloat/GDV.
- Embrace the fact that your house will never be hair-free or drool-free again.