Great Dane Club of America - Breeder Education 2009

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Question #4
Have you used a merle in your breeding program? If not, why not? If yes, why?

Response:
No, I haven't. The main reason is that I have a very small breeding program and I breed the dogs that I show and who are my house pets (no kennel facilities). I've been told that breeding a mantle merle to a harlequin is the way to up the percentage of harlequins in your litters. I don't know if that is an old wives' tale or based in fact. Of course, that also ups your chances of deaf whites. It is my understanding that breeding a merle to a mantle will not produce harlequins.

Response:
I have not, but I have considered some and would not rule it out if the merle in question presented the best promise for improvement to my breeding program, thus, benefit to future generations. There are many factors that go into a breeding decision for a successful breeding program. Each breeding decision should be made not just for the immediate results, but in context & to the benefit of the greater picture/program. Future generations inherit and depend on quality structure, health and temperament. Color (especially in the context of this question) is cosmetic/transient/fleeting. Bred right, the coat color will make little to no difference in the success of the immediate progeny & none to future generations, but the structure, health & temperament contributed via its pedigree will.

FOLLOW-UP: "It is my understanding that breeding a merle to a mantle will not produce harlequins." … just FYI, is not correct. The current TAMU study findings confirm that a mantle can carry the harlequin gene (or not) without exhibiting the harlequin pattern due the same mantle not having a merle gene. The merle gene must also be present to create a visual exhibition the harlequin pattern (to appear patched). Thus, a mantle which has the harlequin gene could be bred to any mate with the merle gene and result in harlequin (Hm) progeny.

Response:
Yes, I kept a merlequin because she was the most outstanding puppy in the litter. She in turn produced the beautiful mantle merle who everyone knows as Daneridge's Penelope belonging to Suzzane Kelleher-Duckett, who in turn produced two beautiful Champions. Her litter sister a merlequin Daneridges Jessica also produced two Champions. These bitches were of the highest quality. These bitches were only bred once and twice for her daughters conformation and pedigree being the most important reason to breed them.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by breeders in response to questions of general interest reflect their opinions based on their individual experiences within the breed and are not necessarily the opinion of the GDCA. It is imperative that anyone with a Dane puppy that shows signs of illness or injury obtain an immediate examination and diagnosis by a veterinarian.

Recommendations or ideas expressed by the breeders in Breeder's Ed. should be discussed with your veterinarian in detail. It is strongly recommended that a veterinarian experienced with Great Danes and other large breeds be contacted whenever possible.

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