The all black Great Dane is one of the most striking variations of this giant breed. With a background that’s more blue than black, they have certainly stolen many hearts. They are rare with only a small percentage of all Great Danes being black in color.

Even if they’re not as common as other colors, there’s still a lot to know. These dogs are just as sweet and playful as their yellow, blue, and harlequin counterparts. Keep reading to learn more about the black Great Dane in all its glory!

They’re a Rare Variety of Great Dane

Black Great Danes are rarer than other colors of this breed because they’re not a genetically pure variety. Black is an “incomplete dominant” gene that gives Great Danes a blue-black coat. They’re a hybrid of the brindle and harlequin varieties, but they may look completely different from one another.

As a result, there’s no standard for what “black” means when it comes to Great Danes. The vast majority of black Danes have black coats with a silver sheen that doesn’t change based on lighting. The only exception is the occasional black and tan Great Dane.

Black Great Danes come in many variations of black, though! They might have a full black coat or black with a small amount of white markings.

Black Great Danes Come in Different Shades of Black

When it comes to color, the black Great Dane aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in many shades of black, including blue-black, charcoal, black and tan, and even pure black. The shade of black a Great Dane is depends on the amount of grey in the coat.

Black and tan is the most common type of black Great Dane, making up about half of the population. About a quarter of black Danes have a blue-black coat, and the rest have a solid black coat. In many shades of black, grey is a very common coloring as well. Black with a large amount of grey is called blue-black, and it’s the most common shade of all black Great Dane.

Orange and red are other colors that may appear in the coat of an all black Great Dane. But the vast majority of black Great Danes don’t have any orange or red in their coat. Instead, they have a black coat with a silver sheen.

Why Are These Danes Black?

The black Great Dane is a brindle and a harlequin mixed together. When the two colors are bred together, the offspring inherit one black gene and one brindle or harlequin gene. That’s why black Great Danes are black! Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know exactly which genes each of them has.

That’s why it’s essential to look at the dog’s parents before purchasing a black puppy. In this case, it’s especially important to ask the breeder about the dog’s parents. Black Great Danes don’t have a specific personality or temperament. Instead, they inherit it from their parent’s genes.

If a breeder can’t tell you about the parents’ temperaments, it’s a red flag!

What’s It Like Living with a Black Great Dane?

Black Great Danes are large dogs that need a lot of space. They’re not only big in size but also have big personalities. Because of that, it’s best for black Great Danes to live in a house with a large yard.

If you live in an apartment with no access to a backyard, a black Great Dane may not be the right dog for you. Black Great Danes also love attention, so they’re great dogs to bring with you to work. Have a family? Learn if they are good with kids.

However, they also need consistent exercise to stay healthy. A walk once or twice per day is enough to keep a black Great Dane happy and healthy.

Black Shows Off The Dane’s Physique

The all black Great Dane has a unique coat that really showcases the size of this breed. Not only is it striking, but it also helps show off the muscular build of this breed. Black Great Danes have a long, lean build that’s athletic. They have long legs and a long, wide chest.

The black coat on these dogs draws the eye to their build. Black Great Danes have large, round heads and big, round eyes. Their coat reflects this by being very round, too. It’s less defined than the coat of other colors. Black Great Danes are the largest dog on Earth by weight.

They can weigh up to a whopping 350 lbs when fully grown!

Largest Lap Dog on Earth

One of the most interesting facts about black Great Danes is that they’re the largest lap dog on Earth. No matter how comfortable you are cuddling, it’s nearly impossible to not feel squished when a black Great Dane sits on your lap. Black Great Danes are sensitive dogs that need consistent attention.

They’re sometimes called the “Velcro dog” because they love constant companionship. If you work nine-to-five, a black Great Dane may not be the best fit for you. Great Danes love to cuddle and sit with their owners whenever they can.

Are you comfortable with a dog sitting on your lap or sleeping in your bed? If no, these dogs may not be the best choice for you.

Known Health Issues

Black Great Danes can have health concerns that other colors of the breed don’t. For starters, black Great Danes are more likely to be deaf. Black Great Danes also have a higher risk of developing bloat. Bloat is a painful and life-threatening condition that can strike any dog.

It happens when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. It’s most common in deep-chested breeds, like Great Danes. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to know the symptoms. A dog with bloat will have a distended stomach, especially near the abdomen.

They may also have trouble breathing. Bloat can be treated by taking the dog to a vet immediately. If you have a black Great Dane, be extra vigilant about symptoms.

Closing Thoughts

In closing, Black Great Danes are stunning dogs that are rare to see in the wild. They’re bred for their size and temperament, making them great family dogs. You’ll definitely turn heads when walking a black Great Dane because they’re rare to see.

If you’re thinking about getting one of these rare Great Danes, you should know what you’re getting yourself into. These dogs are the largest lap dogs on earth and love attention. They’re great family dogs that need room to roam.