What causes the ‘merlequin’ pattern in Great Danes?
“Merlequin” (sometimes spelled “merlikin”) is a term used to describe a Great Dane that appears similar to a harlequin but features patches of merle (a grey background with black sections) rather than solid black patches. However, genetic experts note that “merlequin” is a misleading term, as these dogs completely lack the harlequin gene.
Instead, the merlequin appearance is caused by one of two specific genetic scenarios:
• Piebald Merles: A merlequin can simply be a regular merle dog that has inherited two copies of the recessive piebald gene (s
p
s
p
). The piebald trait causes random, extreme white spotting that breaks up the merle coat into a harlequin pattern, though the colored patches are typically confined to the dog’s back.
• Double Merles (Homozygous Merles): The pattern can also be caused by a dog inheriting two copies of the merle gene (an MM genotype) along with no copies of the harlequin allele (hh). The homozygous merle genotype naturally produces a piebald-like pattern with a large amount of white coat and torn-edged patches that closely mimic the harlequin look. This is considered the most likely explanation for merlequins in countries where the piebald pattern is not an officially recognized Great Dane trait, such as the United States.
Because it is the result of either the piebald modifier or the risky double merle genotype, the merlequin pattern is classified as a disqualified and unapproved color combination by the Great Dane standard.