Physical Traits of Great Danes

Great danes employ significant features. One can infer some information about the eye and coat color, and nose and ear shape from some specifications observed. These features are the well known examples of the effects of a great dane's DNA. In order to understand why our great dane's have these remarkable physical properties, we must first understand their background. Each grea t dane carries two sets of genetics. These genetics are passed from the dog's parents. These sets of genes can be very similar to each other or may be so different that one can be suspicious about the dog's identity. Physical and emotional properties of the dog in his/her future life is partially determined by these genes: i.e, according to the similarity level in a great dane's genes, his/her remarkable features possess their role. Now that we've discussed the way in which your dog has received its genetic makings, we can turn our attention to one of the most interesting features of your great dane: it's coat color. The colors that are most frequently observed on great danes are black, white, mantle and merle. Each color is determined by the genetic properties of the dog and these can be classified in three major groups: A-series, E-series and D-series. A-series genes have an impact on the dog's coat color incorporating two forms of melanin. As a result of the different types of melanin pigment in your great dane's genes, several color ranges can be found: namely, black, brown and saddle. E-series genes employ yellow/red pigment in your dog's body, and as can be seen in Yellow Labradors and Irish Settlers as well. Now for the curious, but interesting D-series genes: check the existence of recessive genes. When one is found, D-series turn the blue pigment on and provide the body with blue instead of black previously injected by A-series. Nevertheless, an additional remarkable feature of your Great Dane is his/her ears. Most people are surprised to find that their great dane does not have ears which stand straight up. Actually, in their natural state, your pet's ears will flop down around his face, much like the ears of a Labrador. Most people decide to have their Great Dane's ears cropped between the ages of 6-8 weeks old. Despite this information, cropping is not a necessary procedure, as it offers no benefits for your pet.