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 danes have these remarkable physical properties, we must first understand their background.

Each great dane carries two sets of genetics. These genetics are passed from the dogs parents. These sets of genes can be very similar to each other or may be so different that one can be suspicious about the dogs 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 danes genes, his/her remarkable features possess their role.

Now that weve 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: its 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 dogs coat color incorporating two forms of melanin. As a result of the different types of melanin pigment in your great danes genes, several color ranges can be found: namely, black, brown and saddle. E-series genes employ yellow/red pigment in your dogs 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 pets ears will flop down around his face, much like the ears of a Labrador. Most people decide to have their Great Danes 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.