General Health Maintenance Great Danes will cost more for maintanance than smaller dogs. The Germans are generally credited with developing the Dane as it exists today. It is generally accepted that the Great Dane is descended from some type of mastiff and wolfhound. The AKC recognized Fawn , Brindle , Black , Blue , and Harlequin . Merle consists of a gray field with black spots and speckels.
Merles come from Harlequin breedings.
Merles themselves have no higher incidence of genetic defects than any other color of Great Danes.