– THE ZEBRA DANE – 

May 2, 2005 – As previously noted, the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA) states there are six acceptable coats in the Great Dane: fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin and mantle. Three years ago a surprising new pattern, initially thought to be a phenotype variant of the brindle, was discovered on a remote tropical island off the coast of Madagascar. Upon further study, it was determined that this rare coat type – the cheetah – breeds true and might therefore be considered a legitimate new color pattern for the breed. Recently yet another exciting new color pattern – the zebra – was discovered in northern Kenya, and just as before, the notion of a new color pattern was greeted with loud controversy within the Great Dane fancy.

Fawn and brindle breeders objected to the new coat because, quite frankly, they don't want to share their stripes. Furthermore, many of them feel they should be awarded exclusive rights to any and all jungle patterns. (Sounds familiar, huh?) Meanwhile, the harlequin and mantle breeders are squawking because they claim exclusive rights to any and all black and white patterns. Some of them say the new pattern is simply "too flashy," that it detracts from the overall dignity of the breed. Those who breed blacks and blues are staying quiet for now and, I suspect, secretly enjoying the fireworks – although I heard that more than a few of the black breeders are squirming. Evidently, they don't like seeing a black head on a striped body. I overheard one of them muttering, "It's downright creepy."

Availability
Neither the Cheetah Dane nor the Zebra Dane have yet appeared in the United States. Rumor has it that the Cheetah Dane may be introduced in 2006, thanks to a brilliantly crafted breeding program. Zebra Danes, if they come at all, will appear much later. In Kenya, most exotic animals are considered property of the government. Conservation has, until recently, been poorly funded except to promote and maintain tourism. It is unclear whether the Zebra Dane exists in sufficient numbers to assure its continued survival without the intervention and support of the Kenyan government. Such support is highly questionable. Stay tuned.

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