Fawn Great Danes are generally known for their calm, friendly temperaments and playful manner. They are one of the most famous Great Dane color varieties worldwide.
This dog has a fawn-colored coat, is widely seen in dog shows and movies, and is frequently featured on social media. If you’re familiar with the cartoon Scooby Doo, you should know that the fawn Great Dane inspired Scooby’s looks!
Let’s get acquainted with the charming fawn Great Dane. We’ll cover the dog’s unique personality and history and what it’s like as a companion or show dog.
What Is a Fawn Great Dane?
The fawn Great Dane is a common color variant of the Great Dane breed. They sport a pale coat color that can be yellow-gold, tan, or cream. Some fawn Great Danes may feature darker fur in areas of their body, such as their face, ears, and muzzle. Fawn Great Danes also usually have a black mask.
The origins of the fawn Great Dane are not well documented, but the earliest records date back to ancient Assyria, where they were called “Boar Hounds.”
This name was derived from the fact that they were initially bred to hunt wild boars.
Moreover, some believe fawn Great Danes were developed from the English Greyhound and Irish Wolfhound. Meanwhile, others think that this breed is part of the English Mastiff family.
One thing we are sure of is that fawn Great Danes were achieved through selective breeding and are much less ferocious than their ancestors.
Generally, Great Danes are recognized as standard by reputable kennel clubs worldwide. Fawn-colored Danes are more often seen in dog shows and movies than the brindle or blue varieties since they appeal more to pet lovers.
Are Fawn Great Danes Rare?
Fawn Great Danes are not rare. In fact, they are the most famous Great Dane color variety of the breed.
People easily recognize fawn-colored Danes thanks to the cartoon Scooby-Doo or the Great Dane from the movie Marmaduke. These fawn pups are also typical in show rings and competition, making them more popular.
The silver Great Dane is known as the rarest Great Dane due to the dilution gene. Furthermore, the merle variant is also considered rare and has the most irregular fur pattern.
Fawn Great Dane Appearance
A fawn Great Dane is a large dog with a yellow gold coat. While the deep yellow gold color is preferred, dogs with a cream or tan tinge are considered fawn-colored.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, these yellow gold Danes stand between 28 and 32 inches and weigh around 110 to 175 pounds, given that males are bigger than females.
Moreover, the color black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, masking the color of the eyes. The black hue may also appear on the ears and tail tip. However, some fawn Danes don’t have black masks.
In addition, fawn Great Danes have heads that are rectangular, long, and distinguished. Their eyes have a finely sculpted appearance, medium-sized and dark, with a lively, intelligent expression.
Furthermore, the fawn Great Dane has a regal, dignified appearance and robust body, making them well suited for working and as family companions.
Fawn Great Dane Color Genetics
Generally, Great Dane puppies inherit one color gene from each of their parents. The combination of these two genes determines the puppy’s overall coat color.
Fawn-colored Great Danes result from recessive genes and specific alleles of the A and K loci. This means one copy of the fawn-colored gene from its parents is not enough to pass onto the litter.
For more context, the A locus is responsible for exhibiting the fawn color in Great Danes. Ultimately, all Danes have this A locus in their DNA, regardless of parents or fur color.
However, this A locus can only be expressed or activated if two copies of the K locus exist. That’s why not all Great Danes cannot exhibit the fawn color despite having the A locus gene.
Do Fawn Great Dane Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
In most cases, when Great Dane puppies reach sexual maturity, their coat color changes. At first, you won’t notice the transition since it is very subtle and gradual.
Their coats will often become richer, darker, and more profound growing up. At the same time, the black masks of fully grown Great Dane puppies tend to darken as they mature into adult dogs.
However, in some cases, exposure to the sun or shedding can also cause their fur to lighten.
Fawn Great Dane Temperament and Personality
With their massive size and gentle nature, fawn Great Danes are often called “gentle giants.”
These dogs are known to be very friendly and affectionate. However, they can be very intimidating if provoked, especially when they are protecting their family or home.
In addition, fawn Great Danes love to be around people and are eager to please their owners. They are generally quiet in the house but can bark when they hear a sound that isn’t familiar to them.
Moreover, these giant dogs are also brilliant and easy to train. They learn quickly but can be a little clumsy in the early stages of training.
They are moderately playful and easy-going, which makes them good with children. However, it is crucial to supervise children while interacting with these pups, especially if they have not yet been adequately trained.
It is crucial to socialize fawn Great Danes with other pets at an early stage to ensure they are comfortable around other animals. If left untrained, their territorial instincts may cause them to become aggressive.
Fawn Great Dane Lifespan and Health Issues
Fawn Great Danes are large dogs with a shorter life expectancy than that of smaller breeds. To be exact, they have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, but several factors can affect this dog’s health and longevity.
Fawn Great Danes are no different from any other standard color regarding their health. There may be some health conditions that the Great Dane breed is prone to having.
Here is a list of health conditions fawn Great Dane puppies are prone to having:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joint does not develop properly, causing it to become deformed and unstable over time. It is common in fawn Great Danes, especially those born from parents with genetic mutations for this condition.
- Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a cancerous bone tumor that affects dogs. This cancerous tumor causes your dog’s cells to grow out of control and form an abnormal mass that disfigures their bones and prevents them from functioning correctly.
- Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is characterized by enlargement and thinning of the heart muscle, which decreases its ability to contract. As a result, blood cannot be pumped effectively through the dog’s body. Genetic mutations and viral infections can cause this condition, and it is most prevalent in large-breed dogs.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in your dog, take them to the vet immediately. You want to ensure that your fawn Great Dane gets the best care possible so it can live a long, happy life.
How Much Does a Fawn Great Dane Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
If you’re looking for a purebred fawn Great Dane, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $3,000. However, numerous factors will determine your pet’s exact price, such as lineage, breeder, and quality.
However, if you want to save more money, you can adopt a fawn Great Dane from rescue shelters and organizations.
In addition to the cost of purchasing a puppy, other costs can occur when you take on the responsibility of caring for a dog.
Here’s a list of the initial costs of owning a fawn Great Dane:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
These are just some of the items that every puppy should have to thrive in its new home. Some breeders usually include these items as part of the purchase price, but they’re readily available in pet stores and clinics.
Places to Find Fawn Great Dane Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Fawn is one of the most common Great Dane colors, and this can be observed in both male and female dogs. This means that getting one from breeders or rescue shelters will not be very challenging.
However, you should avoid purchasing a puppy from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. These breeders prioritize profit over ethics and often use unsanitary and unethical breeding practices to cut costs.
To make your search easier, here’s a list of places you can visit to find a fawn Great Dane:
- Daynakin Great Danes – Daynakin Great Danes is a family-owned and operated kennel that breeds fawn and brindle Great Danes, according to the AKC standard. They are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to own a purebred AKC registered dog that is beautiful and has an excellent temperament.
- Southern Star Great Danes – Southern Star Great Danes provides their customers with the best fawn Great Danes. Whether you want to show your Dane or simply add a unique new member to your home, they can help. In addition to their outstanding personalities, their Danes also have excellent conformation, making them ideal show dogs.
- Paxton Great Danes – Paxton Danes are fawn and brindle Great Dane breeders that have personally handled their dogs. They prioritize health testing to ensure the quality of their litters, and they’re delighted with their track record for quality and success since 2005.
Meanwhile, if you’re considering adoption, here are sources where you may find a fawn Great Dane waiting to be rehomed:
- Great Dane Rescue Inc. – Great Dane Rescue Inc. is a volunteer-run group that has been saving all kinds of Great Danes since 1993, including the fawn variety. Their mission is to place unwanted and neglected Great Danes into loving, permanent homes.
- Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love – The Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love was created in 2009. They are one of the earliest Great Dane rescues in Charlotte, North Carolina. They find homes for dogs whose families can no longer keep them, and they provide medical care to rescue fawn Danes in need.
- Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue – Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue saves and places unwanted and neglected fawn Great Danes into permanent homes. They carefully evaluate the Dane for adoption and the potential family to ensure proper placement.
Furthermore, you can also connect to breeders on Instagram and Facebook. Just be extra cautious when doing so.
Best Dog Names for Your Fawn Great Dane Puppy
If you’re considering getting a fawn Great Dane, you might wonder what to call your new companion.
Great Danes are known for their loyalty and love of family, so picking names that reflect those qualities can help you pick the perfect name for your pup.
Here are some fawn Great Dane name ideas:
- Nugget
- Luna
- Bella
- Blaze
- Ember
- Mocha
- Toffee
- Bailey
- Scooby
- Mochi
- Graham
- Truffles
- Harley
- Chase
- Milo
Naming a pet can be a big dilemma. Just remember that when you’re looking for inspiration, try not to limit yourself too much. The more creative you can be with your dog’s name, the better.
Watch this heartwarming video of a fawn Great Dane puppy coming home to its new family:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Breed a Fawn Great Dane With a Harlequin Great Dane?
Great Dane breeders should be aware that according to the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA), a fawn Great Dane cannot be bred into a Harlequin line because it produces a fawnequin Great Dane.
A fawnequin is an undesirable color in Great Danes. They can only be born into a harlequin line because they produce harlequin puppies, and it’s impossible to breed them into another line.
Furthermore, they’re not allowed to be shown or bred by anyone who wants their puppies registered with the American Kennel Club.
What Is the Rarest Great Dane Color?
The rarest Great Dane color is the white Great Dane, which is produced through a gene mutation. The white gene causes deafness, blindness, and other issues for Great Danes.
In fact, it’s estimated that 98% of white pups are born deaf, meaning they cannot hear any sound. They also have trouble seeing and can’t see colors very well.
Due to these health risks, white Great Danes are considered the rarest. They are not commonly being bred or sold.
Do Fawn Great Danes Shed a Lot?
Fawn Great Danes are moderate to heavy shedders, despite their single coats. However, since they are giant dogs, they have more hair than regular-size ones.
Brushing your fawn Great Dane’s coat regularly will help to remove loose hairs and prevent mats from forming on your dog’s fur.
Bathing it when necessary can also help keep its hair manageable, especially during shedding season.
Are Fawn Great Danes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, fawn Great Danes are not hypoallergenic. Their coats are shed all year round, which may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to dog hair.
It’s best to consult your doctor first before opening your home to a fawn Great Dane, especially if you or any of your family have asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Final Thoughts
A fawn Great Dane is an enormous dog with a gentle and friendly disposition. It is excellent with children and loves to meet new people. However, because of its large size, it should be well-suited in ample-sized homes with a yard.
One potential drawback of this breed is its shorter life expectancy. If you’ve been interested in having a furry friend for years, this breed may not be for you.
However, if you won’t mind replacing your pet sooner rather than later, then this fawn Great Dane could be an ideal choice.
What are your thoughts about this fawn-colored Great Dane? Are you getting one soon? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts and comments about the fawn Great Dane below!
