The marble dog is an imperturbable Apollo

Impeccable, majestic, compelling, extraordinary - there are not enough words to describe in full measure how beautiful the marble dog is. Photos of this Apollo among the canine adorn the covers of magazines, produced not only for animal lovers. These giants with wool of the color of the moon are rightly considered a standard of luxury, a testament to the wealth of their master. Many believe that unusual color distinguishes this dog in a separate breed. However, the cynologists classify it as the "Great Dane Harlequin".

The dog is marble and color must have the corresponding. The main suit should be necessarily white (not cream and not blue), interrupted by irregular black spots of small size, preferably with blurred, fuzzy edges. If these inclusions are large, the color of the dog is classified as black. In the case of brown, brindle, blue, other than deep black spots, the suit is called "Porfora". If the main silver background is blue or gray blotches, then this handsome man is called a gray-marble. Discredit because of the color at the shows only absolutely white dogs, albinos, which are also, as a rule, deaf.

From whom there was a marble dog? It was brought out, as the name of the breed indicates, in Germany. But the sources were "imported" Irish greyhounds and English mastiffs. It is interesting that at first the word "mastiff" denoted all dogs, regardless of size, color and origin. In English, there remained "dog" = "dog". But in Germany the word was fixed only for particularly large representatives of these animals. Later among them began to allocate English, German, Ulm, hunting and large. In 1878, the Berlin Committee of the Seven decided to combine all of the above breeds into one - the Great Dane. And two years later the same Committee developed a standard.

Over time, the requirements for the breed changed until a single FCI standard was adopted. According to him, the marble dog must have a magnificent physique, proportionality, and harmony. All its appearance must be noble and elegant. In a word, not a dog, but a marble statue of an ancient god. Special requirements are advanced to the size, because these dogs are included in the category of "giants". The head of the breed representative should not resemble a mastiff - chased lines, a long, narrow skull are mandatory. The ears should also be free of wrinkles.

The marble mastiff is peaceful. However, since he was withdrawn to protect the territory, he is wary of strangers. You need to properly introduce your friends to him, and then there will be no problems. To their family and, especially, to the children of this breed are treated with extreme tenderness and love. At the same time, they are fearless, but not aggressive. They can be phlegmatic, but, thanks to their extraordinary intelligence, they are easily trained in commands, very obedient.

A marble dog needs a large living space. It is inadmissible to keep such a dog in a cramped apartment-Khrushchevka. But it should be borne in mind that this is not a domestic dog at all, and he can not always be in a cold and hot weather. A country house or a large city apartment is exactly what Harlequin needs. The owner of such a dog should pay attention to the uniform loads for his pet, otherwise his phlegmatic can lead to excessive weight.