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I have a question about the blue danes. Are they born blue or do they start out a dull black and lighten up? A near by breeder has a litter out of a blue female and a black male and half the pups look lighter, but they look black to me. Any input appreciated. Thanx

>>I have a question about the blue danes. Are they born blue or do they start out a dull black and lighten up? A near by breeder has a litter out of a blue female and a black male and half the pups look lighter, but they look black to me. Any input appreciated. Thanx

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I'd be careful about a blue one, pretty though they might be. In some breeds the blue dogs are prone to skin problems that can potentially be serious. As far as what color the pups will be, I think in most breeds the black is a dominant color and the pups would most likely be black unless the black dog is carrying recessive genes for blue and some of the pups inherit those genes from both parents. You really need an expert Dane breeder to answer, though.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Blues may or may not start out the color they will be as an adult. Sometimes they are a charcoal grey color when born and lighten to the steel blue, and sometimes they are born a blue that is more what they will be as an adult.

The only way blues will be produced in a breeding is if:
1)The parents are both blue
2)If one parent is blue and the other is black carrying blue recessively
3)If both parents are black carrying blue recessively.
4)If both parents are any color but carry blue recessively.

Genes can be carried recessively for many many generations.

As a side note, there are only a handful of blue breeders in this country that should and are considered ethical reputable breeders with the breeds best interest in mind. There are a lot of blue "breeders" but of these individuals, I wouldn't touch their puppies with a 10 foot pole. Blues have many of the same disadvantages as harlequins do with reguard to the smaller gene pool and health problems because of the lack of genetic diversity. Anyone considering buying a blue puppy should do a LOT of research before hand to ensure they are getting the healthiest puppy possible. Of course, all health tests should have been performed on both parents and both parents should have their CHIC numbers at a minimum. Preferably the breeder should be an individual that shows their dogs in some aspect of the dog sport (conformation, obedience, agility, rally O, etc) and that gives a good health guarantee (at a very minimum 2 years for hips, hearts, eyes)

Caroline Smith
FarView Great Danes