A Painted Austrian Terracotta Model of a Lifesize Great Dane Late 19th Century

In Victorian times, Harlequin Great Danes, with their distinctive white coats and irregular black patches, were a symbol of status amongst European Aristocracy. Harlequin Great Danes were described as having a “white or silver grey” base colour with “very irregular specks,” differentiating them from Dalmatians with their regular spots.  They were often depicted in art and considered a representation of noble war dogs from antiquity, further adding to their appeal as status symbols. In 1876, they were declared the national breed of Germany — “the Deutsche Dogge”, and were prized by the statesman Otto von Bismarck, who kept them as guard dogs