The Snowman Finally Got a Friend, and He Had Very Big Paws
A snowman wearing an orange knitted scarf has a new best friend. The harlequin Great Dane puppy sits beside him in the snow, his black patches on white fur looking as if they were painted with a brush, and gazes toward the camera with big thoughtful eyes. Twig arms stick out from the snowman, a wooden fence runs behind them and a house with a wreath is just visible through the bare trees. The snow is fresh and untouched except for a few paw prints.
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds, and they are usually gentle, friendly and surprisingly laid-back for their size. Puppies grow remarkably fast, so vets often advise feeding a diet designed for large-breed puppies and avoiding intense, repetitive exercise until the joints mature. Because they have short coats and thin skin, Danes can get cold in snow, so keep outdoor play short and offer a warm spot to dry off afterward. Harlequin patterns come from a specific genetic combination and are among the breed's recognized colors. Talk to your vet if you have questions about hearing or health in patterned coats.
The snowman will melt someday, and the puppy will keep growing into a very tall dog. For the moment they are just two quiet friends sharing the winter yard, one with a scarf and the other with big paws.
