A Harlequin Great Dane Puppy Tried On Santa's Hat Beside the Fire
White fur splashed with black patches, huge paws, and a red Santa hat balanced on her head: a harlequin Great Dane puppy looks straight into the camera with wide, gentle eyes. Her ears are floppy and her chest is spotted with irregular black marks. Behind her is a stone fireplace with garland, pinecones, and dried orange slices on the mantel, and a sofa with soft blankets and a sunlit window complete the cozy room.
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds, and even a puppy has enormous paws that hint at her future size. Giant breeds grow quickly, so ask your vet about feeding for large-breed puppies and how much exercise is right to protect developing joints. Harlequin patterns are a special coat type in the breed, and each dog has a unique design. Great Danes are usually gentle and affectionate, but a young one can be clumsy. Keep her away from the hearth when a fire is lit, and use a sturdy screen.
The hat is already too small for her head, and soon the rest of her will be too large for the couch. For now, she is a spotted marshmallow in a Santa hat. It is a sweet moment before she turns into a gentle giant who thinks she is a lap dog. She tilts her head, the hat slips another inch, and the room fills with quiet laughter.
