The Marquis Is Huge, Polite and Wearing a Frilly Pink Cravat

Tall, steel-blue and perfectly polite, the marquis has arrived for tea. A blue Great Dane stands in his best pink coat, the silk stitched with gold flowers and finished with a gold epaulette at the shoulder. A cascade of ruffled lace in cream and blush spills down his chest from the collar, soft against his slate-grey coat. His long dark ears fold forward, and his deep brown eyes look out with a serious, gentle expression. Behind him, garlands, golden scrolls and pastel blossoms dissolve into a hazy background.

The painter has cleverly set the dog's cool, dark color against all that sugary pink. It makes him look even more distinguished, like a gentle giant who accidentally wandered into a bakery.

Great Danes are known as gentle giants, and the blue coloring is a dilution of black, which gives the coat its steely grey tone. They are usually calm, affectionate and eager to be close to their people, even when that means leaning their whole body against you. Because they grow so fast as puppies, large-breed puppy food and careful exercise guidance from a vet are important. Deep-chested dogs can be at risk of bloat, so ask your vet about feeding routines and emergency signs. Give them a big, supportive bed and plenty of space to stretch out.

The marquis has impeccable manners. He will sit politely at the teatable and take up exactly the entire sofa.