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Oil portrait of a fawn Great Dane with a dark mask wearing a teal coat with gold buttons and a ruffled lace collar 9 / 21

The Marquis Great Dane Wore His Frills Like a True Gentleman

AI imagegreat danemarquisregency portrait

Not every marquis has ears like velvet curtains. This fawn Great Dane has a dark mask, droopy jowls, and long soft ears that fall to either side of a great, thoughtful head. Around his neck sits a frothy collar of cream lace, and his teal coat has gold leaf embroidery and a row of gold buttons. The dusky background and the old cracks in the paint give him the look of an ancestor from a long gallery of family portraits. His long nose gives him an air of deep wisdom, and his heavy-lidded eyes look gentle and a little sleepy.

Great Danes are gentle giants, but their size comes with a few special needs. Deep-chested dogs can be at risk of a serious stomach condition called bloat, so many vets suggest feeding smaller meals and avoiding hard exercise right after eating. Ask your vet about the signs to watch for, because bloat is an emergency. Great Danes also like to lean on their people, and they are happiest with a soft bed and a family close by. Despite their height, they are often calm indoors and surprisingly quiet.

The marquis seems to be listening to a very long story and politely refusing to interrupt. We suspect his reward will be a snack the size of a dinner plate. Nobles of his rank always eat well. It is the kind of face that makes you want to say good morning politely.

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