How can I tell if my Great Dane is deaf?

What are the signs of deafness in dogs?

  1. Sudden disobedience and/or ignoring verbal commands.
  2. An uptick in startle reflex.
  3. Excessive barking.
  4. Unresponsive to everyday sounds, like a knocking.
  5. Apathy or an increase in sleep.
  6. Shaking or tilting of its head.

What makes a great dane deaf and blind?

White Great Danes are produced when two dogs carrying the Merle gene are bred together, resulting in a dog that has two copies of the Merle gene i.e. double Merle. It is this double copy of the Merle gene that can lead to health issues such as blindness and/or deafness for the dog.

What kind of dog is deaf and blind?

When it comes to Great Danes and issues of deafness or blindness, many of the white-coated dogs will be born as what is called “double merle” (DM). A merle coated dog is a dog with spotted pigments over white and gray fur.

What makes a Great Dane an all white dog?

It is also an important note to make that an albino Great Dane is different than a Double Merle Great Dane. A DM Dane comes from breeding two merles, which causes a lack of pigment in the fur and skin of the dog that can lead to an all-white color. True albinism in a dog leads to a complete lack of pigment in the dog’s fur, skin, and eyes.

What kind of problems does a great dane have?

Social instability and inadequacy: Double merle Great Danes may also have mental issues along with their physical health ailments. The wiring present in a double merle Dane causes it to have issues socializing with other dogs, which can lead to an unpredictable nature in the dog. Many DM Great Danes are labeled as “shy” or “spooky.”

Is there such thing as a deaf Great Dane?

A common misconception held by many is that white Great Danes are always blind and or deaf. As a giant breed, Great Danes do have a higher rate of occurrence of health issues, but why does the white coat color in particular have these additional concerns? Are all white Great Danes deaf and blind? No, they are not.

When it comes to Great Danes and issues of deafness or blindness, many of the white-coated dogs will be born as what is called “double merle” (DM). A merle coated dog is a dog with spotted pigments over white and gray fur.

It is also an important note to make that an albino Great Dane is different than a Double Merle Great Dane. A DM Dane comes from breeding two merles, which causes a lack of pigment in the fur and skin of the dog that can lead to an all-white color. True albinism in a dog leads to a complete lack of pigment in the dog’s fur, skin, and eyes.

Social instability and inadequacy: Double merle Great Danes may also have mental issues along with their physical health ailments. The wiring present in a double merle Dane causes it to have issues socializing with other dogs, which can lead to an unpredictable nature in the dog. Many DM Great Danes are labeled as “shy” or “spooky.”