20 Delightful Great Dane Mixed Breeds
The Great Dane is a gentle giant in the dog world, known for its impressive size, noble appearance, and easygoing personality. Great Danes bond closely with their human families and make excellent companion dogs. It‘s no surprise then that breeders have created a variety of mixed breed "designer dogs" by crossing Great Danes with other purebreds.
If you‘re looking for an extra-large canine pal, a Great Dane mix could be the perfect choice. However, the enormous size of a Great Dane hybrid isn‘t for everyone – they require lots of space, food, and care. Educate yourself about the pros and cons of the different Great Dane crosses before bringing one home.
To help you out, we‘ve compiled an extensive guide to the most popular Great Dane mixes. Read on to learn about the appearance, temperament, grooming and exercise needs, potential health issues, and more for each mixed breed. By the end, you‘ll have a much better sense of whether a Great Dane hybrid is right for you and your family.
Why Great Danes Make Excellent Mixed Breeds
Before we dive into the individual Great Dane crossbreeds, let‘s discuss what makes Great Danes such a popular choice for mixing. Here are some of the traits that Great Danes often pass on to their hybrid offspring:
Large size: As one of the tallest dog breeds, Great Danes contribute their impressive height and bulk to mixed breed puppies. Most Great Dane mixes will mature to at least 24 inches tall and weigh over 100 pounds. If you‘re looking for a big dog, a Great Dane hybrid delivers!
Gentle temperament: Don‘t let their imposing size fool you – Great Danes are known as "gentle giants" for their sweet, calm dispositions. They are patient with children and rarely aggressive. Many Great Dane mixes inherit this laidback, friendly personality.
Easy to groom: The short, sleek coat of a Great Dane is a breeze to care for, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing. Great Danes shed moderately year-round. Many Great Dane crosses have similarly low-maintenance coats, though it depends on the other parent breed.
Moderate exercise needs: While Great Danes are large, powerful dogs, they don‘t require a huge amount of exercise. A few 30-minute walks per day are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. This makes them a good choice for owners who want a big dog but can‘t meet the demands of high-energy breeds. Most Great Dane mixes have intermediate exercise needs as well.
Of course, every mixed breed dog is unique, and there‘s no guarantee how the traits of each parent will combine. In general though, crossing a Great Dane with another breed produces a large, even-tempered, relatively low-maintenance companion. Now let‘s meet some of the most popular Great Dane hybrids!
The Most Popular Great Dane Mixes
1. Great Danoodle (Great Dane x Poodle)
The Great Danoodle combines the size of the Great Dane with the intelligence and coat of the Poodle. Also known as the Daneadoodle or Great Danedoodle, this hybrid typically stands 28-32 inches tall and weighs 85-130 pounds. They have longer, curlier coats than a purebred Dane, which may come in solid colors or patterns like the merle or harlequin.
Great Danoodles make devoted, playful companions. They inherit the Poodle‘s smarts and trainability, combined with the Dane‘s patient, gentle nature. Daily walks and playtime are a must to keep this big, active dog content. Their curly coat requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent mats. Some Great Danoodles may have the shorter muzzle of a Dane, which can cause breathing difficulties. Look for a pup with a moderate-length snout.
2. Labradane (Great Dane x Labrador Retriever)
The friendly, outgoing Labradane blends the bulk of the Great Dane with the energetic, people-pleasing personality of the Labrador Retriever. Most Labradanes stand between 28-32 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 100-180 pounds. Their short double coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushings. Coat colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.
As both parent breeds are known for their sweet, sociable natures, Labradanes tend to love everyone they meet. They are patient with kids and get along well with other dogs. Labradanes inherit the Lab‘s enthusiasm and need plenty of daily exercise – think long walks, jogs, and swimming sessions to wear them out! They are bright, eager learners but may be easily distracted, so patience is key when training.
3. Great Weilbull (Great Dane x Rottweiler)
The muscular Great Weilbull has the large, robust build of the Dane paired with the bold, confident demeanor of the Rottweiler. Males can stand up to 32 inches tall and weigh a formidable 130-175 pounds. The short double coat is usually black with tan markings and sheds moderately. Weekly brushings and the occasional bath will keep it looking tidy.
True to their guarding heritage, Great Weilbulls can be aloof with strangers and protective of their families. Early socialization is critical to ensure this powerful dog develops into a stable, discriminating companion. They also require firm, consistent training to establish leadership. Most are fairly calm indoors and content with a few brisk walks per day. The long Dane back may pass on hip or elbow dysplasia.
4. Bernedane (Great Dane x Bernese Mountain Dog)
The majestic Bernedane unites the height of the Great Dane with the heavy bone and lush coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Expect a dog that towers 28-34 inches and tips the scales at 110-160 pounds. The thick double coat has the tricolor markings of the Bernese, with a black base and tan and white patches. Regular brushing is required to remove loose fur and prevent tangles.
Bernedanes are generally calm, agreeable dogs that bond deeply with their families. Their mellow nature, patience with kids, and fondness for snuggling make them great choices for households with children. They don‘t need tons of exercise but enjoy a couple long walks plus some playtime each day. Be watchful for signs of hip dysplasia or bloat, both of which can be passed down from the parent breeds.
5. Bordane (Great Dane x Border Collie)
Smart, agile and tireless, the Bordane gets its towering size from the Great Dane and its keen intelligence and herding instinct from the Border Collie. These sleek, long-legged dogs usually stand 26-30 inches tall and weigh between 80-120 pounds. The medium-length coat may be solid, bicolor, merle or sable. Brush a few times a week to keep shedding under control.
The Bordane‘s Border Collie blood gives them very high exercise requirements. Expect to provide hours of physical activity (running, hiking, playing fetch) and mental stimulation (advanced obedience, puzzle toys, canine sports) every day to keep this brilliant dog satisfied. They can be intense, sensitive and reactive if not properly trained and socialized. Devoted Bordanes make great companions for very active owners.
And Many More!
With their impressive size and even temperaments, Great Danes are compatible with many other breeds. Here are some other intriguing Great Dane mixes you may encounter:
- Germanedane (Great Dane x German Shepherd): Protective, trainable, and powerful
- Great Danebull (Great Dane x American Pit Bull Terrier): Energetic, muscular, and affectionate
- Saint Dane (Great Dane x St. Bernard): Massive, good-natured, and a bit slobbery
- Great Pyreneane (Great Dane x Great Pyrenees): Tall, fluffy, and gently protective
- Boxdane (Great Dane x Boxer): Playful, athletic, and devoted to family
- Rhodesian Daneback (Great Dane x Rhodesian Ridgeback): Dignified, independent, and sometimes stubborn
- Harlequin Pinscher (Great Dane x Doberman Pinscher): Alert, fearless, and strikingly colored
Things to Consider Before Getting a Great Dane Mix
While Great Dane mixes undeniably make interesting, eye-catching companions, these giant crossbreeds aren‘t the right fit for every owner or living situation. Before bringing home a Great Dane hybrid, carefully consider the following:
Space requirements: Great Dane mixes need room to stretch out their long legs. A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal. If you rent, check that your landlord allows giant breed dogs.
Expenses: Supersized dogs mean supersized bills. Budget for large crates, beds, toys, and food portions. Vet care can also cost more for giant breeds. Consider financial assistance programs like pet insurance.
Training needs: A poorly behaved dog is a nuisance at any size – at 150+ pounds, it can be downright dangerous. Commit to providing early, ongoing training and socialization.
Exercise needs: Can you give your Great Dane mix at least an hour of exercise most days? While they aren‘t the most demanding athletes, these hefty hounds still need regular activity.
Grooming needs: Coat care varies among Great Dane mixes. Research grooming requirements for both parent breeds and be prepared to brush multiple times per week.
Health concerns: Like many giant dogs, Great Dane mixes can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, cardiomyopathy, and bone cancer. Work with a responsible breeder who health tests their stock.
Lifespan: Sadly, Great Danes and many Great Dane mixes have shorter lifespans, averaging 8-10 years. Make the most of your time with your beloved big dog.
Finding a Great Dane Mix
Smitten with a certain Great Dane cross? Once you‘ve settled on the perfect hybrid for your household, it‘s time to start the search for your new best friend. We recommend looking for a reputable breeder who specializes in your desired mix. They should health test their breeding dogs, provide health guarantees and a contract, and start puppies on socialization.
Adopting is another wonderful way to bring a Great Dane mix into your life. Search for breed-specific rescues in your area or keep an eye out for promising mixes at your local animal shelters. Who knows – your dream dog could be waiting for you there!
No matter which route you choose, take your time to find a Great Dane mix puppy or adult with a stable temperament and history of good health. Building a relationship with a devoted, larger-than-life canine companion is so worth the effort.
Conclusion
As you can see, Great Dane mixes come in a delightful variety of shapes, sizes, and personalities. Whether you‘re drawn to the shaggy charms of a Great Danoodle, the gregarious nature of a Labradane, or the striking good looks of a Harlequin Pinscher, there‘s bound to be a Great Dane hybrid out there for you.
Of course, adding any giant breed dog to your household is a serious commitment. Great Dane mixes require plentiful space, exercise, training, and care. But for the right owners, these big softies make incredibly rewarding companions. A well-raised Great Dane mix will greet you with a giant grin, snuggle up for a nap, and stick by your side through thick and thin.
Do you have the time, energy, and love to devote to an extra-large crossbreed dog? Then start your search for the Great Dane mix of your dreams. With a gentle giant at your side, life is sure to be an adventure!
