The Great Dane Pitbull Mix: A Majestic Gentle Giant
As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve met my fair share of incredible canines. But there‘s one hybrid in particular that never fails to stop me in my tracks: the Great Dane Pitbull Mix. Combining the imposing stature of a Great Dane with the strength and enthusiasm of an American Pit Bull Terrier, these dogs have a presence that commands attention. But as anyone who‘s been lucky enough to know one will tell you, they‘re so much more than their impressive physique. When raised with love and care, "Great Danebulls" are some of the sweetest, most affectionate companions around.
Breed History: Two Misunderstood Giants
The Great Dane Pitbull Mix may be a relative newcomer to the designer dog scene, but the parent breeds behind this cross have histories spanning centuries. Let‘s take a closer look at how the Great Dane and Pit Bull got their start – and how public perception of them has changed over time.
The Great Dane: From Fierce to Friendly
Contrary to what their name suggests, Great Danes actually trace their roots back to Germany, not Denmark. Bred to hunt ferocious wild boar and guard estates, these massive dogs were celebrated for their courage and power. But as the popularity of boar hunting waned, the breed evolved into a gentle companion prized by nobility for their regal appearance and friendly nature.
In 1876, the "Deutsche Dogge" (German Dog) was officially renamed the Great Dane – and the rest is history. Danes went on to capture hearts as lovable cartoon characters like Scooby-Doo and Marmaduke, solidifying their reputation as sweet-natured goofs. Today, they consistently rank among the most popular giant breeds.
The Pit Bull: From Celebrated to Stigmatized
The Pit Bull has a more complicated backstory. The ancestors of this breed were the now-extinct Old English Bulldogs used in the brutal blood sports of bull and bear baiting until these practices were outlawed in 1835. From there, Pit Bull type dogs were bred as capable, courageous working dogs tasked with jobs like herding cattle, guarding livestock, and hunting hogs.
In the early 1900s, Pit Bulls were respected as loyal, dependable family companions – a far cry from the unfair stereotypes they face today. In fact, they were so admired for their sweet nature with children that they earned the nickname "nanny dog." Many served honorably in U.S. military roles and as therapy animals. Some of the most famous dogs in American history, like Sergeant Stubby and Petey from "The Little Rascals," were Pit Bull type dogs.
Unfortunately, their strength and tenacity also made them appealing to people looking to exploit them for illegal dog fighting and as status symbols. This dark underbelly led to stigma against the breed based on misconceptions around their temperament and stats skewed by misidentification. (Over 20 breeds and mixes are often lumped under the "Pit Bull" label.) Breed specific legislation and housing restrictions soon followed. While progress has been made through advocacy and public education, repairing the Pit Bull‘s image remains an ongoing battle.
Physical Characteristics of a Great Danebull
So what happens when you mix a Great Dane with an American Pit Bull Terrier? It‘s impossible to predict the exact traits a mixed breed dog will inherit, but most Great Danebulls share the following physical characteristics:
How Big Do Great Dane Pitbull Mixes Get?
As you might imagine, crossing two large, muscular breeds typically results in an impressively built dog. A full grown Great Dane Pitbull mix can weigh anywhere from 60 to over 100 pounds, with males generally outweighing females. To give you an idea of the size range, here‘s a chart of average adult heights and weights:
| Sex | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 25-29 inches | 75-100+ lbs |
| Female | 24-28 inches | 60-85+ lbs |
Of course, some Danebulls may be smaller or larger than these estimates depending on which parent breed they favor. For reference, male Great Danes can reach up to 175 pounds while Pit Bulls max out around 60-70 pounds. So there can be quite a size difference even within the same litter of pups!
Coat, Colors and Other Features
The short, smooth coat of a Great Dane Pitbull Mix is relatively low-maintenance. They may shed moderately year-round, but weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep loose hair under control. As for colors, the sky‘s the limit – Danebulls can inherit any of the coat variations seen in their parent breeds, including:
- Fawn
- Brindle
- Blue
- Black
- Harlequin
- Mantle
- Merle
- White
- Red/Rust
- Brown
Some may have white markings on the chest, face, or paws. Solid colored Danebulls are possible, but most have some sort of pattern or multi-colored coat.
Other notable physical traits of this mix include:
- A large, blocky head with a medium length muzzle
- Ears that may be cropped, but are naturally floppy
- Almond shaped eyes in shades of brown, blue, or multi-colored
- A broad, deep chest and muscular neck
- Powerful, athletic hindquarters and strong legs
- A long, tapered tail (unless docked)
Put it all together, and you‘ve got a seriously impressive canine specimen. But as the saying goes, it‘s what‘s on the inside that counts. So let‘s take a closer look at the typical temperament of a Great Danebull.
Temperament and Training
When it comes to personality, Great Dane Pitbull Mixes are often described as gentle giants with a zest for life. They tend to be highly affectionate with their families and love being involved in all your daily activities. Most have a playful, goofy side and retain a certain puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood. Because both parent breeds were originally working dogs, Danebulls tend to be confident, clever, and eager to please. They often do well in canine sports and activities that challenge them mentally and physically.
As a veterinarian, I always emphasize to potential owners that socialization is absolutely critical for this mix. Great Danes and Pit Bulls are both powerful breeds with an element of protectiveness. Without adequate socialization, their guarding instincts can lead to behaviors like leash reactivity or aggression toward strangers or other animals.
On the flip side, a well-socialized Danebull is typically a friendly, outgoing dog that loves meeting new people and making doggy pals. They tend to be patient and gentle with children in the family, but interactions should still be supervised due to their large size. Some may have a prey drive toward smaller animals like cats or wildlife, so proper introductions and management are a must.
The keys to bringing out the best in a Great Dane Pitbull Mix are:
- Lots of positive exposure to new people, places, sights and sounds starting in puppyhood
- Basic obedience training using rewards to encourage cooperation and impulse control
- Clear, consistent leadership from a confident owner to establish boundaries
- Plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom
- Ongoing socialization and training into adulthood
With the right upbringing, a Great Danebull has the potential to be a well-mannered ambassador for their breed mix. But it‘s important for owners to understand the time and work that goes into achieving this.
Health and Lifespan
Like many large breed mixes, Great Dane Pitbull crosses are prone to some inherited health conditions that potential owners should be aware of. According to the Great Dane Club of America, issues that commonly affect the breed include:
- Hip dysplasia (reported in 46.1% of Danes)
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus or "bloat" (affects up to 37% of Danes)
- Cardiomyopathy (reported in 4.8% of Danes)
- Hypothyroidism (reported in 3.3% of Danes)
American Pit Bull Terriers, on the other hand, are generally considered a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years. They can be prone to hip dysplasia and knee problems, as well as skin allergies and certain eye conditions.
Since mixed breed dogs can inherit health issues from either parent breed, it‘s important to find a Great Danebull breeder who does extensive health testing on their breeding stock. At minimum, the Great Dane parent should have hip and elbow x-rays evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), an eye exam by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, and a heart exam by a cardiologist. Pit Bull parents should also have their hips and elbows x-rayed and their eyes examined.
Responsible breeders will be happy to share proof of health testing and discuss any issues present in the pedigree. If a breeder brushes off questions about health or makes claims like "hybrid vigor" or "100% healthy," consider that a red flag.
With proper preventative care and a dash of good luck, a Great Dane Pitbull Mix has an average lifespan around 9-12 years. As with any giant breed, it‘s critical to feed them a high-quality, age-appropriate diet, keep them at a lean weight, and avoid over-exercising during periods of rapid growth. Supplementation with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s may help support their joint health. For bloat risk, feed smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large serving.
Where to Find a Great Danebull
If you‘re considering adding a Great Dane Pitbull Mix to your family, I always recommend checking local animal shelters and rescue groups first. You may be surprised at how many Danebulls end up homeless due to no fault of their own. Sadly, Pit Bull type dogs are the most common breed mix found in U.S. shelters. According to the Animal Farm Foundation, they make up an estimated 40% of the total shelter dog population.
Why are so many Pits and Pit mixes waiting for homes? Breed specific legislation, housing restrictions, and insurance issues all play a role. But there are also more complex factors at work. As the ASPCA explains: "Pit bulls are more likely than other dogs to end up homeless due to widespread myths and misconceptions associated with the breed, and because of their popularity with owners who are unable or unwilling to meet the needs of any dog, let alone a large, energetic one."
Adopting an adult Danebull means you‘ll have a better idea of their temperament and can skip the destructive puppy stage. Plus, you‘ll be giving a deserving dog a second chance at a loving home. Reach out to Pit Bull and giant breed rescues in your area to inquire about any available Great Dane mixes.
If you decide to go the breeder route, prepare to do plenty of research to find an ethical breeder committed to producing healthy, stable-tempered Danebulls. Avoid anyone offering to ship you a puppy sight unseen or claiming to have multiple litters available at all times. Responsible breeders have carefully planned litters with waiting lists and will insist on meeting potential buyers in person.
The Opa Giants breeder directory is a good place to start your search for a Great Dane Pitbull Mix breeder. Look for one that specializes in this designer cross and is active in their local canine community through events, classes, or dog sports. Don‘t be afraid to ask for references from other puppy buyers or the breeder‘s veterinarian.
No matter where your Danebull comes from, enrolling in a positive reinforcement based training class is an excellent way to start your relationship off on the right foot (or paw). Not only will you learn invaluable handling and communication skills, but you‘ll get expert guidance on socialization and preventing problem behaviors down the line.
The Bottom Line
Owning a Great Dane Pitbull Mix is a big – literally! – responsibility. These dogs require an experienced, active owner committed to ongoing training and socialization. They can be a lot of work, but they‘re also incredibly loving, loyal companions for the right person.
I recently spoke with the owner of a 3-year-old Danebull named Daisy who exemplifies the sweet nature of this mix. "Whenever we have visitors, Daisy thinks it‘s her job to welcome them with a big, goofy grin and a wagging tail," her owner Sarah told me. "She loves everyone she meets and has never met a lap she didn‘t want to try to squeeze into – even though she weighs 90 pounds!"
Sarah says the bond she shares with Daisy is unlike anything she‘s experienced with past dogs. "Daisy is so in tune with my emotions. If I‘m having a bad day, she seems to sense it and will come curl up next to me with her head in my lap. Her steady presence is so comforting. At the same time, her zest for life is contagious. Everything is the most exciting thing ever in Daisy‘s world. You can‘t help but smile when you see her bouncing around with her favorite ball or chasing waves at the beach."
Of course, it‘s not all sunshine and rainbows. "I can‘t sugarcoat how much work it was to get Daisy to this point," Sarah admits. "We went through a lot of training in her first year and had a few setbacks when she hit maturity. There were moments when I questioned if I was in over my head with such a strong, energetic dog. But seeing the incredible dog she‘s become makes it all worth it. Plus, I‘ve learned so much from her about patience, consistency, and unconditional love."
As someone who‘s had the privilege of meeting dozens of sweet, well-behaved Pit Bulls and Pit mixes, it always saddens me to see the discrimination and fear these dogs face. I truly believe that the vast majority of Pits and Pit crosses have the potential to be amazing companions in the right home. The key is finding the individual dog with the right temperament for your lifestyle and being 100% committed to raising them to be a good canine citizen.
If you have room in your heart and home for a whole lot of dog, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix just might be your perfect match. These gentle giants have so much love to give and will repay your care and training tenfold in sloppy kisses, goofy antics, and unwavering devotion. Just be prepared for a large dog food bill and a whole lot of drool!
