Great dane and German Shepherd Mix – 2022

Great Dane and German Shepherd Mix

Who is Great Dane German Shepherd Mix?

The Great Dane and the German Shepherd, two of the most well-known dog breeds, were crossed to create the German Shepherd-Great Dane Mix, also known as the Great Shepherd or Dane Shepherd.

This breed is also one of the largest crossbreeds that has ever been documented anywhere in the globe. Despite their size, these dogs are well-known for their caring and loving personalities, which are inherited from their parent breeds.

They are incredibly devoted companions and can even look out for their owners when necessary. These incredibly huge canines make excellent guard dogs due to their loving nature. Because of their high levels of intelligence and drive, they react quite well to training. This hybrid is very outstanding due to the many admirable qualities shared by both of its parent breeds.

Also Read: Black and Tan German Shepherds

Great Shepherd Dog Origins

However, the specific background of where the German Shepherd and Great Dane hybrid came from is unknown at this time. A German Shepherd and a Great Dane were mated together to produce this designer breed, which means that the offspring of these two purebred huge dogs were used in the breeding process.

It will be helpful to have a closer look at German Shepherds and Great Danes on their own in order to get a better understanding of the primary characteristics shared by Great Shepherd canines.

1. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Dog is consistently ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are capable working dogs that possess a high level of intelligence. Their bravery and commitment cannot be matched by anybody else. In addition to that, their applicability is astonishingly broad.

The Alsatian is another name for this particular breed of dog. At spite of the fact that they are purebred dogs, German Shepherds can sometimes be found in shelters as well as breed-specific rescue organisations.

German Shepherds are handsome dogs: big and strong with a distinctive square nose, bushy tail, and (typically) black mask. They typically have a color that is brown with black or red with black. Black and Tan German Shepherds is also one of the amazing color among German Shepherd.

German Shepherd

2. Great Dane

The Great Dane is a breed of dog that is known for its huge size and German ancestry. The Great Dane is a descendant of hunting dogs that were used throughout the Middle Ages to hunt wild boar and deer as well as to serve as guardians of German nobility. Along with its close ancestor, the Irish Wolfhound, it is one of the most numerous dog breeds in the entire globe.

According to the breed standard, Great Danes can have between five and six (depending on the standard) different coat colours that are suitable for showing.

Great Dane

It is possible to find dogs of other colours, but showing them in conformation competition is frowned upon, and breeders that want to produce show dogs do not actively seek them out.

White, piebald, chocolate, harlequin or porcelain, various merles, fawnequin, brindlequin, and merlequin are some of the colours that fall under this category.
The massive and intimidating appearance of the Great Dane conceals its kind and friendly disposition. It is common to call to this breed as a “gentle giant” due to the fact that they are known for actively seeking physical love from their owners.

Great Danes, like most huge dogs, have a quicker metabolism. This results in a greater consumption of both energy and food per pound of dog as compared to small breeds. They suffer from various conditions that are typical of large breeds, such as bloat and hip dysplasia.

Pros to own a Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

Below are the some main reasons that you should have this great breed type. Lets have a look on those traits.

1. Loyal and affectionate companions

Great dane and German Shepherd Mix are notorious for being reserved around new people, but once they develop a friendship with someone, they quickly become that person’s most devoted friend.

They show their family a lot of love. They get an incredible amount of pleasure from the time and attention that you are able to provide to them. And in exchange, they would shower you with undying loyalty as well as a great deal of affection.

Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

2. Perfect Watchdog

Being proactive, protective, and careful at all times. These are the qualities that give these canines their reputation as outstanding guard dogs.

The fact that they are large, well-built, and appear frightening contributes to the overall effect of their character. They would only use their bark in situations in which they needed to notify or warn their owners, provided that they were properly taught.

They would be willing to sacrifice everything in order to keep the ones they care about safe.

3. Easier to groom

Great dane and German Shepherd Mix have a shorter coat which is obtained due to the great dane trait. They only shed twice a year as great dane. Brusing, Bathing is easier as compared to other breed type.

This cross may only need to be brushed once per day and bathed only when necessary or at regular intervals, in contrast to the German Shepherd, which has a longer coat.

Cons to own a Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

As thor German Shephered and Great Dane Mix have some pros they also have some cons which should be consider if you are going to select this dog.

1. Get acquainted with strangers

It takes some time to get to know someone for the first time. In this regard, German Shepherd Great Danes tend to take on many of the characteristics of their father, the German Shepherd.

Just like German Shepherds, they make excellent watchdogs because they are constantly vigilant and wary around unfamiliar people. They require a significant amount of additional time to become comfortable with someone who is new to them.

In order for them to become adjusted to members of the family, friends, neighbours, and even other pets, you will need to start socialising and training them as soon as possible.

2. Need More Space

Great dane and German Shepherd Mix have huge size. So, these canines will need a lot of room to walk and play. If you have a limited amount of space in your residence, you should not consider getting one of these animals as a pet. Because they enjoy being outside so much, it is best to keep these dogs in homes that have ample area for them to run around in or yards that are reasonably sized.

They would be able to maintain an active lifestyle and have the flexibility to play whenever the mood strikes them. It does not take much for them to get disinterested, and when this happens, they are more likely to engage in undesirable behaviours such as excessive barking or being destructive.

3. Need Plenty of Exercises

Because of their hybrid ancestry, these dogs have a lot of energy, and their owners need to match that. They should try to maintain their activity level by engaging in a sufficient amount of physical activity.

They should try to maintain their activity level by engaging in a sufficient amount of physical activity. Both their weight and their temper can be better controlled as a result of this. 

Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

They require a weekly trip to a dog park where they can run around and play with other canines, as well as regular walks, and some time spent outside.

A dog that is the product of a cross between a German Shepherd and a Great Dane is likely to be extremely intelligent and active, and as a result, it may require a great deal of care and attention. It is essential that they receive both mental and physical stimulation at the same time.

Physical Characteristics of Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

1. Apperance of Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

The child of a Great dane and German Shepherd Mix can grow to a height of between 28 and 30 inches if they are allowed to reach their full potential. They are among the largest hybrid breeds and can weigh anywhere from 65 to 130 pounds depending on their size. 

The majority of these canines have a body that is similar to that of a Great Dane, with a strong frame and long, musculatured legs. Both of their parent breeds contributed to their appearance, as evidenced by their dark brown eyes and long, perked ears.

Their furs would take on the appearance of whichever parent they most closely resembled. They could have a short coat like that of the Great Dane or a medium-length coat like that of the German Shepherd. displaying a wide range of colours, including hazel, brown, black, white, and even merle.

These dogs, despite their great size, are incredibly kind and attentive toward their human companions. They have a wonderful disposition toward youngsters as well as adults, being both friendly and humorous.

Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t leave them unattended near younger children in order to avoid any adverse incidents that could be caused by their enormous bodies and boundless amounts of energy.

2. Behaviour of Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

The fact that Great Shepherds inherit the most admirable qualities from both of their parents contributes to the breed’s widespread popularity.

Because they are empathetic and enjoy the company of others, Great Shepherds typically get along well with a diverse range of people. 

The ideal situation for Great Shepherds would be for them to be part of a large, multi-generational family. Not only do these dogs like youngsters, but they also soon develop protective tendencies around people they regard as members of their pack.

Even though they are quite big, there is very little chance that a kid will be harmed by them.  When it comes to the protection of those that they love, however, German Shepherds can become fairly aggressive, particularly toward other dogs that they perceive to be a potential threat.

Because of this, it is beneficial to socialise them with a variety of canine companions at an early age so that they will be more accustomed to meeting canines in the future.

A person who has little living space and enjoys being by themselves is not the best candidate for owning one of these dogs because they are too social.

3. Traning for Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

Great Shepherds are relatively simple canines to teach due to the high level of intelligence that they possess. When you are training your dog, it is important to ensure positive reinforcement, such as dog treats. The following are some useful training recommendations for your new puppy.

It is possible that training based on punishment will not prove to be as beneficial with these dogs. Due to the fact that German Shepherds are affectionate and sensitive creatures, their reaction to being corrected is seldom predictable.

Great dane and German Shepherd Training

Early training of the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix should begin when the puppy is between 7 and 9 weeks old. Because they naturally have a protective instinct that they inherited from their German Shepherd parents, early training is likely to make them not only great family dogs but also good watchdogs. This is because German Shepherd puppies inherit the protective instinct from their German Shepherd parents.

As your dog is new, it is important to begin exposing him to a variety of people and animals, including other dogs and cats. A Great Shepherd that is raised in this manner will develop less of an aggressiveness.

4. Exercises for Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

Because of there high level of activity, a kid of a German Shepherd and a Great Dane needs to participate in frequent and sufficient physical activity. They will be able to maintain their health, happiness, and good behaviour with the support of mental and physical exercises. These canines possess a very high level of intelligence and are quite astute. They can bore if there is no activity around them.

If you already take them out for two long leisurely walks every day, you might also consider inviting them to go jogging, hiking, running, or cycling with you. They need to engage in physical activity for at least one hour each day. Take them to the dog park once a week because they love being outside. They require off-leash time to run and play with other dogs..

5. Health Problems of Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

The life expectancy of a Great dane and German Shepherd Mix ranges from 8 to 13 years. They may be prone to inheriting health issues from their parents. By examining your puppies, you can tell which diseases they may contract. This, in turn, will assist you make all of the appropriate precautions and care decisions for the situation.

Great Shepherd health

These dogs have a generally good state of health. However there are a few main health issues that are associated with the hybridization of these breeds, such as:

1. Allergies

Just like their German Shepherd parents, it’s possible that they’ll be susceptible to a variety of allergies, including eczema, food allergies, and inhalant allergies.
It is among the most common health problems that arose from their Great Dane lineage, and it is called bloat. When this occurs, the individual’s stomach becomes distended with air, and then it twists back on itself. When they eat too quickly, this condition develops in them.

Majority of dogs can be affected by skin conditions such as ringworm and dermatitis. These conditions can all cause skin inflammation and infections.

2. Dysplasia

Dysplasia is very typical for huge dogs. They suffer from painful arthritis in their elbows or hips, which is the reason of improper bone formation in these joints. This condition is known as elbow and hip dysplasia. This health problem may begin as early as five months.
you must unquestionably be certain that the dog has been checked for the aforementioned diseases and conditions. Investigating the medical history of their parents may also offer you with information about further health problems. It can assist ensure that you receive a healthy puppy and save you money.

6. Food Requirements for Great dane and German Shepherd Mix

Great Dane and German Shepherd Mix need 3 to 5 cups of food everyday. They are not choosy eaters, and as a result, they will consume practically everything that you give them to eat.

If you want to make sure that they are always full, you can split their supper of high-quality dry dog food into two separate meals for them. Because of their sluggish metabolism, it is very recommended that they follow a consistent eating routine.

You love your dog and want what’s best for them. You can feed them Dog For Dog Food, Wellness Core Dog Food, or the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement, whether they’re large or small.

Great dane and German Shepherd Mix Relation with Family

The Great Dane and German Shepherd mix is an excellent companion animal for families with children. Great Shepherd are caring, patient, and playful all at the same time. They take pleasure in the presence of their family, close friends, and even other animals. Great Shepherd have the potential to become the kindest, most affectionate, and most ideal of companions with proper training.

They require owners who are enthusiastic about being physically active and who enjoy spending time with their pets. Great Shepherd do not do very well when left alone for extended periods of time since it can encourage the development of negative behaviors. They do not do very well.

Your sole issue would be with regard to children of a younger age. These dogs are massive, and it won’t take much for them to accidentally knock them over when they’re playing. Therefore, it is imperative that you bear in mind that you should never leave them unattended. Teach your kids not to annoy the dog while it’s eating and not to tug or ride it.

German Shepherd x Great Dane puppies

First, find a reliable provider of Great Dane German Shepherd mix puppies. Never purchase an animal for a pet from a puppy factory, whether it be in-person or online. Limit your search to responsible breeders who can provide health certificates for their puppies.

This procedure ensures your new pet’s health. By researching both parent breeds’ medical histories, you can determine if any health issues will be passed along. Good breeders will let you tour their kennels before you adopt or buy. It is a method for determining whether or not the puppy will be a good companion for you. During the trip, you’ll learn about their dogs’ living circumstances and care.

You always have the option to inquire as to whether or not they are a registered breeder. Searching the internet is yet another method for determining whether or not the breeder you are interacting with is reliable. You can get information and reviews about breeders.