German Shepherd Great Dane Mix Facts
Great Dane German Shepherd Mix
The German Shepherd-Great Dane Mix, which is also called Great Shepherd or Dane Shepherd, is a cross of the two most famous dog breeds the Great Dame and the German Shepherd. This breed is also one of the largest known crossbreeds in the world. Like their parent breeds, these are adorable and majestic dogs who are very famous for their loving, warm, affectionate, and friendly nature despite their size.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Great Dane crossed With German Shepherd
1. Takes a while to get acquainted with strangers. German Shepherd Great Danes take a lot after their German Shepherd parent in this instance. They are perfect watchdogs, always alert and cautious around strangers, just like German Shepherds. They would need a lot more time to warm up to someone who is unfamiliar to them.
You would need to socialize and train them as early as possible to familiarize them to family members, friends, neighbors, or even other pets.
2. Requires large space to move around. Due to their enormous size, these dogs will need a lot of room to move around and play. They will not be a good choice for a pet if you live in a tiny apartment. These dogs are more suited or comfortable in homes with larger space or a good-sized yard since they love being outdoors, too.
This way, they could stay active and have the freedom to play whenever they want. They can easily get bored, and when they do, they may tend to act out or develop bad behaviors such as excessive barking or become destructive.
3. They need plenty of exercises. This hybrid is highly energetic, and they would need that from their owners too. It is recommended for them to stay active by getting ample exercises. This is good for managing their weight and temperament. They need regular walks, running or playing with other dogs, and some time outdoors like a weekly visit to a dog park.
A German Shepherd crossed with Great Dane is an active as well as a smart dog and may need a lot of care and attention. It is important for them to have both physical and mental stimulation.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Great Dane Mixed with German Shepherd
- Very loyal and affectionate companions. Great Dane German Shepherds may be reluctant to meet strangers, but once they get to know someone, they become your most loyal companion. They are eager to please and loving towards their family. They tremendously enjoy the time and attention that you can give to them. And, in return, they would repay you with devotion and lots of affection.
- They are a perfect watchdog. Active, protective, and always on alert. These are characteristics that make these dogs an excellent watchdog. Their size, built, and physical appearance adds to their role and makes them look intimidating. If properly trained, they would reserve their bark for instances when they should alert or warn their owners. They would be willing to do everything to protect their loved ones.
- Easier to groom. Their Great Dane lineage gave them a shorter coat which is a lot easier to groom. They only shed at least twice a year. Unlike the German Shepherd who has longer coats, this cross may only need to be brushed once a day and bathed when it is needed or in regular gaps.
Other German Shepherd & Great Dane Mixes
Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didn’t do their research before choosing a dog that isn’t a great for their lifestyle.
Not sure the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd aligns with your lifestyle? Consider adopting one of 50+ popular German Shepherd mixes or Great Dane mixes.
Alpha Paw has conducted the most in-depth research into the most popular German Shepherd Mixes in America:
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix
| Weight | 65 to 130 lbs. |
| Height | 28 to 30 inches |
| Size | Large to giant-sized dog |
| Coat Type | Short to Medium Length; double-coat |
| Coat Color | Black, Brown, Hazel, White and Merle |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate; Seasonal |
| Eyes | Bright Brown |
| Nose | Black |
| Ears | Long and Upright |
| Temperament | Clever, intelligent, strong, alert, protective, loving, highly energetic, friendly, very affectionate |
| Life Expectancy | 8 to 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kid Friendly | Yes |
| New Owner Friendly | Yes |
| Breed Recognition | No |
German Shepherd mixed with Great Dane produces a pretty tall hybrid that can reach about 28 to 30 inches in height. They are among the biggest cross breeds and can weigh between 65 and 130 pounds. Most of these dogs have a body like a Great Dane, with robust and long muscular legs. They have bright brown eyes and long erect ears, which are similar traits of both parent breeds.
Their coats would depend on which parent they would take them after. They could have a short coat like the Great Dane’s or medium length like the German Shepherd. With colors that range from hazel, brown, black, white, or even merle.
Despite their large size, these are very loving and affectionate dogs. They are very friendly and playful with both adults and children. Just remember not to leave them unsupervised around little kids to prevent any untoward incident caused by their massive bodies and excessive energy.
They are highly intelligent, curious, clever, and intuitive. Very eager to please, these hybrids relish every moment they could spend with their owners. You can easily train or teach them tricks or commands and use this time and activity as a bonding exercise.
Their German Shepherd ancestry has given them their protective instinct. This makes them a great watchdog and can be trained to become more effective. They can limit their barking to situations that may call for it to get your attention or warn you of something they find suspicious. They are also very wary of strangers, so you might need to socialize them more often to help them familiarize with other people or pets.
German Shepherd crossed with Great Dane Puppies for Sale
When you are looking for a Great Dane German Shepherd mix puppy, the first thing you would want to make sure is finding a reliable source. Never get your pet from a puppy mill, online, or a pet store. Search exclusively for reputable breeders who can guarantee that their puppies are screened for any health issues and can show you certificated to prove them.
This way, you can ensure that your new pet is in good health. Checking the health history of both parent breeds can help in determining if there are any health issues that can be passed down. A reputable breeder will let you visit their kennels or facilities before you decide to adopt or purchase. It is a way to find out if the puppy is a great match for you. During the tour, you can also learn about the living conditions of their dogs and how they treat them.
You can always ask them if they are a registered breeder. Another way to check if you are talking to a trustworthy breeder is to search online. It is also a good method to collect more information about them and read reviews from their previous customers.
Here is a list of reputable breeders:
- Daynakin Great Danes LLC, WA
- Chinook Valley Farm, WA
- Vom Haus Hall, NC
Visit the following websites from some of the organizations:
If you have difficulties finding a dependable breeder near you, you can always ask a local vet for anyone they can vouch for. The American Kennel Club or AKW also has a list of breeders for all breeds that have been recognized. It is always a great idea to shop around and look into several breeders before finalizing your deal.
Grooming Your German Shepherd Great Dane Mix
A Great Dane crossed with German Shepherd should not be so hard to groom if it has inherited a Great Dane’s coat. Keeping their coats healthy and clean would only require brushing at least two to three times a week with a smooth bristle brush. Brushing their coats will help to evenly distribute the natural oil of their coats to make them look shiny. This will also help you lessen your trips to the groomers.
This crossbreed sheds twice a year the most. You can better manage their shedding during these seasons by brushing their coats more frequently at least once a day. They would also need to be given a bath occasionally or when they get really dirty. Bathing can help get rid of excess hair and dead skin, too.
Make it a point to have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from breaking or splitting. Cleaning their ears should also be an important part of your grooming routine. You need to frequently remove moisture, wax, or debris from their ears to avoid infection. Redness or bad odor is a sure sign that they got an infection.
These dogs love to chew, and this can play to your advantage in terms of taking care of their dental health. You can provide them with dental chews to maintain and improve their oral care. This coupled with regular brushing of at least three times per week will help keep them healthy.
Great Dane German Shepherds Health Problems
The German Shepherd mixed with Great Dane has a life expectancy of 8 to 13 years. They can be prone to a number of genetic health issues that are typical to their parent breeds. Having your puppies screened can help you predict which disease they are more susceptible to. This will, in turn, help you make all the necessary care and preventive measures.
These dogs are generally healthy, but some of the major health concerns with this cross breed that they might experience later in life:
- Allergies – Like their German Shepherd parents, they may be prone to allergies such as dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies.
- Bloat – It is one of the most common health issues that stemmed from their Great Dane heritage. What happens is that their stomach is filled with air and it twists back. This occurs when they eat too quickly. It can only be cured through surgery, but owners could take a few extra steps to ensure they eat slowly.
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia – It is very common for large dogs such as these to develop painful arthritis in their elbows or hips which results in abnormal bone growth in these joints. This health issue can develop as early as five months and could worsen as they grow old.
- Skin Infection – Although most dogs can be plagued with skin diseases like ringworm, dermatitis, or manage, this hybrid may also be vulnerable to demodicosis, zinc-responsive dermatosis, hypothyroidism, acral lick dermatitis, and histiocytoma.
You should definitely make sure that your puppies are screened of these health issues before you adopt. Looking into their parent’s health history could also provide you with information about other health problems that they may inherit. It can help guarantee you get a healthy puppy and save yourself from expensive treatments and heartaches.
Great Dane Mixed with German Shepherd Food Requirements
A healthy German Shepherd Great Danes will require up to three to five cups of dog food per day, depending on their size and weight. They are not picky with their food and therefore eat almost anything that you provide them.
You can divide their food into two meals of high-quality dry dog food to keep them satiated. Due to their slow metabolism, it is recommended to give them a healthy and regularized diet.
- Sierra Mountain Grain Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food by Taste of the Wild
This is one of the best dog foods for large to giant dogs in the market. Their formula is easily digestible. It has probiotics which help improve digestion and prevent bloating. Each cup of this treat contains 338 calories with 24% protein and 15% fat.
- CORE Natural Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food by Wellness
This high-protein food helps build muscles. It also works to strengthen the joints and their immune system. Each cup contains 346 calories 34% protein and 12% fat. This also has probiotics to help with your dog’s digestion and prevent bloating.
Due to their susceptibility to bloat, you might need to use a couple of tools that can help you ensure your dog stays healthy.
- Automatic Dog Feeder – If you are too busy to feed your dog twice a day, you can use an automatic dog feeder instead. It can come with a couple of features and programming functions. You can schedule their feeding or set it up on a continuous stream. It works with dry dog food or kibble. This tool can also help you regulate their portions according to their diet.
- Water Dispenser – An automatic water dispenser will help ensure that your dog can get access to fresh filtered water whenever they need it without having to refill their bowl numerous times during the day.
You love your pooch, and you want them happy and healthy all the time. So, no matter if they are a large breed or small, make sure to avoid giving them the worst dry dog food, and only go for the best dry dog food , for example, Dog For Dog Food, Wellness Core Dog Food, or the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. If your furry friend is still just a puppy, check out our list of best puppy food brands, and if they’re a wise, gray-coated grandpa-dog, offer them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those brittle bones whole!
German Shepherd Great Danes Exercise Requirements
A German Shepherd crossed with a Great Dane has high energy levels and would need to have regular and adequate exercise. Physical and mental activities will help in keeping them healthy, happy, and well-behaved. These dogs are highly intelligent and very clever. They can easily get bored and cooped up indoors with nothing to entertain them. It becomes a problem because they have a tendency to develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing.
Aside from two long leisure walks each day, you might also want to let them join you for a jog, hike, run, or cycling. They need at least an hour of activity per day. As they tremendously enjoy being outdoors, a trip to the dog park once a week would be a nice treat. They would want to have some time off leash to let them run free and play with other dogs.
These dogs have an inclination to gain weight when inactive; that is why it is important for them to have regular activities. Access to a large yard will be useful as they can run and play by themselves. They are very playful in nature. Having a few toys to keep them busy would be a great way to prevent boredom.
They are highly perceptive, intelligent, and clever. Your dog will greatly appreciate the time you can spend with them training or playing. Just be careful not to over-exercise your dog. A German Shepherd’s Great Dane Mix grows fast, making them prone to injuries, especially when they are still under two years of age.
Great Dane German Shepherd Mix Training
Training your Great Dane German Shepherds is easy and entertaining. These are smart and clever dogs that are very eager to please. They love learning and enjoy every minute of training. Here are a few things you need to remember to help train your dog more effectively:
- Socializing – Socializing these dogs should start at an early age. They are wary of strangers, and it would benefit you both if they could become familiar with other pets and humans in your group. It is a great way to teach them how to be comfortable in a crowded setting.
- Positive Training Method – This hybrid is easily trainable and quick to learn. Positive reinforcement using treats will help you keep them interested and obedient. Harsh or punishment-based training can only result in aggression, stress, and fear. If you don’t have experience in training, you can always find a local trainer near you.
- Firm and Consistent Trainer – It is natural for this hybrid to attempt to exert its domination. If you remain consistent and firm with your commands, they will soon understand and follow immediately. Their trainers need to be confident because these dogs can sense it, and it brings out the alpha in them.
Great Dane Crossed with German Shepherd and Families
The Great Dane mixed with the German Shepherd is a perfect pet for families and kids. They are playful, patient, and loving. They enjoy the company of family and friends, as well as other pets. With proper training and socialization, they can be the gentlest, most affectionate, and perfect companions.
They need owners who love to stay active and spend time with them. They don’t do very well when left alone for extended periods, as it can encourage the development of bad behaviors.
Your only concern would be with regard to smaller children. These dogs are enormous, and they can easily bump to them while playing. So, you need to keep in mind not to leave them unsupervised. You might also want to explain to your kids not to engage them while they are eating and never try to pull or ride your dog.
They are prime watchdogs because of their protective instinct, physical characteristics, and mental abilities. Intelligent, always alert, and perceptive. These dogs are devoted to keeping their families safe from danger; that is why they can be cautious or suspicious of anyone whom they are not familiar with. After a while, they can form close bonds and become very loyal to their owners.
This big dog is suitable for homes with large spaces or a yard. But, if you can take them out to exercise each day, they can be docile and happy to sit around inside your home. If you are looking for a smart, loving, and gentle giant, Great Dane German Shepherds will be an excellent addition to your family.
(FAQs) about German Shepherd Great Dane Mix:
What is a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix?
A German Shepherd Great Dane Mix, often known as a “ShepDane,” is a crossbreed resulting from the mating of a German Shepherd and a Great Dane. This mix combines characteristics from both parent breeds.
What is the size and appearance of a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix?
German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes are typically large to giant-sized dogs, inheriting the size and stature of the Great Dane along with the distinctive coat and markings of the German Shepherd.
What is the temperament of German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes?
ShepDanes are known for being loyal, intelligent, and protective. They often make excellent family dogs, displaying the intelligence of the German Shepherd and the gentle nature of the Great Dane.
How much exercise do German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes need?
These mixes have moderate to high energy levels and require regular exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities are essential to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Are German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes good with children and other pets?
German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes are generally good with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized from an early age. Their protective instincts make them suitable for families.
What is the grooming routine for German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes?
Grooming requirements depend on the coat inherited from both parent breeds. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are important for their overall care.
Do German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes have specific health concerns?
ShepDanes may inherit health issues from both German Shepherds and Great Danes. Common concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat, and certain genetic conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for preventive care.
How trainable are German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes?
German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes are usually intelligent and trainable, although they may exhibit some stubbornness. Positive reinforcement methods and early socialization contribute to successful training.
What is the lifespan of German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes?
The average lifespan of German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes is typically around 8 to 12 years, provided they receive proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.
What are some considerations for potential German Shepherd Great Dane Mix owners?
Prospective owners should be prepared for a large, loyal, and protective companion. Understanding the needs of both parent breeds, including exercise requirements and potential health issues, is crucial for providing a loving and suitable home for a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix.
References:
- Madhusudhan, H. S., et al. “Estimation of Maintenance Energy Requirements in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dogs in Bangalore, India.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 102, no. 1, 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12709.
- Wang, Ping, et al. “Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI in a Great Dane Caused by a Nonsense Mutation in the ARSB Gene.” Veterinary Pathology, vol. 55, no. 2, 20 Nov. 2017, pp. 286–293., doi:10.1177/0300985817732115.
- Wilcox, Charlotte. The Great Dane. Capstone Press, 1998.
- Coile, D. Caroline. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, 2003.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Dane
