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Everything You Need to Know About the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix

Shepherd Great Dane Mix is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Known for their giant size, these giant dogs have also earned a reputation for being protective, majestic, and ferocious. Who could forget the 1993 movie The Mighty Giant?

It’s a love story that combines a grumpy, old Shepherd Great Dane with a spunky young girl named Chloe. The Great Dane also referred to as “G Dog,” is well recognized for making excellent guard dogs.

The Great Dane is a particularly special cross between the powerful hunter of the Swiss Mountain Dog and the gentle giant of St. Bernard. With plenty of these dogs being reported worldwide, many wondered if there was a more precise German Shepherd mixture out there. Well, a specific one has been bred to become the Great Dane!

The Great Dane is known for being intelligent, obedient, and loving. if you are thinking about getting a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, here is everything you need to know.

The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix: An Overview

The Shepherd Great Dane Mix is one of the oldest dog breeds. In the late 1800s, the first Great Dane was registered in Germany. They served as military dogs in World War I. They were recognized by the AKC in 1926 after becoming wildly popular as companion dogs after the war.

Great Danes are descended from various parent breeds of dogs. For example, their lineage includes:

  • Basset hounds (found in the UK)
  • Bruns hund (Switzerland)
  • Great Pyrenees (France)
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Canada)
  • St. Bernard (Italy)
  • Tosa Inu (Japan)
  • Welsh corgi (UK)

Great Danes, which can reach heights of 22 to 32 inches at the shoulder, weigh 60 to 150 pounds, and have a long lifetime of 7 to 12 years, were historically used as guard dogs because of their great size and strength. In addition to being intelligent, devoted, sociable, gentle, and quiet in nature, they are highly known for their stunning black, white, and brown color variants.

Shepherd Great Danes make excellent watchdogs and get along well with children and other animals. It is possible to train many Great Danes to passionately defend their human family. They need moderate shedding because their shedding is low to moderate; they also need to exercise for at least 60 minutes each day and be fed roughly 4 cups of dry food two to three times each day.

Diabetes, hip dysplasia, joint problems, and gastric dilation volvulus (Bloat) are the most prevalent health problems that Great Deans are susceptible to. Great Dane German Shepherd Mixes range in price from $400 to 900, and their annual care costs between $1000 and 1200.

The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix: Personality Traits

Considering how brilliant they are, Great Danes need regular mental stimulation. This breed will effortlessly mature into a well-balanced dog in the ideal environment. Great Danes are patient, confident, and laid back. They enjoy being a part of families and can adapt to practically any kind of family setting.

When interacting with other dogs, Great Danes are typically calm and polite and do not show any aggressive behaviors. Great Danes need regular exercise because they can easily get bored, while being peaceful and laid back, they will also play hard. They love to explore, so this will keep them occupied for a while.

The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix: Appearance

GSD Great Dane is a huge, powerful breed of dog that is regarded as one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their long legs make them excellent runners. They are often described as the “friendly giant,” and they are known for their kind personalities and stringy elongated bodies.

Male vs Female

Male Great Danes are larger than females and stand at least 22 inches tall at the withers. Females stand between 20 and 24 inches tall at the withers. There is a 2-inch difference in height between male and female Great Danes. You can never be sure how big a dog will wind up being, though, because this breed’s size range is so wide. You can end up with a female who is larger than a male.

Male and Female Shepherd Great Danes have remarkably the same temperament as well, so choosing the dog based on its gender won’t be a problem for you because there isn’t much difference between them. 

Physical Shape

The Great Dane’s head is large, broad, and firmly set on a short thick neck. The skull is slightly domed with a pronounced occiput. The muzzle is long and thin with well-developed muscles. The nose is straight and dry. Their jaw is powerful, with a large scissors bite. Their ears are small to medium in size and folded forward when at rest.

Coat

A coat of a Shepherd Great Dane is a beautiful thing. The colors are amazing and the texture is incredible. Because of their short to medium silky coat length, Great Danes are simpler to groom. Their coat’s color ranges from black to brown to lighter shades like pale tan or grey.

Size and Weight

Great Dane Shepherd Mix dogs can range in height at the shoulder from 22 inches to 32 inches (55 cm to 80 cm) and in weight from 60 pounds to more than 150 pounds (27 kg to 68 kg).

Exercise & Training Needs of a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix

Training and exercising your dog can be a fun and exciting part of your life, but it can also be challenging. Great Danes are one of the most energetic and active breeds, making them eager to please and enthusiastic about exercise.

However, this high level of activity makes it necessary for owners to be prepared to spend time training and exercising their dogs each day. If you don’t give your dog enough daily exercise, they will become bored and likely take it out on your family or other animals. To ensure that your dog will be correctly trained, use positive reinforcement techniques and positive training methods.

It is perfect if you have a large yard or another area where you can let your dog run around without restriction. For every pound (0.45 kg) of their weight, they require roughly one hour of activity. Great Danes will receive the ideal amount of exercise in this way, preventing them from putting on weight while maintaining their health.

What to Feed a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix?

Dogs require a wide range of nutrients to grow, develop and maintain their ideal body condition score (BCS). As such, it is essential that you provide your Great Dane German Shepherd Mix with the best possible food.

Shepherd Great Dane Mix is a large and powerful dog that requires a lot of food to maintain its energy levels. This mix should be fed a diet that is high in protein and fat to help them grow and develop properly. It is important to make sure that this mix gets all the necessary nutrients and vitamins to stay healthy and active.

These dogs don’t have any specific nutritional needs. In general, they function well on any high-quality commercial dog food. Foods rich in omega-fatty acids should be included to prevent any concerns with the skin or coat.

Great Deans are particularly prone to joint problems, so search for ingredients that may strengthen their joints. Last but not least, it is always essential to consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s health.

Great Dane German Shepherd Mix Health Issues

GSD Great Dane is an enormous size breed of dog, noted for its giant size. Their size and strength have made them excellent family pets and guard dogs. They are considered to be “gentle giants”, and can be very loving and devoted. Great Danes are also playful and enjoy being active. These dogs are susceptible to certain health issues, however, which is why regular check-ups are important.

Some of the health problems that can affect a Great Dane German Shepherd mix include:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy): A disease that affects the nerves in the spinal cord and causes pain and paralysis in the hindquarters. Signs can be numbness, tingling, weakness, or sharp pain. Oftentimes, the dog will not be able to stand or walk.
  • Hip Dysplasia: A disorder of the hip joint in which the ball at the top of the thigh bone does not fit snugly into the socket. The ball ends up becoming loose and causes discomfort, which may lead to arthritis. It is more common in large breeds like Great Danes and can be genetic or caused by a congenital defect.
  • Eye Problems: Problems with the eyes can be a result of numerous causes, including diseases and injuries.
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): A life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists on itself and then gets stuck. There is a blood supply to the stomach wall, and this can cause the stomach to fill with blood. As the blood pressure increases inside the stomach, it causes pressure to build up, stretching the stomach wall and closing off blood flow. This results in a vacuum effect, causing the stomach to swell even more. It is fatal in approximately 50% of cases and can cause death within minutes if not detected and treated.
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: A disorder that affects the ends of the legs and causes them to be weak and painful. The condition is genetic and is an inherited trait. There are several different types of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, each with a different mode of inheritance.
  • Lu Patella: A condition in which the patella (kneecap) comes out of its normal place and moves around. This results in painful clicking noises when the dog walks.
  • Myasthenia Gravis: A disease that affects the muscle cells and causes them to degenerate. This can lead to the muscle becoming weak, fatigued, and unable to work properly. It is an autoimmune disorder and is very rare in dogs.
  • Periodontal Disease: A disease of the gums and teeth that results in inflammation and infection.

How to Groom Your Great Dane German Shepherd Mix

Grooming is an important aspect of a dog’s health and well-being and can make all the difference in their happiness and satisfaction. Here are some tips on how to groom your Great Dane German Shepherd Mix:

  • Make sure to first prepare all of your dog’s supplies, including towels, cotton balls, nail clippers, and shampoo and conditioner made especially for coat grooming your dog.
  • Slowly and gently brush them with a good-quality dog brush once or twice a week to help remove any loose fur, dirt, and debris.
  • Use the shampoo and conditioner to wash your dog’s fur. Make sure you rinse all of the soap out of your dog’s fur.

Are German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes Suitable For Apartment Living?

Dogs of different breeds require a wide variety of different care and attention. Some breeds need more exercise than others and some may be better suited to apartment living. The German Shepherd is an energetic breed that loves to run and play, but they also need regular walks and plenty of mental stimulation as well.

If you are considering bringing a Great Dane into your home, you should make sure that you can meet their physical and mental needs, In addition, they are heavy shedders and need to be regularly groomed. This can be a challenge if you have only a small apartment or no yard.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Generally speaking, Great Dane Shepherds only get along with other pets if they were first exposed to other dogs when they were younger. Your dog will interact amicably with other pets if they are well socialized.

Even if you have socialized your dog well, Great Danes are naturally territorial and may react aggressively if you bring another dog into your home. They will need some time to adjust to the new dog in their domain.

Great Danes typically don’t get along with cats because of their predation instinct, but if properly trained and supervised, these two can coexist peacefully.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Great Dane is a large breed of domestic dog, distinguished by its size and strength. The Great Dane is a very gentle giant, known for being great with children and other pets. They are extremely playful and enjoy human company, but they can also be aloof towards strangers.

Pros & Cons of Owning a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix

Great Danes are gentle giants and make excellent family pets. They are highly intelligent, easy to train, obedient, and loving. In addition, they have a reputation for being good with children and other animals. On the other hand, Great Danes require a lot of space, both inside the home and in the yard.

Dane Shepherd Breed needs regular walks and playtime. If not exercised enough, they can display destructive behaviors, especially if bored. In addition, they are very food motivated, so you will need to provide them with enough daily exercise to burn off the calories they eat. It’s important to note that all dogs have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to choose your life companion.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading about the Great Dane German Shepherd mix! If you’re thinking of getting a dog, be sure to do your research to find the right breed for you and your family. And if you’re looking for a big, loyal companion, the Great Dane German Shepherd mix might just be the perfect fit.

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Written by Jack

Jack is the founder of Germanshepherdsfamily, a german shepherds specific website where you'll find everything you need to know if you are a true lover of the German Shepherd breed!

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