If you are on the lookout for a friendly, loving, and playful pooch, the Great Shepherd Dane may be just what you need. As you can imagine, however, there is more to this mixed breed than just a great personality. Here is your guide to what you need to know about the fascinating Great Shepherd Dane.
Great Dane Shepherd Mix
- Height: 24 – 30 inches
- Weight: 87 – 148lbs
- Coat: Double coat, short to medium length
- Level of Affection: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Dog Friendly: Yes, with proper socialization
- Cat Friendly: Potentially, with proper introduction
- Preferred Climate: Moderate
- Shedding Levels: Moderate to High
- Trainability: High
- Potential to Bark/Howl: High
What are the Physical Attributes of a Great Dane Shepherd?
As with any mixed breed, it can be difficult to predict what an adult Great Dane Shepherd will look like. They may take after either of their parents or they may be the product of a combination of features. Here is an estimate of the appearance this mixed breed will have:
Will a Great Dane Shepherd Grow as Tall as a Great Dane?
Needless to say, this is going to be a big dog who will almost certainly fit into the large breed category. In many instances, your Great Dane Shepherd will be larger than most German Shepherds, although there may be exceptions to this. The males will be bigger than the females.
Are Double Coats Common with Great Dane Shepherds?
These pups tend to have a shorter coat, similar to that of a Great Dane, but your dog can also have a medium-length coat. You shouldn’t let the shorter coats fool you, though, as this mixed breed does have a double coat.
It is unlikely that your pup will be a solid color. Depending on the pup’s parents, their coat may be a swirl of a wide variety of shades. These include black, cream, red, tan, grey, sable, silver, fawn, harlequin, and mantle.
Are Great Dane Shepherds Clingy?
This is a family-oriented dog, although it may take a while for them to warm up to you in the beginning. Once they do, you will have a loyal dog who is quite affectionate and friendly.
These dogs enjoy being close to family members and consider themselves lapdogs. They will often climb onto your lap and take any opportunity to lie on top of you. Even standing, these dogs may stick to you and even lean on you.
This fondness for their family means that it is best to not leave Great Dane Shepherds alone for too long. At most, they should be by themselves for no more than 4 to 6 hours. After this point, they may begin barking or exhibiting destructive behaviors.
Great Dane Shepherds do well around children. They are affectionate and loving, even protective of the smallest members of the family. You should keep in mind that they are big dogs with a tendency to be playful. They may accidentally knock over small children. Due to this, it is best to observe this pooch when they are with children.
This mixed breed isn’t naturally fond of strangers. They can be wary of them and if they feel like you are being threatened, may become protective or aggressive. You can cure them of such tendencies by socializing them from the moment that you bring them home.
Great Dane Shepherds can be rather mercurial about other dogs and pets. Some may get along famously with other animals, while others may be annoyed by their presence. Early introduction and socialization may help them to overcome such tendencies, but there isn’t any guarantee.
Do Great Dane Shepherds Suffer from Fewer Health Conditions Than Other Breeds?
The good news is that both parent breeds tend to have fewer health issues than other purebreds. Despite this, there are certain health conditions that you need to be aware of as there are several ways to prevent certain problems or prevent them from progressing too rapidly.
Why Is the Life Expectancy of a Great Dane Shepherd?
Great Dane Shepherds have an expected life span of about 9 to 12 years. Bigger dogs tend to have a shorter life span. If your pooch is closer in size to a Great Dane, they may not live more than 7 to 9 years.
Proper nutrition, exercise, and frequent checkups with the vet can help your dog live a healthier, happier, and longer life.
What are the Illnesses Great Dane Shepherds Can Be Plagued By?
These are the main conditions to watch out for:
- Elbow/hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Bone cancer
- Allergies
- Heart disease
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Scheduling regular vet checkups can be a great way to catch any illnesses or conditions in their early stage. This allows vets to treat the problem so that the issue is cured or that progression is slowed down, improving your dog’s quality of life.
Always keep an eye on any changes to your dog’s appetite, moods, activity levels, and more. If you notice anything amiss, make an appointment with your vet immediately.
What Special Nutrition Guidelines Do Great Dane Shepherds Need?
It is important to speak with your vet about appropriate dog food for Great Dane Shepherds. If your pup takes after the Great Dane in size, then there is a risk of developmental problems. These are traditionally caused by an improper diet where the dog food is too high in protein, calcium, and certain supplements.
Have your vet recommend a dog food that is better suited for your growing pup. In case your vet doesn’t think that your dog has any development issues, look for high-quality dog food that only utilizes quality sources. The food should also be free from preservatives and additives.
The good news is that there is a lower chance of this mixed breed becoming obese, but you should follow the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations. You can be freer with the snacks and treats, but only if your dog is getting enough exercise to burn it off.
Are Great Dane Shepherds an Active Breed?
Great Dane Shepherds are high-energy dogs and they need quite a bit of exercise. Puppies and teens may require even more – upwards of an hour each day. Adults will often need 45 minutes to an hour, but this can vary from one dog to another.
It is important to tailor your dog’s physical activity to their requirements. Start by exercising with your pup for about 45 minutes a day. If they seem to be content, you have hit the sweet spot.
If they still seem quite active, gradually increase their physical activity until you’ve reached the point where they have worked off their excess energy, but aren’t overly tired afterward.
While going for a walk or run is good, try to work in a game of fetch as well. To make sure that your dog doesn’t end up bored, try to break up their exercise into two or more sessions.
Do Great Dane Shepherds Shed A Lot?
It is more common for Great Dane Shepherds to have shorter coats, but these dogs will shed a lot. If they take after their German Shepherd parents, expect your dog to blow their coat once or twice a year. During this period, the shedding will get worse.
The shedding shouldn’t worry you, though, as it is quite simple to groom your dog. At the most, they need to be brushed several times a week. When the level of shedding increases, brush your dog every day to prevent fur from getting all over your home.
As your dog has a double coat, it can be helpful to use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to keep the shedding to a minimum. When they blow their coat, use a de-shedding brush for greater efficiency.
These dogs should only be bathed a few times every year, so every three to four months should do.
If your Great Dane Shepherd is on the larger side, bathing them can be tricky, especially as some dogs don’t like baths. This is why you should get your dog used to being brushed and bathed as a puppy. They will be less fussy as an adult as a result.
How Much Space Do Great Dane Shepherds Need?
These dogs prefer more moderate environments as their fur is shorter. You should bear in mind that they do have a double coat and don’t do well in very warm weather. Keep them out of direct sunlight in the warmer months and keep them indoors as much as possible.
Only take them out during the cooler times of the day such as an early morning or early evening. They may be prone to overheating when the temperature is higher.
As bigger dogs, the Great Dane Shepherds are not equipped for apartments. They tend to knock over things in smaller spaces and need plenty of wide space to move around. This is why larger homes are a good fit for them.
Great Dane Shepherds don’t need a yard. As long as you take them out for exercise every day, they should be fine. Being able to play around in the yard can help to burn off some excess energy, though, and prevent them from becoming destructive.
What are the Best Tactics for Training a Great Dane Shepherd?
This mixed breed is highly trainable. Not only are they people-pleasers, but Great Dane Shepherds love learning new tricks and commands. Use positive reinforcement – especially affection – and you should find that your pooch will be picking up things in no time at all.
It is important to start the training as soon as you bring your puppy home. This is because when your dog gets a lot bigger, it can be difficult to control. You need to get ahead of this growth spurt and teach them obedience when they are still easy to wrangle.
Your Great Dane Shepherd may take after their German Shepherd parent, causing them to be wary or aloof around strangers. Introduce them to various people and situations at an early age and you can turn them into well-adjusted dogs.
Can Great Dane Shepherd Breeders Be Found Effortlessly?
This is a rather unusual mixed breed and finding a breeder can be tricky. You may have to be put on a waiting list, depending on the region that you live in.
Always choose a reputable breeder for this mix. Good breeders will do extensive research on both parents, tracing their genetic and health back several generations. In doing so, they can breed puppies that have a lower risk of common health issues.
Where Can You Find Great Dane Shepherd Rescues?
As they are a designer bred, it isn’t common to find these dogs in shelters. You can search online shelters, though. Also, check with shelters that specifically take in Great Danes or German Shepherds, you may have more luck there.
FAQs
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about Great Dane Shepherds:
How Big Will a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix Get?
These dogs grow big – they can weigh as much 148lbs and be as tall as 30 inches.
How Much is a Great Dane and German Shepherd Mix?
Depending on the breeder and region, these puppies can cost anywhere from $600 to $1000 per dog.
Do Great Dane Shepherds Live Longer Than Great Danes?
The mixed-breed should have a longer life span, but this also depends on various factors. A larger Great Dane Shepherd may have a shorter life than a smaller one.
This wraps up our guide to Great Dane Shepherds. Now that you know what these pups are like, you can decide whether these pooches are a good choice for your family.
