Primarily bred for hunting and protection, Great Danes proved to be extremely loyal, social, and affectionate family dogs.
These big dogs were first introduced to the crossbreeding process back in the early 80s when hybrid dog breeds started becoming more and more popular.
Crossing Great Danes with other dog breeds has resulted in many wonderful combinations of unique-looking designer dogs.
We have put together a list of the 40 most popular Great Dane Mixes. These pooches will definitely win over your heart!
#1 Italian Daniff
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Cane Corso Italiano
The Italian Daniff is a designer dog mix with a hybrid background. It’s a hybrid dog developed between an Italian Cane Corso and a Great Dane.
This enormous dog is 35 to 36 inches tall, and weighs 115 to 130 pounds.
Despite its low energy level, the Italian Daniff is a social breed that enjoys mingling with other dogs and their owners at the local dog park.
#2 Irish Dane Dog
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Dane is a cross between the Irish Wolfhound and the Great Dane. They are, as you might expect, massive dogs.
These gentle giants can come in various colors, and a puppy may either resemble an Irish Wolfhound or a Great Dane.
Irish Danes get along well with children and all family members. Protective by nature, these dogs will defend their families and homes against anything or anyone they perceive to be a threat.
This, combined with their threatening size, makes the Irish Dane an excellent watchdog.
#3 Great Danoodle
Parent breeds: Poodle and Great Dane
The Great Danoodle is a cross between a Great Dane and a Poodle. There isn’t much information about the origin of these designer dogs, although it is believed they came from Germany.
The Great Danoodle is a very sweet and gentle dog. They make the best companions to have by your side. This is the kind of dog you’ll want to come home to because they’re very sweet, loyal, and gentle.
Despite their fuzzy coats, Great Danoodles are low-shedders and require minimum grooming.
#4 Australian Great
Parent breeds: Australian Shepherd and Great Dane
This is an interesting combination of two magnificent dog breeds – The Great Dane and the Australian Shepherd are both extremely loyal, alert, and fun-loving dogs.
Because of its size, the Great Dane makes an excellent guard dog. However, its temperament does not lend itself well to protection.
The Aussie, on the other hand, is a very social dog that enjoys being around other people. These two breeds combined make the Australian Great – the perfect companion for outgoing people.
#5 Great Daniff
Parent breeds: Great Dane and English Mastiff
Meet the Daniff; a majestic Mastiff bred between the Great Dane and the English Mastiff.
With a head the size of a Great Dane and a powerful, bulky physique similar to an English Mastiff, this big dog might appear dangerous enough to scare anyone away.
In reality, Daniffs are cuddly gentle giants that usually want to play and have fun. This breed is great for people looking for a wonderful family pet.
#6 Great Chowdane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Chow Chow
The Great Chowdane mix is a hybrid between the Chow Chow and the Great Dane. Even though both of these dogs have friendly traits, their personalities are very different.
The Chow Chow is known for its loyalty and independence, whereas the Great Dane is more of a laid-back, gentle dog.
Crossing these two breeds resulted in creating an active, clever, and devoted guard dog – The Great Chowdane.
#7 Berner Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Bernese Mountain Dog
Crossbreeding the Great Dane with the Bernese resulted in a really big dog breed – the Bernese Great Dane! And, when we say big dog breed, we mean massive dog breed.
This gentle giant can grow to over 3 feet in height, and can weigh up to 150 pounds.
The Bernese Great Dane can have a longer, thicker coat from its Bernese parentage or a low-maintenance, short coat from the Great Dane parent breed side. Their coat can also be an interesting mix of both parent breeds.
This mix breed is a laid-back, chilled out kind of dog breed that gets along with everyone. Sometimes, they’re too lazy to go out for a walk!
#8 Great Shepherd
Parent breeds: Great Dane Mixed and German Shepherd
The Great Shepherd is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Great Dane. This designer dog is known as one of the world’s largest breeds. They’re big dogs with even bigger personalities.
Great Shepherds are very loving, laid-back, affectionate, and friendly. Therefore, they make wonderful family dogs as long as you provide them with lots of space and attention.
#9 Great Danesky
Parent breeds: Siberian Husky and Great Dane
Not only does he have such a cool name, but this dog also has the coolest looks. An intriguing cross between a Siberian Husky and a Great Dane – the Great Danesky.
The Great Dane parent has a short coat and a laid-back temperament. On the other side, the Siberian Husky parent has a fluffy coat and a high energy drive.
Keeping this in mind, these large dogs require a large living space as well as regular grooming and exercise.
#10 Saint Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Saint Bernard
Also known as the Great Bernard, this dog is a crossbreed derived from the Great Dane and Saint Bernard.
Considering two gigantic parent breeds, the Saint Dane can grow very fast, and weigh up to 190 pounds.
Unfortunately, these large dogs have a very short lifespan ranging from 7 to 9 years depending on the care and inherited health issues.
#11 Great Pug
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Pug
Now, this is a really interesting combination. Who could have thought that little Pugs could be mixed with big dogs like Great Danes?
Well, to everyone’s surprise, this mixed breed became very popular worldwide.
Just as both parent breeds are, a Great Dane Pug hybrid puppy will be extremely loving and affectionate, and will act as a guard to your home and family.
#12 American Great
Parent breeds: Great Dane and American Bulldog
The American Bull Dane, or often called the American Great, is a mix between a purebred American Bulldog and a purebred Great Dane.
This crossbreed is considered a large breed, although their size varies. The American Bull Dane weighs anywhere from 40 to 190 pounds.
These mixed breed dogs are very loyal and assertive, making them excellent guard dogs.
#13 Great Pyredane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyredane is a giant breed derived from a purebred Great Dane and a purebred Great Pyrenees.
Due to their heavy coat, they shed all year around and require regular grooming.
Although they tend to be overprotective, with early socialization, Great Pyredanes make great family dogs.
#14 Great Dangle
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Beagle
The Great Dane-Beagle mix is an extremely loving, intelligent mixed breed.
Having inherited its parents’ gentle and friendly personality traits, the Great Dangle makes the most entertaining and sweet-natured dog in the canine world.
With both parent breeds being moderate to heavy shedders, the Great Dangle might need some extra grooming care.
#15 Great Danebull
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Pitbull
Also known as the Great Dane Pitbull, this mixed dog breed is developed by crossing a Great Dane and an American Pitbull Terrier. The Danebull is obviously an extra-large dog.
Danebulls are a muscular dog breed with a sturdy build and a wide head. Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, with a wide range of patterns and colors.
This giant breed is highly intelligent and trainable, eager to please its owner and protect its family.
#16 French Bull Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and French Bulldog
The French Bull Dane seems to look more like its French Bulldog parent than its Great Dane parent. Its body is small and sturdy, and its nose resembles those we see in Pugs.
Given the French Bull Dane’s parents’ positive personality traits, it is certain that this designer breed makes an excellent family dog.
Although they may be difficult to train, French Bull Danes are loyal and lovable dogs.
#17 Doberdane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Doberman
This mixed breed makes everyone’s jaws drop. Just take a look at this majestic dog.
Doberdanes are muscular, elegant, and impressive dogs with high energy levels. They are extremely clever, which makes them highly trainable and obedient.
Doberdanes might have a high prey drive and an incredible attention span. Therefore, it is important to introduce early socialization and regular training at a young age.
#18 Great Weimar
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Weimaraner
The Great Weimar is a giant breed that requires plenty of living space and an owner who is dedicated to training and regular exercise.
The unique combination of both parent breed’s traits makes this gentle giant a great companion for owners looking for a playful and active dog.
Unfortunately, this breed is prone to bloating, as is common for both the Weimaraner and the Great Dane, which is a serious condition that all dog owners should know about.
#19 Golden Great Retriever
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Golden Retriever
The Golden Great Retriever breed really stands up to its name.
Great Goldies are as friendly and social as their Golden Retriever parent, and as kind and gentle as their Great Dane parent.
They are an excellent choice for those looking for a cute, cuddly family dog due to their laid-back and warm temperament.
#20 Great Dakita
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Akita Inu
This designer dog mixed breed is truly remarkable and rare.
The interesting color patterns inherited by both parents are what distinguishes Great Dakitas. Great Dakitas often come in white, black-tan, red, and brindle colors.
Since they’re high-energy, giant dogs, Dakitas require regular training and playtime.
#21 English Bull Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and English Bulldog
The English Bull Dane is a crossbreed between the Great Dane and the English Bulldog.
These gentle dogs are very loving and affectionate. So, if you’re looking for a best friend – search no more because this dog is everything you have ever wanted!
English Bull Danes make the best family dogs: they are loyal, intelligent, and always ready to cuddle.
#22 Great Dachshund
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Dachshund
This very uncommon dog breed is the combination of a Dachshund and a Great Dane, and it is relatively new in the world of dog breeding.
Its parent breeds are hunting dogs, so it might get a little stubborn. The character of your puppy depends on which parent it takes after more.
Overall, all these hybrid pooches make great pets. They love to show affection towards their human pack and engage in daily activities.
#23 Great Border Collie
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Border Collie
The Border Collie Great Dane mix is described as one of the most intelligent crossbreeds in the canine world.
Border Collies are very energetic dogs that enjoy regular playtime. On the other side, Great Danes are laid-back and easygoing dogs.
When these two parent breeds are combined, you get a friendly and energetic dog that is calm, but also assertive and wary of strangers. His strong personality requires regular training and early socialization.
#24 Boxane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Boxer
The Great Dane Boxer mix is a combination of two large breeds – The Great Dane and The Boxer.
This crossbreed stands out for its longer lifespan than that of both purebred parents.
The Boxane is an energetic dog that sometimes might come off as naughty and mischievous. Due to their energetic and social nature, these dogs love quality playtime with their owner.
#25 Daniff
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Mastiff
The Great Dane Mastiff mix has been derived from two gentle giants. Daniffs are a combination of the Great Dane and the Mastiff.
Daniffs can grow to over 30 inches in height, and weigh up to 150 pounds. Their coat colors come in many varieties such as black, brown, white, fawn, brindle, and spotted.
Most owners will say that these pooches are the perfect family pet. Their loving and kind nature makes everyone fall in love with them!
#26 American Foxy Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and American Foxhound
The American Foxy Dane is a hybrid developed by crossing an American Foxhound and a Great Dane.
The American Foxy Danes are big dogs with even bigger energy levels. If you’re active and love going outdoors, you should consider getting one of these energetic pooches!
This dog will become your best friend and a loyal companion. So, make sure you bring your American Foxy Dane out on interesting adventures!
#27 Great Shar Pei
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Shar Pei
We all know Shar Peis as those cute, wrinkly, chubby dogs we often saw on commercials. Ever wondered what a combination of a Shar Pei and a Great Dane would look like?
Well, the Great Shar Pei is a very large dog with some iconic wrinkles on its forehead and shoulders.
Depending on their parentage, Great Shar Peis can be either laid-back or more confrontational. Overall, they make great guard dogs and loyal companions.
#28 Weiler Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Rottweiler
The Weiler Dane is a great combination of the Rottweiler and the Great Dane.
This big dog is highly trainable, intelligent, and powerful. Weiler Danes have the most adorable puppy eyes that are hard to resist!
Due to their large size, Weiler Danes need a big home preferably with a garden in which they can run in daily.
#29 Great Labradane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Labrador Retriever
The Labradane is a cross between a purebred Great Dane and a purebred Labrador Retriever.
The Labradane’s appearance is truly mesmerizing and eye-catching: their silky black coats add to their elegant looks.
Both parent breeds are intelligent, loyal, and active. So, it’s safe to say that the Great Labradane inherited most of its best qualities! Since a Labrador Retriever is a very popular breed, breeders have crossbred this dog with many other breeds, so for more information on cute dog combinations, check our Labrador mixes!
#30 Plush Danois
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Anatolian Shepherd
A crossbreed of an Anatolian Shepherd and a Great Dane makes the remarkable Plush Danois.
Plush Danois are derived from giant breeds, meaning they are also very large in size. This hybrid is an excellent guard dog because of its territorial and assertive characteristics.
It requires strong training and early socialization. If not trained properly, a dog this big of a size might cause problems for the owner and others.
See Also: 15 Anatolian Shepherd Mixes That Will Truly Amaze You
#31 Rhodesian Great Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Rhodesian Ridgeback
A strong-willed, independent, friendly, and extremely affectionate big dog is what you get when combining the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback with the majestic Great Dane.
Standing at 27 inches in height, the Rhodesian Great Dane is truly a sight to behold. Most come in one color – wheaten, which ranges from pale to darker hues.
The Rhodesian Great Dane is an amazing family dog and a loyal companion. Highly intelligent and energetic, they need constant mental stimulation.
Considering their high prey drive, it’s important to start with early socialization and training.
Related: 11 Amazing Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders In The UK (2022)
#32 Great Corgi
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Corgi
This is a very interesting mix of a Corgi and a Great Dane – the Great Corgi. This dog really IS great.
With the large head of a Great Dane, and the long body and short legs of a Corgi, the Great Corgi is a very unique-looking dog.
Great Corgis are extremely energetic and playful. They’re always running around the place, ready to go wherever.
#33 Great Schnauzer
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Schnauzer
A Great Danes’ friendly personality and elegant looks, combined with a Schnauzer’s assertive traits and strong body, results in the loveable and loyal Great Schnauzer.
This dog makes an excellent watchdog that is extremely devoted to its family.
Great Schnauzers love to be on the lookout, happily engaging in everyday activities. Highly motivated, they thrive when having a duty to fulfill.
#34 Great Dasenji
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Basenji
Basenjis are known as barkless, adventurous dogs. While Great Danes can indeed bark, they mostly choose to be quiet and laid-back. Combining these two dog breeds results in a fairly unusual mixed breed – the Great Dasenji.
Great Dasenjis are affectionate, strong-willed dogs that are eager to please their owner, but are quite timid and shy with strangers.
With early socialization and regular training, these pooches grow up to be highly affectionate and kind, big dogs.
#35 Great Dane Jack
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Jack Russell Terrier
This is an unusual combination of a large dog and a medium-sized dog. The Jack Russell Terrier-Great Dane mix is a crossbreed that is believed to have appeared by accidental breeding.
Jack Russell Terriers can be very fierce and energetic while Great Danes tend to have lower energy levels and a non-confrontive nature.
The Jack Russell-Great Dane mix is an interesting combination of two very different personalities. Having inherited the best parent traits, these dogs are lovable and fun to be around.
#36 Great Inu
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu-Great Dane mix is a fascinating cross breed that you don’t see every day.
This cross breed is described as loyal and independent. Considering the Shiba inu parent, these hybrid dogs tend to be a little stubborn.
Since both parent breeds are hunting dogs, the Great Dane-Shiba Inu can have a strong prey drive.
Generally, these designer dogs make great pets as long as they have plenty of training and early socialization.
#37 Greater Swiss Mountain Dane
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dane is derived from mixing a Great Dane with a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
Both parent breeds love having a job to do. In fact, they were primarily bred to be loyal and hard-working dogs.
So, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dane will often show high energy levels and a strong will for quality playtime. Make sure to provide this dog with daily exercise and training.
Read Next: Top 4 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breeders In The United States
#38 Great Dane Dalmatian
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Dalmatian
The Great Dane-Dalmatian Mix is a cross between the Great Dane and the Dalmatian dog breeds. Both of these canines have friendly personalities, and will most likely have a higher energy level than your average dog.
The Great Dane Dalmatian has a short coat that is mostly spotted, just like the one we see on their Dalmatian parents.
These dogs are warm and loving, but can develop behavior issues if left alone for extended periods.
#39 Great Hound
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Bloodhound
Why the long face? Floppy, long ears and hanging lips are distinguishable features of this lovely pup. Due to these characteristics, Great Hounds tend to drool a lot.
These big dogs are very friendly, intelligent, and energetic, so it’s very important to start with early socialization and training.
The Great Hound just wants to be a member of the pack, and loves spending time with his family.
#40 Great Alaskan Malamute
Parent breeds: Great Dane and Alaskan Malamute
Both of these breeds are massive dogs, so their offspring – the Great Alaskan Malamute – is no exception.
This crossbreed can come in both long and short coats, depending on the parent side they take more after.
Incredible, social, outgoing, and protective is how we would describe this wonderful crossbreed.
The Great Dane Mix Breed Health Issues
The Great Dane is a very popular dog breed. These gigantic purebred dogs are known for their majestic looks and great personalities.
Unfortunately, Great Danes are also known for their health issues and short lifespan, ranging from 7 to 10 years.
So, before you decide to get a Great Dane mixed breed, you should consider the following:
Great Danes are prone to various health conditions that can prove fatal. Some major health concerns include hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, bloat, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Wobbler’s disease, neurological disorders, and plenty more.
Just like any large dog breed, Great Danes are more prone to joint dislocations than smaller and medium-sized dogs (1).
New owners should be careful not to put too much pressure on their legs or make them run for extended periods. It is always a good idea to let a large dog rest as long as he needs to.
Great Dane mixed breeds can inherit any of these diseases or health issues.
Whenever breeders are engaging in crossbreeding, they basically play the doggie lottery – you never know what kind of dog you will get after breeding two different dog breeds.
Breeders can’t guarantee perfect health and desirable personality traits. The puppies will inherit either of the parent breed’s traits and health issues.
On the bright side, by combining Great Danes with other dog breeds, there is a high possibility of creating healthier mixed breeds with a longer lifespan.
Conclusion
The process of crossbreeding has developed some of the most vigilant, sturdiest, and strongest mixed breeds. The Great Dane mix is no exception.
Whether you opt for a mixed breed or a purebred puppy, you definitely won’t go wrong if it includes the Great Dane.
The thing about mix breeds is that you never know which parent side the puppy will lean more towards.
Your dog’s behavior will depend greatly on early socialization, training, exercise, and diet.
So, before making the final decision in getting a mixed breed dog, it’s important to do some research concerning both parent breeds.
By combining this majestic canine with other breeds, you will surely get a large dog that will require a lot of living space.
Keeping that in mind, make sure you provide all the necessary requirements for your new four-legged best friend.
References:
- Charles E. DeCamp DVM, MS, Spencer A. Johnston VMD, Loïc M. Déjardin DVM, MS, Susan L. Schaefer MS, DVM (2016, February 5). Disease conditions in small animals. Brinker, Piermattei and Flo’s Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair (FIFTH EDITION).
Read Next:
• 100 Mixed Dog Breeds You Didn’t Know Existed (With Pictures)
• Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix – How Great Is The Bull Daniff
