German Shepherd Mixed with Great Dane | The Ultimate Guide

We know that German Shepherds and Great Danes dogs are well-known breeds in the world. These two breeds are best known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. The German Shepherd Mixed with Great Dane inherits physical and behavioral traits from both breeds.
So In this article, we will see the characteristics, temperament, training, health issues, size and weight, and pros and cons of German Shepherd Great Dane Mix.

History

Breed Name	German Shepherd
Color	Black, Gray, Black & Tan, Black & Silver and Black & Red
Weight	50-90 Pounds
Height	22-26 Inches
Life Span	7-10 Years
Price	$800-$3200
Popularity Ranking	As per AKC, 4th Rank

Breed Name	Great Dane
Color	Black, Blue, Brindle, Fawn, and White
Weight	110 – 175 Pounds
Height	28 – 32 Inches
Life Span	7 – 10 years
Price	$900 – $1400
Popularity Ranking	As per AKC, 19th Rank

• The German Shepherd Mixed with Great Dane is a somewhat new hybrid breed that has become popular in recent years. This mixed breed likely originated in the United States, where breeders began crossing the two breeds to create a large, intelligent, and loyal companion dog.
• The German Shepherd has another name called Alsatian and the German Shepherd was first developed in the 19th century by Captain Max von Stephanitz.
• The breed was created to be a versatile working dog, capable of herding, guarding, and serving as a police and military dog.
• As time evolved, the German Shepherd became more popular worldwide and now this is one of the most lovable and beloved dog breeds.
• The Great Dane, also known as the German Mastiff or Deutsche Dogge, has a history from ancient times.
• The breed was originally used for hunting wild boar and later became popular as a guard dog and companion.
• In 1887 Great Dane was first recognized by the AKC(American Kennel Club).

Appearance Of German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

• The average height of a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix is between 24 to 32 inches, and the weight can range from 65 to 130 pounds.
• The German Shepherd Great Dane Mix is a large breed dog with a muscular build and a thick coat.
• They may inherit the German Shepherd’s tan and black or sable coloring or the Great Dane’s black, blue, or brindle coat.
• In terms of temperament, this mix breed is usually friendly, loyal, and protective.
• They are also intelligent and eager to please their owners. German Shepherd Mixed with Great Danes are typically good with children and other pets, but early socialization is important.

Training

Training this mixed breed requires early socialization and obedience training. Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and toys work well with this breed. It’s essential to establish yourself as a leader, so your dog knows who’s in charge. Training tips for specific behavior issues such as jumping, barking, and leash pulling can be found online.

Health Issues of German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

German Shepherd Mixed with Great Danes are prone to some health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. You can avoid this by following measures regular check-ups, a healthy diet, regular vaccination, and exercise can help reduce the risk of these issues. Health maintenance and care for this breed are similar to other large breeds.

Possible Treatment for Bloat

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect German Shepherd Great Dane Mix and other large dog breeds. If you notice or suspect your dog is experiencing bloat, it’s important to consult a veterinarian Immediately.

1. Stabilization: The veterinarian will work to stabilize the dog’s condition, which may involve assisting with fluids and medications to manage shock, pain, and inflammation.
2. Decompression: Your veterinarian may also attempt to decompress the stomach using a stomach tube or needle to remove excess air and fluid from the stomach.
3. Surgery: Your veterinarian may suggest surgery in some cases of bloat to correct the condition. This may involve detorsion (untwisting) of the stomach and gastropexy (surgical attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall) to prevent the condition from recurring.

Possible Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

1. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and hives associated with hip dysplasia. Other medications such as joint supplements and glucosamine may also be recommended.
   
   Note: Before using any medicines it’s always to first consult your veterinarian and use only prescribed medicines.
2. Weight management: Too much body weight can worsen hip dysplasia which will be additional stress on the dog’s joints. So it’s important to maintain a proper diet chart, no excessive food, and regular walking.
3. Exercise management: Exercise should be low-impact and gentle, with no jumping or running on hard surfaces. Swimming and walking are great options for dogs with hip dysplasia.
4. Surgery: Again it depends upon the severity of hip dysplasia, Some possible surgical options include total hip replacement, femoral head ostectomy, and triple pelvic osteotomy.

Possible Treatment for Elbow dysplasia

1. Medications: It’s Important to consult a veterinarian, they may suggest pain relievers that help in reducing the pain and hives associated with elbow dysplasia.
2. Weight management: As we have seen earlier for Hip Dysplasia, the same is applicable for Elbow dysplasia as well. Avoid being overweight and take your dog on a regular walk, exercise and maintain a proper diet.
3. Exercise management: Exercise should be low-impact and gentle, with no jumping or running on hard surfaces. Swimming and walking are great options for dogs with elbow dysplasia.
4. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct elbow dysplasia. Some possible surgical options include arthroscopy, fragmented medial coronoid process removal, and ulnar osteotomy.

Possible Treatment for heart problems

As with other large dog breeds German Shepherd Great Dane Mix are at risk of a few heart problems, like dilated cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, and mitral valve disease. The treatments for these depend upon conditions and severity.

1. Medications: As soon as you noticed your dog has heart disease consult your veterinarian, they may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease. These may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
   
   Note: Before using any medicines it’s always to first consult your veterinarian and use only prescribed medicines.
2. Lifestyle management: In addition to medications, lifestyle changes may be recommended to help manage heart problems. This may include reducing exercise intensity, monitoring fluid intake, and managing weight.
3. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct heart problems. This may include valve replacement or repair, pacemaker implantation, or balloon valvuloplasty.

Grooming

German Shepherd Mixed with Great Danes sheds more since both parent breeds are known for their shedding. And this hybrid dog has a short, dense coat that requires moderate grooming to keep it healthy and looking its best. Some of the grooming tips:

1. Brushing: Brush your dog’s coat at least once a week with a slicker brush or a rubber curry brush to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This will help keep the coat clean and prevent matting.
2. Bathing: Bathe your dog as needed, but not too frequently as this can strip the natural oils from the skin and coat. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
3. Nail trimming: Trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or injury.
4. Teeth brushing: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental problems and bad breath. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and brush, and start slowly to get your dog used to the process.
5. Ear cleaning: Check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of infection or irritation, and clean them as needed with a gentle ear cleaner. Avoid using cotton swabs, as these can damage the ear canal.
6. Fur trimming: This breed may require occasional trimming around the ears, paws, and anus to keep the coat looking neat and tidy.

Interesting Fact

One fun fact about the German Shepherd Great Dane Mix is that they are known for being excellent swimmers! Both parent breeds are known for their love of water, and this mix breed often inherits their affinity for swimming. So if you have a pool or live near a body of water, your German Shepherd Great Dane Mix may love to take a dip and show off their aquatic skills.

Best foods for German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

1. High-quality food: Your dog needs a diet that is rich in high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Look for foods that list real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with meat by-products or fillers.
2. Protein: Protein is an essential nutrient for your dog’s muscle development and overall health. Choose the right food that contains at least 25% protein.
3. Fat: Fat is a valuable source of energy for your dog, but it’s important to choose a food that contains healthy fats, such as those from animal sources like chicken or fish. Look for a food that contains 10-15% fat.
4. Carbohydrates: Provide Carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables. Some foods like corn, wheat, and soy are difficult to digest so avoid these foods for your dogs.
5. Supplements: While a balanced diet should provide your Shepadane with all the nutrients they need, some dogs may benefit from supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.

Cost of German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

It depends upon the quality of breeds and demands, approximately between $500 to $1500.

Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

• Owning a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix can have many advantages, such as loyalty, protective instincts, and intelligence.
• They also make excellent family pets due to their gentle and friendly nature.
• And the other side, there could be challenges, such as their size, exercise needs, and some health issues. It’s important to consider these factors before bringing a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix into your home.

FAQs

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