The Great Dane Pitbull Mix – A Unique And Entertaining Hybrid

There are countless combinations of crossbreed dogs in the world today, but there is perhaps none as unique and entertaining as the Great Dane Pitbull Mix.

A cross between the patient and sweet-tempered Great Dane and the energetic and devoted Pit Bull, Great Dane Pitbull Mix dogs are sure to make a beloved companion dog to the right owner.

With that being said, this giant hybrid does come with its fair share of pros and cons that any potential owner should be aware of before investing.

So, if you’re considering getting your hands on a Great Dane Pitbull Mix, keep reading. Today, we are going to cover everything you need to know about this dynamic dog.

But First, Let’s Talk About “Controversial” Hybrids

Crossbreed dogs on their own are considered controversial, but dogs with any mix of pitbull in their DNA seem to cause quite a stir for some.

The Great Dane is considered the world’s largest dog breed, and this gentle giant has stolen the hearts of countless families throughout the United States. The Pitbull has built a fanbase of loyal followers and protectors who work hard to polish this dog’s misunderstood or misrepresented reputation.

With two such popular purebreds, it’s no surprise that we eventually wound up with the Great Dane Pitbull Mix.

However, this is a crossbreed dog, and crossbreed dogs are surrounded by a good amount of controversy. What’s more, this is also a dog with Pitbull DNA, making it even more controversial when it comes to breed-specific legislation (BSL).

If you’re considering a Great Dane Pitbull Mix, it’s very important to keep both these controversial issues in mind.

What You Should Know About The Crossbreed Controversy

Crossbreeding is a century’s old practice that started when breeders began mixing dogs of specific breeds in an effort to combine certain traits. Originally, hybrid dogs were bred for working purposes, and it often took generations of careful breeding before crossbreed dogs were considered purebreds.

Most purebred dogs we are familiar with today are products of careful crossbreeding over generations, which has made them fairly predictable when it comes to traits like temperament, health, and physical appearance.

But while crossbreeding has been ongoing for centuries, it has only recently spiked in popularity. The trend of “designer dogs” cropped up over the last two decades, with hybrids like doodle mixes and other crossbreeds hitting the scene.

The problem with this, as some people see it, is that these first and second-generation crossbreed dogs are being bred and sold as companion pets for the same price as purebred dogs, without the benefit of predictability.

However, there have also been benefits of investing in crossbreed canines. For example, purebred dogs are commonly known to suffer more commonly from genetic health issues. This is likely due to the fact that they have been overbred for centuries in an effort to maintain their breed standard.

Crossbreed dogs and mutts, on the other hand, have a wider gene pool and are therefor less likely to inherit specific genetic health issues from one parent breed over the other.

This is a theory known as Hybrid Vigor. While the idea of Hybrid Vigor is a promising one, it is not widely accepted by all experts and enthusiasts.

In fact, there are those that point out that genetics cannot be predicted either way, and that crossbreed dogs and mutts are just as susceptible as their purebred counterparts to any genetic health issues passed down from their parents.

What You Should Know About Breed Specific Legislation

Breed Specific Legislation, also known as BSL, is the law behind what has been coined “Breed Bans” throughout the United States and in some regions of the world. The dogs most commonly listed under breed bans are dogs like Pitbulls, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, and other similar breeds.

The breed bans allude to the idea that these types of dogs are inherently more “aggressive” or “unpredictable” due to their breed history and lineage.

The more we learn about our canine counterparts, the more we discover how complex their DNA and temperaments really are.

While it is true that genetics can play somewhat of a role in a dog’s overall personality, it is also true that environment and how a dog is raised can play an even larger role.

Pit Bull types have become disproportionately targeted when it comes to these breed bans, leading many Pitbulls and Pitbull mix dogs to wind up in shelters or even to be put down.

Sadly, there is still a long way to go when it comes to sorting out the pros and cons of Breed Specific Legislation, and it’s important that any owner considering investing in a dog that falls under this complicated category is aware of what it may entail.

If you do invest in a Great Dane Pitbull Mix, be aware that this dog may not be legal in some regions throughout the United States. For this reason, it’s best to do plenty of research before investing so you understand the laws.

And now that we’ve discussed the crossbreed controversy and BSL issues, it’s time to talk about the fun stuff. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing Great Dane Pitbull Mix!

The Great Dane Pitbull Mix – A Brief Overview

The Great Dane Pitbull mix is a cross between the purebred Great Dane and one of several pitbull types.

Also Known As: The Great Danebull

Height: 24 to 38 Inches

Weight: 60 to 130 Pounds

Temperament: Friendly, Affectionate, Goofy, Energetic, Playful, Family-Oriented, Protective

Health Issues: Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Bone and Joint Issues, Heart Disease, Excess Cartilage, Wobbler Syndrome, Bone Cancer, Skin Issues, Allergies, Eye Defects, Hypothyroidism, Congenital Heart Defects, Deficient Bone Growth, and Bone Inflammation

Lifespan: 7 to 12 Years

Best Suited For: Experienced or Committed Dog Owners, Homes With Lots Of Space, Active Families, Singles or Active Retirees With A Flexible Schedule

Overview:

Also known as the Great Danebull, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix is rising quickly in popularity. The more people learn about this gentle giant, the more they fall in love. A cross between a pitbull type and a purebred Great Dane, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can make an excellent dog for families, singles, seniores, and even active retirees so long as he is properly raised, trained, and socialized.

When raised correctly, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix does well with other pets and can even be friendly and loving towards cats.

However, Pitbulls especially are known to sometimes exhibit dog-on-dog aggression, so it’s important to adequately socialize your Great Dane Pitbull Mix at an early age and ensure he has plenty of exposure around other dogs during puppyhood.

While this dog is more laid back than a purebred Pitbull, he’ll be more active than a purebred Great Dane. He will do best in homes with committed owners who have a flexible schedule and with those who are able to commit time to this unique hybrid.

When it comes to temperament, there is perhaps no dog as goofy as the Great Dane Pitbull Mix. This is a dog that comes with a naturally winning disposition. He seems to have no idea just how big he really is and he’ll want to be with his favorite people as often as possible.

If you do invest in a Great Dane Pitbull Mix, be prepared to put up with the world’s biggest lap dog.

But what other traits can you expect out of your Great Dane Pitbull Mix?

Pinpointing particular temperamental traits, physical traits, and even health issues can be tricky with crossbreed dogs.

The best way to get a good idea of the type of dog you’ll be dealing with when dealing with a Great Dane Pitbull Mix is to take a closer look at his parent breeds.

Let’s begin with the Great Dane.

Meet The Great Dane

The Great Dane is considered the largest purebred dog in the world.

Though labeled as a “Great Dane” this purebred dog actually hails from Germany and was bred and perfected nearly 400 years ago by German nobles. This giant dog, considered the world’s largest purebred, was designed to hunt wild boars and guard property and people.

In spite of this, the Great Dane is famous for being a gentle giant. He is devoted to his family, mild-mannered, affectionate, and patient with children.

Great Danes make excellent additions to families for this very reason, though their massive size can be cumbersome for those who are unprepared.

Their large size also comes at a price when it pertains to health. Due to how quickly the Great Dane grows from puppyhood to adulthood, he is often predisposed to serious bone, joint, and muscular issues. This is especially true if the Great Dane is not properly exercised from an early age and consistently throughout his life, and if he maintains a poor diet.

These health issues can be passed down to his hybrid offspring, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

Though originally bred for guarding and hunting, today the Great Dane is a popular and spoiled companion dog.

He has a shorter lifespan of between 7 and 10 years, but he is known to fill each day with joy and affection for his family.

Meet The Pitbull

The term “Pitbull” is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of Pitbull-type dogs.

There are a few different types of Pitbull dogs in the canine kingdom that are classified as true Pitbull Terriers, which means the term “Pitbull” itself cannot be used to describe just one dog in particular.

Pitbull dogs are, by definition, dogs mixed with bulldogs and terrier types who were designed for blood sports in the early 1800s. These types of dogs were chosen due to their large jaws and the strength of their bite. They were also the ideal choice, sadly, because they were considered fearlessly devoted.

Today, Pitbulls are finally breaking through their negative stigma as dangerous dogs and more and more people are discovering just how lovable, affectionate, and gentle Pitbull dogs can be.

In fact, it wasn’t long ago when Pitbulls were actually considered “nanny dogs”, thanks to their protective nature and nurturing care they offered youngsters in their home.

Some of the most popular Pitbull types in the United States that might be mixed with a Great Dane include the American Pitbull Terrier, the American bully, and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Pitbulls have an average lifespan of between 8 and 15 years, and your Great Dane Pitbull Mix dog’s health issues and lifespan could be dependent on the type of Pitbull he is crossed with.

Unlike the Great Dane, who is more mild-mannered and relaxed around the home, Pitbulls are very energetic. They require more routine exercise than Great Danes and are very playful and outgoing.

Depending on the traits of your Great Dane Pitbull Mix, he could be more relaxed or more active. It all depends!

The Great Dane Pitbull Mix Training And Socialization Needs

Great Dane Pitbull Mix dogs are sensitive and do best with positive reinforcement.

Like all dogs, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix dog is going to require routine training and socialization beginning at an early age to ensure he grows up happy, healthy, and well-rounded. Without proper training and socialization, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can develop anxiety and other issues that can lead to behavioral problems down the road.

When it comes to training, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can begin as early as eight weeks. We suggest starting with basic cues like sit, stay, leave it, come, and stop. Remember, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can quickly outgrow its owners, so it’s very important to establish a strong recall early on.

We also suggest working on creating a strong and trusting bond with your Great Dane Pitbull Mix. This will help greatly when it comes to training down the road.

Pitbulls in particular are known to be somewhat stubborn dogs, especially if they deem training to be boring.

The best way to hold your Great Dane Pitbull Mix dog’s attention during training is to keep training sessions short and game-like. It’s also a good idea to utilize high-value treats that your Great Dane Pitbull Mix doesn’t get too often.

These treats could be anything from bits of cooked chicken to hotdogs to quality training treats. When it comes to the Great Dane Pitbull Mix, however, who can be prone to some serious digestive issues, we would recommend investing in quality dog treats designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pupford Freeze-Dried Salmon Training Treats

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We like freeze-dried training treats because there are typically very few additives included in the recipe. This is true for the above training treats by Pupford.

These treats are great for dogs with sensitivities or food allergies, which the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can be predisposed to. We also like that they are made with real salmon as opposed to chicken, as poultry is known to exasperate certain allergies in dogs.

You can use these training treats not only when it comes to training your Great Dane Pitbull mix but also when it comes to socialization.

Properly socializing any dog is an important part of ensuring that the dog grows up well-rounded and happy. Without being properly socialized, dogs like the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can struggle with anxiety and fear, which can lead to problematic behaviors down the road.

In order to properly train a Great Dane Pitbull Mix, it’s best to ensure he is introduced to as many new experiences as early as possible, preferably during his puppyhood.

We suggest exposing your dog to new sights, sounds, people, strangers, children, and other pets often. It’s also important to try and ensure new experiences are positive for your Great Dane Pitbull Mix. Avoid forcing your dog into a situation that he is obviously frightened of, as this can exasperate fears and lead to future issues.

Instead, allow your Great Dane Pitbull Mix to explore the world at his own pace and use treats, gentle encouragement, and praise to guide him.

How To Exercise A Great Dane Pitbull Mix

Great Danes especially grow rapidly, and this can lead to injury in your mix during exercise or play if you’re not careful.

We did touch briefly on the importance of exercise when it comes to dogs like Great Dane Pitbull Mix, especially when they are giant breeds and grow rapidly.

The Great Dane in particular can be prone to a number of serious health issues due to his rapid growth, and this can be exacerbated by improper exercise or over-exertion during his lifetime.

Your Great Dane Pitbull Mix dog’s energy level is going to vary and depend on the type of personality he inherits from his purebred parents. Remember, Great Danes are often more laid back while Pitbulls are more energetic.

Either way, it will be important to implement routine exercise each and every day for your Great Dane Pitbull Mix, and it will be especially important to implement the correct form of exercise.

Giant breed dogs and giant breed mixes like the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can be susceptible to injury, especially if they are running, jumping, or climbing stairs.

For this reason, it’s best to walk your dog at a more even pace and stick with flat surfaces like sidewalks and fields. Avoid intensive hikes with your Great Dane Pitbull Mix or jogging or running with this type of dog.

We also recommend refraining from allowing your Great Dane Pitbull Mix from going up and down large flights of stairs without assistance or from jumping from the furniture.

To help combat certain injuries from exercise, it’s a good idea to invest in joint supplements. Even young adult dogs can begin on joint supplements to help combat issues as they age.

Healthy Breeds Z-Flex Joint Supplements

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For large and giant breed dogs like the Great Dane Pitbull Mix, we suggest considering supplements like the above Healthy Breeds Z-Flex supplements. They are made with a rich blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and Perna canaliculus.

Combined, these ingredients help support healthy bones and joints and help prevent or alleviate arthritis, hip dysplasia, inflammation in the joints, stiffness, and more.

How To Groom And Care For A Great Dane Pitbull Mix

Great Dane Pitbull Mix dogs are easy to groom, though they do shed slightly.

Though big, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix is not a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. Both Pitbulls and Great Danes have short, smooth coats that shed lightly year-round.

While this may mean they are not the ideal hybrid dog for allergy-sufferers, they are also not considered heavy shedders and their coats are easy to manage.

This is a hybrid that can come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, but for the most part, they will not need any special care based on their coat color. Their coats are relatively clean, and these dogs will only need to be bathed once every few weeks or so.

With that noted, you should keep in mind that the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can suffer from skin issues and allergies that may be exacerbated by over-bathing or bathing with a shampoo that contains dyes, parabens, alcohol, or other ingredients not specified for canine use.

For this reason, we suggest investing in a quality hypoallergenic dog shampoo that will help alleviate allergies and soothe hot spots and itchiness.

TropiClean Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

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The above dog shampoo is made with natural ingredients and has a light, natural coconut scent that is safe and relaxing for both you and your dog. The shampoo lathers quite nicely so you don’t need to use too much, and the shampoo is made free of parabens and even includes ingredients to help balance your dog’s pH levels.

Along with routine bathing, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix could also be prone to ear infections. This could be caused by a buildup of moisture and debris in the ear, so we suggest checking and cleaning your dog’s ears routinely to prevent ear infections from becoming a problem.

The Great Dane Pitbull Mix should also have his teeth brushed routinely using a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste specified for canine use. His nails will need to be ground down often using a nail grinder or nail clipper.

And while the Great Dane Pitbull Mix is not the heaviest shedder in the canine kingdom, he does shed. The best way to manage loose hair is to brush your dog with a deshedding comb once a week or so, and perhaps twice a week during the shedding season which occurs in Spring and Fall.

The Great Dane Pitbull Mix Health And Lifespan

Because of their large size, Great Dane Pitbull mix dogs may not have the longest lifespan.

With a lifespan of seven to 12 years, the Great Dane Pitbull Mix can be prone to suffering from the below health issues:

• Bloat
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Bone and Joint Issues
• Heart Disease
• Excess Cartilage
• Wobbler Syndrome
• Bone Cancer
• Skin Issues
• Allergies
• Eye Defects
• Hypothyroidism
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Deficient Bone Growth
• And Bone Inflammation

Many of the above health issues are a result of the Great Dane Pitbull Mix dog’s large size and rapid development. As we discussed above, The Great Dane in particular grows quite quickly from a small puppy into a giant dog, and this can lead to bone, joint, and muscle issues later in life.

This can be true for your Great Dane Pitbull Mix, especially if he inherits his Great Dane parent breed’s massive size.

While you can’t always prevent bone and joint issues in these giant breed dogs, there are ways to combat them or help alleviate pain or suffering from such issues.

For giant dogs like the Great Dane Pitbull Mix, there are a few particular steps you can take to ensure he is as healthy as possible.

First and foremost, it’s imperative that the Great Dane Pitbull Mix is on quality dog food from puppyhood onward. When he is a puppy, the Great Dane should eat puppy food specified for giant breed dogs that is rich in protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients he is going to need to thrive.

Along with ensuring your dog has a quality diet, you might also consider an elevated pet feeder, slow feeder, or puzzle feeder. These types of feeders can help reduce the amount of air your dog swallows during mealtime, which can in turn help prevent the chances of your dog suffering from Bloat.

Bloat is a serious and often life-threatening condition that comes on suddenly and is caused when air or gas fills the stomach or intestine. You can also work to prevent bloat in your Great Dane Pitbull Mix by keeping your dog from eating or drinking immediately after exercise or play, or from eating something he shouldn’t.

Last, it’s very important to make sure you get your puppy or rescue Great Dane Pitbull Mix from a reputable source, and to ensure your dog is seen annually by his veterinarian for wellness exams.

Do I Have The Ideal Home Type For A Great Dane Pitbull Mix?

This is a hybrid dog that needs plenty of space and an attentive owner.

Many people are intrigued by the Great Dane Pitbull Mix due to its size, appearance, and temperament, but not everyone is going to make the best owner for this unique hybrid.

If you’re considering investing in this mix, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons that we discussed in this article.

Remember, Great Dane Pitbull Mix dogs are considered giant breed dogs and can come with a number of serious health issues, which could be costly.

However, they do get along well with children and other pets and require only a moderate amount of exercise each day. Their grooming needs are also moderate, and they will bond closely with their family.

These are dogs that need lots of space, however, and the fact that the Great Dane Pitbull Mix does have some Pitbull in his DNA could mean that he is not legal in your area.

Are you considering investing in a Great Dane Pitbull Mix after reading this article? Tell us why or why not in the comment section below.