Pitbull Great Dane Mix – 16 Things You Should Know
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As the name suggests, the Great Dane Pitbull is a hybrid mix of Great Dane and Pitbull, aka the Great Danebull. They can tip the scales from 50 to over 100 pounds - not surprising coming from both large parent breeds. Their loyal and energetic traits come from the Pitbull side while embodying the loving, friendly, patient, and sweet nature of the Great Dane. No wonder they're quickly becoming the new favorites in the US.
In this article, we'll dive deep into this awesome dog breed. You'll get to know how they have an intimidating and muscular body that can terrify the opponents, floppy ears that can hear anything miles away, and strong legs that can run long distances.
But is this breed right for you? What are their dietary requirements? Are they hard to train? These are essential questions you need to be answered before you adopt this Pitbull/Great Dane mix.
Let's begin!
Table of Contents
What Exactly is the Pitbull Great Dane Mix?
The Pitbull Great Dane mix is a hybrid between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Great Dane. Although generally classified as terriers, they can be exceptional guard dogs, but for obvious reasons not used in any kind of sporting event. Their physical traits and aesthetics vary based on the genetics of their parent breeds.
Great Danes have a great reputation for being gentle giants and they are one of the tallest dog breeds. They are incredibly friendly and goofy. Some even consider them as puppies in a full-grown and large body as they are very playful and affectionate.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are known for having confidence and strong will. One of the biggest traits is their formidable build and muscular body. They are medium-sized dogs who can sometimes have an aggressive demeanor if provoked.
The mix of these two amazing breeds makes for a phenomenal pair, introducing an incredibly cute litter of Pitbull/Great Dane mix puppies.
These puppies are so adorable that they will warm your heart. The Great Dane/Pitbull mixed breed dog typically has a smooth, straight, short coat. There are different colors the coat can come in. Due to the varying color range of the fur, each puppy can look unique and different.
An Overview of the Great Dane Pitbull Mix
Here is a short profile of the Great Dane Pit mix you can give a quick glance at.
Official Name
Great Dane Pitbull Mix
Other Names
Great Danebull, Great Dane Pit mix
Average Weight
60–90 pounds
Height
24–28 inches
Average Size
Medium to large
Issues
Might have similar health problems as the parent breeds, depending on the genetic profile.
Very rare until an intruder comes or disturbance is caused.
Apartment Living
Can adjust but will need time. Will also need regular exercise outside.
Training
Compulsory
Exercise Requirements
Moderate to high
Life Span
7–12 years
Tolerance
Prone to hip and elbow Dysplasia
Estimated Average Medical Expense
$490-$600
Estimated Average Non-Medical Expense
$450-$500
Intelligence and Temperament of Pitbull Great Dane Mix
The Great Danebull mix is one of the most outstanding dog breeds. The temperament of the Pitbull Great Dane Mixes depends on the history of the parent breeds. Their large stature gives the wrong notion that they can be hostile, but the reality is very much the opposite. Both the Pitbull terrier and the Great Dane are gentle and very sweet.
Both of these breeds like getting attention. They love cuddles, praises, and affection from their human caregivers. Neither of these dogs like being away from their owners for a long period as they are quite prone to getting separation anxiety.
These common traits are also present in the Great Dane/Pitbull mix. At the end of the day, they will want some love and affection from you by cuddling with you. Keep in mind that training has a significant effect on any dog’s temperament. Your dog will be friendlier when you practice socialization with him or her from the very beginning.
Is the Pitbull/Great Dane Mix Aggressive?
The giant size and the stocky build of the Pitbull Great Dane mix can be quite daunting. People might assume they are aggressive at first glance. Whereas, in reality, they are quite gregarious, gentle, and affectionate dogs. They love receiving rubs and scratches or any form of affection. They just love to be with their favorite humans.
This Dane Pitbull mix will fare great with frequent social interaction with humans and other canines. Every day, they require your undivided attention and affection.
Are Dogs of This Breed Good for Families?
The Great Dane Pitbull mix is great for families. They are playful and energetic, and the children will have the time of their life with this hybrid. However, you have to make sure that your children treat the dog with respect. This also includes not pulling the tail or ears, and should not sit on your dog and ride them like a horse.
You should always supervise small children around dogs, especially large dogs. There is always a possibility of the little ones being knocked over accidentally by the dog.
How Well Do They Get Along With Other Pets?
The Pitbull Great Dane mix gets along well with other dogs and with cats. There are no known issues with other pets. Since the parent breeds do not have a high prey drive, the Great Dane Pitbull mix also does not have that drive and can cooperate with other species quite well.
They are so playful that they love to have a playmate of any kind; it can be a human, another dog, or a cat.
The Traits of a Pitbull/Great Dane Mix
The Pitbull Great Dane mix or the Great Danebull is a dog breed that has protective instincts. Their love for their owners and protective traits make them exceptional guard dogs. They are also very loyal, alert, and friendly. They are safe for kids.
They are amicable and approachable to anyone – children, other human friends, visitors, and other pets. They are quite active, so they need someone to play with them to wear out their energy. Their ideal match is an active family or any individual in the family that likes physical activity.
Since they are large dogs and run around a lot, they need a large space. Families living in a house with a fenced backyard can provide the best shelter to this mixed breed dog.
If you live in a small apartment, keep in mind that the Pitbull Great Dane mix will take time to get adjusted to the limited space.
Moreover, the Pitbull Great Dane mix is quite easy to train, and their grooming requirements are also low maintenance. The only thing that will require some effort and training is balancing their high levels of energy.
These gigantic dogs need vigorous activities every day to wear out their high energy levels, maintain their athletic physique, and keep the boredom away.
What to Consider When Owning a Pitbull/Great Dane Mix?
Like any other dog, owning a Pitbull/Great Dane is also a huge responsibility. They are amazing creatures who are very fun-loving, affectionate, and devoted. As a potential dog parent, it is your responsibility to give them the best care they truly deserve. To provide the ideal shelter and love, consider the following criteria.
Maintenance Costs of a Great Dane Pitbull Puppy
In cases of lesser-known hybrids, like the Pitbull Great Dane mix, it can be a bit difficult to pinpoint the exact price of the puppy. The range of the price can vary between $500 and $1500 approximately, depending on the breeder and the location of the puppies.
Be sure you reach out to a responsible and good breeder To avoid any kind of puppy mill. You can get recommendations from friends, family, and reputable online forums. It is best to see the reviews and testimonials of the breeder to make sure you are not being extorted.
A reputable breeder will show you the health record of their dogs, making them transparent and trustworthy. They will also let you visit the mother before she gives birth to the puppies whenever possible.
Alternatively, you can also look for puppy adoption options. It can be a friend or a neighbor giving away Great Dane Pitbull puppies. You can also adopt them through rescue groups. Through these options, the adoption fee may range between $300 and $600. However, if you adopt a special needs or a senior dog, the fee could either be discounted or fully waived.
There are other costs you need to consider besides the price of your puppy. They need to be trained, so they need treats for rewards. You also need to consider the expenses of their food, bowls, wee pads, dog toys, bedding, crate, collar, leash, and harness.
Furthermore, you also need to factor in other additional costs like vet appointments, grooming, microchipping, vaccinations, spaying or neutering surgery, etc.
It will cost around $300 to $500 for the collar, leash, and crate. The medical costs, flea prevention, vaccinations, and regular checkups will cost approximately $500 annually.
Diet Requirements and Nutrition
Dogs are omnivorous, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can feed them anything. For your dog to grow properly and have a healthy long life there are certain dietary restrictions you need to maintain.
This will not only ensure your dog’s health but eliminate a lot of the end-stage problems.
How Much Should a Pitbull Great Dane Eat?
Your Pitbull Great Dane mix will need high-quality dog food. Based on your furry friend’s age, weight, size, and level of activity, you need to feed him the necessary amount of food. Their food intake varies from dog to dog, especially based on the dimensions and exercise they get. There are usually instructions given on the packaging of the dog food, so it is best to follow them or your vet’s recommendations.
In general, an adult Pitbull Great Dane mix needs four cups of dry food a day. To prevent indigestion and bloating, the meals should be divided into multiple small portions throughout the day. There is a common misconception that these dogs probably eat a lot because of their size. However, in reality, they do not need to eat copious amounts of food.
What Should I Feed My Great Dane Pitbull?
You can feed your dog kibble made of natural ingredients and approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or you can also feed dry dog food. The kibble should be enriched with various minerals and vitamins. They should also be free from preservatives.
The joint health of any dog is a major concern. For great joint health and strong bones, opt for dog food that is rich in glucosamine. You also need to take into account their allergies. Consult with your vet for food recommendations and any diet restrictions.
Like the parent Great Dane, the Pitbull Great Dane mix is also allergic or hypersensitive to grains in most cases. To be on the safe side, opt for grain-free dog food. Some manufacturers use sweet potatoes and pumpkins as substitutions for grains.
You can also include flaxseed in their diet. These seeds are considered to be superfoods as they contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids contribute significantly to the proper development of the brain and eyes. They also reduce inflammation, dryness, and itchiness.
The dog food can cost around three dollars a day, depending on the manufacturing brand. This will eventually sum up to around $85 every month. Make sure you always give fresh water to drink at every meal for your furry friend to stay hydrated.
Training a Pitbull/Great Dane Mix
Both the parent breeds, Pitbull and Great Dane, are eager to please their human friends, making it easy to train them. The same trait is also present in their offspring. Since they love being praised and affectionate, positive reinforcement plays a key role in their training.
This gentle breed also takes obedience training well and likes socializing, making them a great furry companion. You simply need to train them consistently. Begin with basic commands such as “paw”, “sit,” and “lay down.”
You also need to make sure that your pup is being socialized and interacted with every day. This will make them less intimidating and more familiar with other people and other animals. The constant initial training will teach them a lot of good traits that they will use for the rest of their life.
Exercise and Physical Activity Needs
The Pitbull/Great Dane mix is quite energetic and needs 20 to 45 minutes of walking every day. They also require a significant period of sleeping sessions indoors to recharge as well as some structured playtime.
Some people make the wrong assumption that their Great Danebull will need hours of exercise because of their humongous physique. On the contrary, they do not need much strenuous exercise; thirty to forty minutes of exercise will do fine.
Moreover, you can strengthen the friendship and bond with your Pitbull/Great Dane mix by playing and exercising together. You can take your dog on a bike ride, a walk, or even as a companion to run errands with.
If you have children, they can keep your dog busy by playing fetch with him or going on mini adventures of their own together.
Great Dane Bulls are always eager to play and exercise. Keeping them active and petting them will keep them happy.
Pitbull Great Dane Mix- Grooming
Fortunately, neither of the parent breeds require high maintenance of grooming. As a result, their offspring, the Great Danebull, also does not need high levels of grooming. Their smooth and short fur coat only needs to be brushed with a medium bristle brush, hound glove, or rubber mitt once a week.
You can also use a slicker brush with an ergonomic handle. The brushing will prevent any formation of tangles and mats. The ergonomic handle will make it easier to brush them. Besides brushing their coat, their ears also need to be cleaned every week. The nails of the mixed breed should be trimmed every three to four weeks. Brush their teeth twice or thrice a week.
Your Pitbull Great Dane mix needs a bath every month. They do not need many baths since their coats are short and sleek. Brush the fur coat before getting wet in the bathwater. Doing so will prevent any clumping of hair that can clog or block the drain of the bathtub.
Since your furry buddy is short-coated, he cannot tolerate the cold weather or the cold water easily. Hence, you need to use warm water to bathe your dog. Choose shampoos that are not harsh and will not dry out your Danebull’s skin and cause irritation like itchiness. Opt for the shampoos specialized for short-coated breeds and formulated by a vet. You can also ask for recommendations from your dog’s veterinarian.
Fortunately, the Pitbull Great Dane hybrid does not have the same health problems as their purebred parents have. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. Get an extensive checkup of your dog from your vet. It is also wise to keep the medical history of the parents to look out for any possible ailments that their offspring might have in the future.
The veterinarian will evaluate and check the eyes and skin. He will also run blood tests and urinalysis. A radiography exam might also be scheduled to check the thyroid.
Life Expectancy of a Pitbull Great Dane Mix
The average life expectancy of a Great Danebull is around 7 to 12 years. They have the reputation of being a dog breed with a long lifespan as most of them can often live up to 14 years. No wonder they are considered to be the best companions.
The Best Collar for Your Pitbull/Great Dane Mix
A collar is very helpful when you go outside and keep your Great Danebull within your control. Since they are quite big and strong, they also have a strong pulling force.
However, just to be on the safe side, you need a strong collar, especially when training them for socialization. The collar should be strong enough to withstand the pulling force and stress without tearing away or breaking apart. It also should be a nice fit and not too tight; your pooch should be comfortable in it.
Is Pitbull Great Danes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the Pitbull Great Dane Mix is not hypoallergenic, so they are not suitable for those individuals who are allergic to dogs. Like their pitbull parents, they tend to shed a lot despite having a short coat.
Difference Between Male and Female Pitbull Great Dane Mix
Male Pitbull Great Dane mixes tend to be larger than their female counterparts. The average height of the female Great Danebull is around 24 to 26 inches, whereas the height of their male counterparts is around 26 to 28 inches.
The female weighs around 60 to 85 pounds, whereas the male weighs about 70 to 90 pounds. Female dogs are spayed. The surgical procedure is more complex, making it more expensive than the neutering of the male dog.
Neutering and spaying are vital as they eliminate severe health conditions that might occur in the future. It also gets rid of aggressive behavior. The surgical procedure is mainly used to sterilize them but the other perks also play out well for both the dog and the owner.
Some individuals believe there is a difference in the temperament between the female and male Danebulls. They assume that the males are less affectionate and more territorial and aggressive than the female dogs.
This assumption is, however, quite inaccurate. A dog’s personality is shaped by his or her upbringing, training, and how he/she has been treated throughout their whole life. A dog’s temperament and behavior truly depend on the affection and care they get, on their training and socialization, and whether or not they have been neglected.
Dogs who have been abused, neglected, and not taken care of properly tend to be aggressive. This case is common for all types of dogs. Since they haven’t been shown love and have been treated badly, they cope and survive by not trusting anyone.
How Much Does a Pitbull Great Dane Mix Cost?
Adult Pitbull Great Danes can be found in local rescues and shelters. Full-grown dogs of this hybrid are not often for sale. You only have to pay for the adoption fees that are sometimes discounted.
If you are considering adopting an adult dog, you must bear in mind that you can handle such a huge dog coming from an uncertain background. Novice dog owners should not opt for adopting adult rescues.
How Much Does a Pitbull Great Dane Mix Puppy Cost?
It costs around $400 to $800 to get a Pitbull Great Dane mix puppy. Since neither of the parent breeds is commonly used or popular in dog shows and competitions, the price of the puppy is quite affordable.
You can also check some of the local rescues and see whether they have a Great Danebull or not. If you find one, chances are you will get them at a cheaper price.
How Big Can a Pitbull Great Dane Mix Get?
The size of this mixed breed depends on the dominant genetic traits of the parents. Since both the Pitbull and the Great Dane have giant physical traits, likely, their offspring will also be very large, stocky, and heavy. The average weight of Pitbull Great Dane Mix is around 60 to 90 pounds. Their average height is around 24 to 28 inches.
Pros and Cons of Having a Pitbull Great Dane Mix
Like any other living being, the Great Danebull dog has both the best features and flaws. The flaws are not necessarily deal-breakers and can be managed.
The Pros
They are incredibly friendly and coexist with other pets.
They are amazing playmates for children.
They are loyal and quite alert, making them excellent watchdogs.
They require low-maintenance grooming.
They are amazing at cuddling.
They are cordial towards visitors.
They are vocal and attentive.
The Mild Flaws But Certainly Not Dealbreakers
They shed a lot at times.
They are prone to separation anxiety.
They are probably not allowed or accepted in most rental properties due to their size.
Final Thoughts
Whether you call it a Great Dane Pit mix or a Great Danebull, this mixed breed is one of the best. They are very friendly and protective. Besides being a fun companion, they can also be excellent watchdogs. They are easy to train and make the best pets.
You need to simply pay attention to their needs and love them; they will love you back unconditionally.
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