Mixing the Great Dane genes with the Dalmatian results in the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix. Also known as the Great Dal or Great Dalmatian, this is one enormous dog.
A loving and devoted giant-sized canine, the Great Dalmatian is a friendly and affectionate pet that also makes a wonderful watchdog.
This interesting mixed breed will most likely take after his Great Dane parent when it comes to size. However, he could also inherit the spotted markings of the Dalmatian parent.
Despite their intimidating size, these dogs don’t require excessive exercise thanks to the Great Dane’s calm disposition.
So, is the Great Dane and Dalmatian Mix the best choice for you? Does its behemoth size make it a good choice for families? Read on to find out more about this unique designer dog.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Dalmatian Great Dane Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Breed Group: | Working Dog, Companion Dog |
| Other Names: | Great Dal, Great Dalmatian |
| Size: | Large-sized dog |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 60 to 100+ Pounds |
| Average Height: | 19 to 32 Inches |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 12 years |
| Apartment Living: | No |
| Ideal for: | Active Owners, Active Families with Older Children, Experienced Dog Owners, and Homes with a Fenced-in Yard |
| Coat: | Short, Thick, Fine/Smooth coat |
| Coat colors: | Black, White, black, blue, brindle, liver, lemon, or tricolor (With Some Spots) |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Trainability: | Moderate to Difficult |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Moderate to heavy, Year-Round |
| Grooming Needs: | Brushing should be done at least once a week |
| Energy Levels: | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs: | Daily walks, don’t need excessive exercise (Ideally two walks per day) |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, Must not be left alone for more than 4-6 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2 to 5 cups of high-quality dog food every day, split into two to three meals |
| Maintenance | Moderate |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hereditary deafness, Urolithiasis, Skin allergies, Hip Dysplasia, Iris Sphincter Dysplasia, Bloat, Cardiomyopathy, Cataracts |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Alert, Stubborn, Friendly, Affectionate |
| Cat Friendly: | Moderate, Proper Socialization Is Recommended |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes (Early Socialization Is a Must) |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, but Ideal for families and homes with older children (Early socialization is recommended) |
| Barking Tendencies: | Occasional/High |
| Price: | $400 to $2,000 |
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The History of the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix
Designer dogs rose in popularity in the 2000s, and over time, more and more mixed breeds have been developed.
However, the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix is relatively new. Its exact origins remain a mystery, but it is widely believed that this mixed breed was developed to get a large, calm, and friendly dog with the spotted coat of the Dalmatian.
By taking a closer look at the pictures of both parent dogs, it’s easy to see why the Great Dal is a great combination.
The Great Dane
Fondly known as the Apollo of dogs or the Deutsche Dogge, the giant-sized Great Dane originated from Germany.
The Great Dane descended from mastiff-like canines that were commonly used to protect estates.
The breed was also created to work as hunting dogs in Europe. They were soon adopted by the elite members of the society and used for sport and companionship. Today, these dogs are found as family companions and show dogs.
The Dalmatian
Not much is known about the history of the Dalmatian breed up to around the seventeenth century when gypsies and travelers in different parts of Europe adopted spotted dogs. Those ancient spotted dogs were highly favored due to their intelligence and funny antics.
Many researchers believe that the Dalmatian originated from a place called Dalmatia, in present-day Croatia.
Originally used as hunting dogs, Dalmatians have also served as carriage dogs.
The General Appearance of the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix
As with other crossbreeds, the appearance of the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix is unpredictable.
Unlike its purebred parents, this mix hasn’t been around long enough to get a breed standard. That’s why these dogs are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC), among other major Kennel Clubs.
Dalmatian Great Dane Mix puppies can inherit any physical characteristics from any of the parent breeds. That means you can get a Great Dal puppy that looks more like a Great Dane or a Dalmatian. That’s true even within the same litter.
While most Great Dane Dalmatian Mix puppies will look like a combination of both parent breeds, chances are some puppies will not look the way you expect them to.
That’s also true when it comes to the dog’s temperament. A mixed breed dog can inherit their personality traits from either of its parent breeds. Unfortunately, that’s also true when it comes to their health. You can never predict what you’re getting yourself into.
The appearances and traits of mixed breed dogs will vary. For example, some puppies will take after the Great Dane parent when it comes to size but will inherit the spotted patterns of the Dalmatian parent.
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How Big Will A Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Get?
Great Dane Dalmatian mixes can grow to be very large—just like the Dane parent. Unless your puppy is a product of multiple breeds, the Great Dane parent’s genes will play a major role.
These dogs usually reach a height of up to 32 inches and mature at a weight of about 100 pounds. However, they can weigh up to 190 pounds or even more when fully grown.
So this is something you need to keep in mind if you have set your sights on getting a Dalmatian Great Dane Mix.
If you’re considering an older dog, you’ll have a good idea of how big your Dalmatian Great Dane Mix dog will get.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Great Dane Dalmatian Mix will have a short coat. Coat colors will include black, white, or even brindle.
Others include blue, liver, lemon, and tricolor with some spots. These spots are due to the Dalmatian parent’s influence.
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Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Temperament and Personality
The Dalmatian and Great Dane Mix should be a loyal and friendly dog. That’s because both parent breeds possess these personality traits. The Great Dane’s size and the Dalmatian’s alert nature can make the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix a great watchdog.
When it comes to energy, the parent breeds are the exact opposite. The Dalmatian tends to be very active while the Great Dane is more reserved. Therefore, your Great Dane Dalmatian Mix will be anywhere in between.
Therefore, these mixed breed dogs will need moderate exercises each day to stay happy and calm.
These pups love their families unconditionally—they crave the attention of the people they love. For that reason, the Great Dal doesn’t do well being left alone for extended periods.
This dog is ideal for families with kids because of its tolerant and patient nature. They also get along well with cats and other pets.
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You should also introduce your dog to other dogs, especially at the dog park to help with socialization. However, families with smaller kids should not leave them unattended with a large dog like the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix to avoid accidents.
Exercise Needs
Prepare to take your dog on relatively long walks each day to help burn off excess energy. Although the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix is a large dog, he doesn’t have very high energy levels. That means they can be a great fit for relaxed households.
For mental stimulation, your Great Deal will need a good supply of interactive dog toys. You should learn the best type of toys to give your dog over time.
Toys filled with yummy treats are also a great way to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated for a few hours.
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Training Your Great Dane Dalmatian Mix
Great Danes are generally easy to train, but they may also be stubborn. Given that Dalmatians are also somewhat stubborn, housetraining might be a challenge.
So start training your mix from puppyhood and use positive reinforcements. Both parent dogs respond well to treats, praise, and other rewards. Rewarding them whenever they do the right thing is a great way to ensure they develop good behavior.
Avoid scolding or shouting at them. The Dalmatian is a very sensitive dog, and odds are your Dalmatian Great Dane will be the same. These pups don’t respond well to cruel training methods, so you should praise them regularly.
Socialization
It’s also important to socialize your Dalmatian Great Dane Mix because of its large body. If not well socialized, these pups could become rebellious or aggressive.
You can avoid aggressive behaviors by socializing your pup. It’s important to teach your dog how to behave around strangers when they are still a puppy.
Socializing your mixed breed dog should be easy if you take them to a nearby dog park. Once there, they can get a chance to meet a lot of strangers and other dogs as well.
Grooming and shedding
The Great Dane Dalmatian Cross doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, like many other crossbreeds. You should bath them once or twice per month to help keep them clean and healthy.
It is also strongly recommended to wipe them regularly using the best deodorizing wipes for dogs to help maintain their hygiene.
You should also brush them once a week since their coat is short and doesn’t get dirty or matter easily.
Despite having a short coat, these dogs shed quite a lot throughout the year.
It’s also advisable to clean their ears and eyes regularly. Trimming their nails is also vital since they can grow too long and break, leading to pain and infections.
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Feeding and Diet
Proper feeding is important for your Great Dane Dalmatian Mix.
It’s best to feed your pup 2 to 5 cups of high-quality dog food every day — depending on his age, size, and activity level. However, you should divide this amount into two or three equal meals.
It’s also advisable to seek advice from your vet when formulating the feeding schedule for your dog to ensure he lives a healthy life. You should have a strict feeding program and feed him high-quality dog food to ensure they get all the essential nutrients.
Keep in mind that Great Dane Dalmatian Mixes love food. These dogs will often overeat, so keep an eye on their weight to avoid canine obesity. Also, avoid giving them too many treats to maintain them at a healthy weight.
As with all dogs, your mix will need probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil to ensure coat and skin health.
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Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Health Issues
The Great Dane Dalmatian Mix may not have a very long lifespan because of its massive size.
Although healthier than their purebred parents, the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix can still suffer from numerous health issues.
In fact, they can inherit any genetic conditions from either parent breed. That means that these dogs should be checked for various health concerns.
To understand the health of a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, you should familiarize yourself with the health issues affecting both parent breeds.
Great Danes have an average lifespan of around 7 to 10 years and can suffer from:
- Bloat
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Wobbler syndrome
- Osteosarcoma
- Skin irritation
- Cataracts
On the other hand, the Dalmatian parent breed is prone to the following health conditions:
- Hereditary deafness
- Urolithiasis
- Skin allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
Despite this, the Dalmatian has a decent lifespan of about 10 to 13 years.
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Finding A Healthy Great Dane Dalmatian Mix for Sale
Before looking at breeders, you should try to find a Dalmatian Great Dane Mix for adoption at a local shelter or rescue center. While it is difficult to find mixed breeds at such centers, the benefits are worth it.
Apart from the fact that you’ll pay much less for an older dog for adoption, you’ll be happy knowing that you’re giving a dog in need a loving home.
How Much Does A Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Puppy Cost?
Although it can be difficult to determine a price for this relatively new hybrid, you can expect to pay around $400 to $2000 for a puppy. Of course, this price will vary depending on the location and the breeder.
To avoid a low-quality puppy, make sure to find a good and reputable breeder.
A good breeder will disclose any health problems that the puppy might have. They should also provide their customers with all the relevant health certificates.
Visit the breeder’s location and ask a lot of questions. A reputable breeder will not only answer all your questions, but will also ask you some questions to ensure you are a good fit for this mix.
In addition to the price of a puppy, you need to factor in the costs of raising your dog. For example, your dog will need a comfortable spot to sleep. That means you should buy a large comfortable bed like the Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed where your dog will nap during the day and sleep at night.
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Your pups will also require a few food bowls and a water bowl for giving them fresh water.
Other essential requirements include:
- Treats for training
- Dog food
- Dog training pads
- Interactive dog toys and chew toys
- bedding
- Collar, harness, and leash
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Great Dane Dalmatians Dog Mixes Live?
Considering the lifespans of both parent breeds, you can expect your Great Dane Dalmatian Mix to live between 8 and 12 years. However, their life expectancy will depend on different factors, including diet, exercise, and health.
Do Great Dane Dalmatian Mixes Bark A Lot?
Although great Danes are not necessarily nuisance barkers, they might develop barking tendencies. On the other hand, Dalmatians do not bark much.
Are Dalmatian Great Dane Mixes Aggressive?
The Dalmatian Great Dane Mix can be aggressive and intimidating due to their size and medical ailments. So, it’s recommended that you get your hybrid dog regularly checked by a licensed vet.
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Can Dalmatian Great Dane mix dogs be left alone?
No, both Danes and Dalmatians are highly sociable and need human companionship. Therefore, they should not be left alone for more than a few hours.
Are Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Despite their behemoth size, Great Danes are relatively low maintenance. On the other hand, Dalmatians tend to be high-energy pooches that require proper exercise each day. This means your Dalmatian Great Dane Mix can be a moderate maintenance dog.
Conclusion
As with any crossbreed, a Dalmatian Great Dane Mix is not the best choice for everyone. These dogs are ideal for active people or families who enjoy keeping their dogs happy and healthy.
These dogs are intelligent, loyal, loving, and funny. They should fill your life with laughter, joy, and happiness for years to come.
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