Great Dane Bloodhound Mix – A Complete Guide with 24 Questions Answered

Physical Attributes

Lifestyle Guidance:

Very High

★★★★★

Very Good

★★★★★

Minimal

★★★★★

Below Average

★★★★★

Good

★★★★★

Not suitable

★★★★★

What are the reasons to get a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

• This is a wonderful family dog and is tolerant of children (click here for more details)
• A brilliant dog for tracking and trailing activities (click here for more details)
• A fun-loving and gentle personality (click here for more details)
• Exercise needs will suit an owner or family with an active lifestyle (click here for more details)
• They will make excellent companion dogs (click here for more details)
• An adaptable dog ideal to take away on day trips and holidays (click here for more details)
• A relatively long lifespan for a Great Dane mixed breed (click here for more details)
• Capable of being successful in dog sports such as obedience and agility trials (click here for more details)
• Likely to get on with cats and other small animals (click here for more details)

What are the reasons not to get a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix ?

• A prospective dog owner doesn’t have time to invest in continuous training and socialization
• A challenge for first time owners
• Not the easiest dog to train
• There is no-one home for lengthy periods of the day
• The family or owner is not active
• The dog owner is not physically strong or frail
• A prospective owner lives in an apartment or has little outdoor space
• A range of health problems to which large dogs are more prone

What is a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

Overview

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix offers a unique blend of the biggest dog in the canine kingdom, the Great Dane, with the dog with the best nose of all canids, the Bloodhound. This creates a fun and mischievous dog who certainly has a nose for trouble!

But with any mixed breed it is always important to research the parent breeds, both their physical attributes and the temperament. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate in any particular dog.

For more information regarding the parent breeds of the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide.

What are the history and origins of the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development.

So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the Bloodhound.

The Great Dane – Origins and History

It is perhaps a reflection of the magisterial nature of this dog that national claims to ownership have been something of a big bone of contention in the history of this huge hound. Most sources agree that this breed was, in fact, originally from Germany, although some accounts claim Scandinavian origins even before this.

There is even some evidence that this type of large dog was extant in Ancient Greece, and there are some depictions of dogs in Ancient Egyptian tombs from 3000BC which bear a resemblance to the magnificent breed that we have today.

From the 13th and 14th centuries there are clearer pictorial and written records of the forebears of this giant breed. In Germany they were known as ‘The English Dogge’ owing to it being founded largely on the English Mastiff, which is in itself descended from the large and ferocious ‘Molussus’ dog.

It is thought that extra size and speed of these dogs was contributed to by interbreeding with the Irish Wolfhound, and possibly other Sight-Hounds such as the Greyhound. This added more of a lean, athletic frame while retaining the strength and power that we still associate with the Great Dane.

Although the role of these huge hounds was not to ‘sight’ the prey, but rather they were ‘catcher-dogs’ which ran alongside the horses. Once the prey had been discovered these dogs were sent in to bring down large powerful prey such as boars, deer and even bears.

In 1876 Germany declared the Great Dane as its national dog and pronounced that it should henceforward be known as the ‘German dogg’, but in Holland they continued to call this breed ‘The Dutch Dog’. Finally due to some anathema towards Germany most English-speaking nations settled on Great Dane.

Originally the companion of nobles and kings even to this day this impressive hound retains a sense of being an aristocrat amongst canines popular not only for its formidable strength and speed but also for its regal appearance. Indeed this has further been elevated to divine heights and this dog is often referred as the ‘Apollo of dogs’ reflection its beauty and athleticism.

Although kennel clubs insist that there is complete equivalence between American and European breed standards for dogs bred to high standards, some breeders claim a noticeable difference in appearance. Whereas European Great Danes have more loose skin and fuller lips, with a square head, the American version of the breed is tighter around the face with a slightly lighter build.

Although the Irish Wolfhound is accepted generally as the tallest breed, the tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane called Zeus from Michigan in the United States who measured a staggering 44 inches (around 119 cm) from foot to withers.

One of the most famous of all Great Danes is not so well known for being fearless in pursuit of his quarry. This is, of course, Scooby Doo. Although perhaps his love of food is certainly in keeping with the voracious appetite of this wonderful large breed. The Great Dane is currently ranked as the 15th most popular breed according to the AKC 2020 registration data [1].

The Bloodhound – Origins and History

There is no questioning that the speed and size of Sight Hounds such as the Greyhound and Irish Wolfhound in the dog world are impressive.  But having the best nose in the whole of the canine kingdom is also not to be sniffed at. Enter the iconic Bloodhound.

The word ‘sleuth’ comes from old Nordic for a ‘track’ or ‘trail’. The Bloodhound, or ‘Sleuth-Hound’, is able to follow scents that are over 100 hours old. This makes it the best detective dog out there. No wonder that a Bloodhound was recently conscripted to assist the most famous ‘sleuth’ of all.  In the recent Sherlock Holmes series it is a Bloodhound who teams up with Benedict Cumberbatch [2].

The name Bloodhound may not be as gory as it first sounds.  Received opinion states that this refers to their ‘well-blooded’ or aristocratic owners.

Originally from Belgium, the forebear of this dog was named the St. Hubert Hound.   Developed by monks, this dog had the honor of being named after the patron saint of hunting.  This breed quickly spread throughout France. 

They were then reputedly brought over to England by William the Conqueror in 1066 and were used largely to track large game such as deer and wild boar. Although they did already have an early enforcement role in medieval society.  These dogs are documented as being used by curfew-men and sheriffs so they have a long history in pursuing felons and bringing criminals to justice.

Since then references to the Bloodhound pepper the pages of British history. They are recorded as being used in the hunt for Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, early heroes of the fight for Scottish independence, as the English attempt to quash the Scottish rebellion towards the end of the 13th century.

Indeed Bloodhounds are still employed in various law enforcement agencies in the States.   Their tracking or ‘sleuthing’ expertise are still highly respected.  Indeed a Bloodhound’s recognition of scent remains permissible as court evidence [2].   They are particularly valued in search and rescue operations and are directly responsible for rescuing a number of adults and children.

The Bloodhound is also playing its part in the noble enterprise of animal preservation in Africa. These scent specialists are being used to track down poachers and prevent the cruelties of hunting magnificent creatures like the elephant and rhinoceros for ivory.

These dogs represent a triumph of specialization.  Their noses are packed with around 300 million scent receptors (compared to around 6 million in humans).  Their wrinkled skin and hanging ears are all employed in dragging up scents.  These smells are then funnelled up through the Bloodhound’s long muzzle.

The Bloodhound also appears in a range of novels and stories including one of the most Gothic of the Sherlock Holmes stories, the Hound of the Baskervilles. Also in the novel ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens the escaped convicts are pursued by these sleuth hounds.

The iconic Bloodhound ranks as the 46th most popular breed in the USA according to the AKC’s 2020 rankings [3].

Linked Hybrid Breeds:

Great Dane Doberman Mix, Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, Great Dane Pitbull Mix, Great Dane Boxer Mix, Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane Greyhound Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Saint Bernard Mix.

What’s the difference between a Great Dane and a Bloodhound?

The Great Dane tends to have a more mellow temperament and is also very gregarious with other dogs and are always happy to play, often being described as ‘goofy’ or gentle giants. Click here to see an example of one such giant lapdog.

The Bloodhound is another large dog but is not seen as manageable as the Great Dane, often being described as mischievous and very independent-minded. At the same time although they are gentle, they are not as playful as the Great Dane.

Although the Bloodhound is still very loving and endearing a breed, this has resulted in them not always being considered a natural choice for a pet. Although keen in pursuit of a scent, they trail far behind the Great Dane in terms of popularity.

What is an interesting fact about the Bloodhound Great Dane Mix?

Both the Great Dane and Bloodhound are examples of the incredible potential that dogs have with skilful specialization. The forbears of these breeds would certainly have rubbed shoulders on the hunt.

The role of the Bloodhound, the scent-hound with the best nose of all, was to track the prey over a distance. They would then alert the large and powerful ‘catcher-dogs’, like the Great Dane, to the whereabouts of large prey such as boar. These dogs would then catch and hold back the unfortunate creatures until the human hunters arrived.

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix offers an intriguing combination of highly specialized breeds who potentially combines the best sense of smell in the canine kingdom with the largest dog.

What will a Bloodhound Great Dane Mix look like?

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is likely to be at the large end of a Great Dane mixed breed.

With a mixed breed you can expect that the head and neck is likely to have loose skin. Also the characteristic square muzzle of the Great Dane is likely to be deeper and more elongated when combined with the Bloodhound.

The gait is likely to be long with an easy elasticity which allows this dog to jog along for many miles. This dog will be compact and muscular with a long tapering tail

The ears are likely to be pendant but are unlikely to be as deep hanging as a purebred Bloodhound.

What is the temperament and personality of the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

Both the parent breeds, the Great Dane and the Bloodhound, have very placid temperaments who are very gentle and cane be trusted around people, other dogs and smaller animals.

But while the Great Dane is a playful goofball, the Bloodhound will be happy to play but will not sustain this for very long, preferring to track scents around the house and the yard. This means the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix could offer a dog happy to play but also independent enough to entertain themselves if you are busy.

The Great Dane may be boisterous but they can respond well to training and instruction. The Bloodhound influence may, however, add some stubbornness into the temperament of this mixed breed. This is likely to spring from the independence and determination that a Bloodhound is required to show while following scents of the quarry.

But this dog with a patient and consistent approach to training will prove biddable as they will always be eager to please their owners.

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is going to be a very active dog who, aside from exercise, will need to be provided with lots of stimulation including treasure-hunt scent games, as well as tugging and interactive play. This dog will be the perfect companion for families who enjoy outdoor pursuits such as long walk and hiking.

Also these dogs will have a natural tendency to pull on the lead in keeping with their traditional role of taking the lead in a hunt.  This makes them unsuitable for frail or elderly dog-owners. It is worth noting that the choice of collar or leash is particularly  important for this breed.

This mixed breed may also not be entirely suitable for the house-proud. This dog will have a natural instinct to chase around, sniff out and uncover objects of all kinds. This means that this very large dog can do a lot of damage and cause a lot of mess in any home when they are not closely supervised.

Nevertheless early socialization will ensure that this huge hound will enjoy play-time with its canine pals without incident. This also makes this wonderful mixed breed the perfect addition to a multi-dog household, although if introducing a puppy to an older dog be sure this is sensitively structured.

For the different stages in the development of the temperament of a puppy and adult dog’s development please click here.

What are the exercise requirements for the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

The Bloodhound is numbered among the marathon runners of the dog breeds in keeping with the role of a scent-hound tracking prey over long distances. The Great Dane is also an active dog who needs a high level of exercise.

This means the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix will require at least 2 hours exercise a day. This should include a good run of the leash each day and an opportunity to explore the scents around them on a walk. But be aware that this huge hybrid may have a tendency to follow their nose rather than recall instructions!

If possible, this dog will absolutely love to be offered tracking and trailing challenges to offer more exercise and stimulation.

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is going to be very big, even on the scale of Great Dane mixed breeds. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years of the dog.

This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially a large mixed breed such as a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix.

If you are concerned regarding this then it is advised that you discuss this with a vet.

Is the Bloodhound Great Dane a good family dog?

For an experienced owner the Bloodhound Great Dane Mix will offer a gentle and tolerant family pet who is always up for lots of fun. This mixed breed is guaranteed to be playful although the Bloodhound influence means they will also like to be independently following scents. This means there will also be some down-time for the family.

This dog may not be suitable for the house-proud and prospective owners must be careful to place valuable items out of the range of this sometimes slightly clumsy mixed breed dog. There is also a possibility of drool due to the Bloodhound influence.

But a huge positive is that this dog is likely to be quiet in the house, although the Bloodhound influence may well lead them to be very vocal outside on the trail of interesting scents.

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix will prove a joyous, mischievous and eternally friendly member of your family. This mixed breed will always be happy as long as they are close to their beloved humans.

This dog will prefer routine but can also be an adaptable family dog, happy to go on day trips or even a longer doggy get-away on holiday.

Who is the ideal owner of a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

The ideal owner will experienced with large breeds of dogs. This will provide the strong canine leadership that this large and independently minded dog most certainly needs.

An owner must also have the time to offer this mixed breed long daily walks along along with the patience to fully train and socialize this dog to support this huge hound being successful in a new home

The ideal owner will be one that can be at home with this dog most of the time. The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is very likely to suffer from separation anxiety which can lead to high levels of distress. Click here for tips on helping a dog cope with separation.

What are the grooming requirements of the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix will have only minimal grooming requirements. The short double coat is only likely to require a weekly brushing.

But remember that this should be done daily in periods of hot weather to remove dead hair and keep this mixed breed dog cool. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.

It is important to be aware that the Bloodhound influence may mean that this dog will have some wrinkling to the facial area. If so these must be cleaned daily to avoid the possibility of a build up of bacteria and infection. Please click here for tips on cleaning out facial wrinkles.

Also be careful to ensure that the ear canals are cleaned on a regular basis.

How much space is required for a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

It is obvious from the size of both parent breeds that the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is going to be a very large dog who requires plenty of space both inside and outside the home.

Not only are Great Danes giant hounds, but the Bloodhound is also a good size. This dog should therefore ideally be housed somewhere with a fair-sized outdoor space and apartment living should be avoided.

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix will be an active dog needing a large yard to investigate and explore in order to burn off excess energy.

As the product of parent breeds who are hunting dogs, this mixed breed will have a very adventurous spirit and will want to be on the move much of the day. This means that an outdoor space in which to excitedly explore a range of scents will keep this mixed breed occupied and content.

What is the lifespan of the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

The lifespan of Great Danes is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. But the Bloodhound has a good lifespan for a large dog of generally between 10 and 15 years.

The likely lifespan for a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is between 9-12 years.

What are the potential health problems for Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

Mixed breed dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the parent breeds of the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix can be inherited.

Potential health problems for the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix include:

• Cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions
• Otitis externa
• Gastric Torsion/Bloat (see exercise and feeding)
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Possible deafness as it affects some Great Danes.
• Eye problems such as ectropion and entropion
• hypothyroidism

What kind of training is required for a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

With a large and powerful dog like the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, early socialization and consistent obedience training are an absolute priority. This will mean that this dog will generally be able to cope with a range of situations both inside and outside the home.

Both Bloodhounds and Great Danes are very human-oriented and eager to please their owners. The use of positive reinforcement  in consistent training is essential. This will result in generally biddable and well-trained dogs.

In keeping with the hunting heritage of the parent breeds, recall can be an issue as they are easily distracted by scents so should be prioritized in the training regime. Another result of this heritage is that this mixed breed is likely to have an independent and confident spirit. This means leash training should be a priority to mitigate any pulling as these dogs will be large and strong.

Both parent breeds love to chew and can be destructive without house-training.  This can also happen during the owner’s absence.  Training to mitigate separation anxiety training should be prioritized. It is recommended that you  provide a Bloodhound with hefty chews and toys.  This should keep them occupied and calm.

Click here for an outline of the benefits of training. Click here for information on socializing a puppy and here for socializing an adult dog.

How big will a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix get?

The Great Dane male is, according to breed standards, at least 30 inches (82cm) tall from the feet to the withers. While the female stands at 28 inches (72cm) or more. The male Bloodhound stands at between 25 to 27 (63-69cm) inches with the female slightly smaller at between 23-25 (58-63cm) inches.

The size of a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is likely to be:

• Male: 29-34 inches (74 – 86cm) from feet to withers.
• Female: 27-32 inches (69-81cm) from feet to withers.

How much is a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix likely to weigh?

The Great Dane male typically weighs between 120 to 170 lb (54-74kgs) with the female at 110 to140 lbs (50-64 kgs). The male Bloodhound weighs in at around 90-110 lb (41-50kg) while the female is marginally lighter at between 80-100 lb (36-45kg).

The Bloodhound Great Dane Mix is likely to weigh:

• Male: 105-150lb (43-66 kg)
• Female: 95-125lb (36kg-59kg)

Where should I get a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix from?

If you are looking for a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix puppy then always contact a reputable breeder and look out for the following:

• You should always have the opportunity to see the puppies interacting with the mother.
• If there is little interaction with the ‘mother’ be cautious as occasionally unscrupulous breeders can bring in another female dog for appearances.
• A reputable breeder should also have details of the father available on request.
• In addition you should have access to the medical records of both parents and any kennel club certificates.
• A reputable breeder should be willing to offer you advice when you take your puppy home.

If possible, adoption is a kind and rewarding option. But ensure that you thoughtfully discuss the details of a rescue dog with the charity or rehoming organization.

If you already have a dog , then please feel free to browse these tips on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.

What are the feeding requirements of a Bloodhound Great Dane Mix?

It is always a good idea to consult with a vet or animal dietician regarding feeding requirements in the early days of ownership. This will ensure that your Bloodhound Great Dane Mix will receive a balanced diet in the correct portions.

It is also important to balance feeding against exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Many owners of Bloodhounds and Great Danes are recommended a raw food diet.

Should I get a male or female Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

Each dog is unique, so the following only offers a general guide rather than a rule but male and female dogs can have different dispositions.

The male dogs in this mixed breed may be more playful and boisterous, and take a little longer to mature psychologically.

The female Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is likely to be more focused in obedience training and a little more laid-back.

What colors are common for a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

In general the Bloodhound Great Dane Mix can be any solid or partial color.

Common colors include:

• Brown
• Brindle
• Liver
• Liver and Tan
• Blue
• Black and Tan
• Black and White

This dog may inherit the black mask of the Great Dane and in rare cases the Harlequin patched coat. Others favoring the Bloodhound may have black and tan colorings to the face.

Does the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix get along with other dogs?

This breed are able to cohabit with other dogs. This is also true of both founding breeds but ensure you follow clear steps in introducing established dogs to a puppy or another dog. The Great Dane is a particularly gregarious dog and any hybrid with this gentle giant in the mix is unlikely to be aggressive.

This friendliness is intensified by the influence of the Bloodhound who is also naturally friendly and disposed to be gentle towards other dogs.

As noted above it is, however, vital to consistently socialize a dog of this size to ensure they are confident around people and other dogs,

Does the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix get on with cats and small pets?

Even though the Bloodhound does have a naturally high prey drive, both parent breeds are known to be able to live with smaller animals such as cats.

In order to absolutely ensure harmonious canine-feline relations it is best that the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix is introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that they can successfully live with these smaller pets.

Training a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix puppy to get along with a cat

To maximize the chances of a positive relationship between this mixed breed dog and a cat ensure that they are introduced in a structured and sensitive way.

Step 1

This should start with putting down items that belong to the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix puppy before the arrival to accustom the cats to the scent.

Step 2

The next step is to confine the puppy to an area. This should certainly include at feeding times and could be a room with a baby-gate. The area of confinement should be circulated around the house as well as a safely enclosed outside area.

Step 3

When ready allow the puppy out on an appropriate leash or harness and proactively praise positive interactions and correct any chasing. Ensure the cats always have escape areas including high places to promote their sense of confidence and safety.

Will a Great Dane Bloodhound Mix make good guard dog for the home?

The Great Dane Bloodhound Mix does not offer a natural guard dog to your home. The Bloodhound is known to be suspicious of strangers but the Great Dane is too overly friendly to be a reliable protector of the home.

But this hybrid breed dog will still be likely to rise to the occasion if they sense that their human family are directly threatened. It is also very probable that they will bark an alarm if they hear or see intruders to a property.

Where can I found out more about the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix?

If you are considering a hybrid breed such as the Great Dane Bloodhound Mix always research both parent breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of puppy and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.

The price of the Bloodhound Great Dane Mix will vary but generally mixed breed dogs cost less than pure bred dogs such as a Great Dane puppy or a Bloodhound puppy.

Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Bloodhound and other breeds.

Other Great Dane Hybrid Breeds

Please click on the pictures below to find out more about these other fantastic Great Dane hybrid breeds:

Great Dane Pitbull
Mix

Great Dane Boxer Mix
(Boxane)

Great Dane Dalmatian Mix
(Great Dal)

Great Dane and Rottweiler
Mix

Links:

Great Dane Rescue (USA)
DaneLine (UK)

American Bloodhound Group (USA)
Bloodhound Rescue (UK)