Physical Attributes
Male 25-29 inches (63 – 74 cm)
Female 23-27 inches (58 – 69cm)
Male & Female: 80-115 lb ( 36-52 kg)
Great Dane:
Working Group
Dalmatian:
Non Sporting Group
Lifestyle Guidance:
What are the reasons to get a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix (Great Dalmatian)?
- A large but also athletic dog for those with active lifestyles (click here for more details)
- Minimal grooming requirements (click here for more details)
- A lovable, kind temperament. This dog is a real gentle giant. (click here for more details)
- These dogs will follow you around and provide an excellent companion. (click here for more details)
- The Great Dalmatian is likely to be an excellent guard dog (click here for more details)
- The Great Dal is good with cats and other pets in the house (click here for more details)
What are the reasons not to get a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix (Great Dalmatian)?
- The Great Dal can be a little distracted or stubborn in training
- This huge dog will require lots of space both inside and outside
- The Great Dalmatian, like many large dogs, has a relatively short lifespan
- This mixed breed needs lots of exercise and attention otherwise may become bored and destructive. So might not suit those not able to be very active.
- Cost of food bills will be high
What is a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
Overview
This fascinating hybrid dog claims to iconic dog breeds as parent breeds. The Great Dane famed for both its majesty and size, is combined with the beautiful dappled Dalmatian, the famous coach dog of yesteryear.
With a mixed breed dog, such as the Great Dane Dalmatian mix, it is always important to research the founding breeds in order to be in position to have guidance on both the physical attributes and the temperament. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate and how they will be configured in any particular dog. For more information regarding the founding breeds and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide.
Other linked hybrid breeds:
Great Dane Doberman Mix, Great Dane Pitbull Mix, Great Dane Boxer Mix, Great Dane Rottweiler Mix, Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane Greyhound Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Saint Bernard Mix.
What are the history and origins of the Great Dane Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian.
The Dalmatian – Origins and History
The delightfully dappled Dalmatian is named after Dalmatia in Croatia. It was here that they found the first pictorial records of this distinctive breed. This elegant, spotted dog first appears in a church painting dated around 1600. It is called ‘Madonna with Jesus and the Angels”. A little less conclusively a spotted dog features even earlier in a fresco in Italy which dates to around 1360. Spotted dogs also appear in Egyptian tombs so the Dalmatian may trace its origins back a very long way [1].
This breed were originally guard dogs and companions. Although they may also have had a role in hunting both game and vermin. The Dalmatian arrived in England in the 18th century and was initially employed in protecting the mail coach against bandits. Its criminal antagonists would have included the infamous highwaymen.
But their elegant, regal coats soon made them the natural choice as ‘coach dogs’. These dogs had the calm and balanced temperaments necessary to work with horses. They also had tremendous athleticism and endurance which could see them run up to around 30 miles in a day. In essence they were also seen as a status symbol. So quite early on in their careers this dapper dog became fashionable as well as functional.
Later in the 19th century Dalmatians became famed in the United States as fire dogs. Dalmatians would bark an alert for bystanders to clear the way as they ran besides the carts. As fighters tended the blaze, they would stand by and guard the carriages and the horses. Even to this day Dalmatians are still treasured as mascots and companions to the nation’s firemen [2].
Coaches gave way to motorized vehicles. The function of these dogs then became redundant. But the American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1888. Now these dogs are prized as vivacious and energetic pets.
There have been surges in the popularity of the breed. This happened following the original film ‘The 101 Dalmatians’ in 1961 and the remake in 1996. Indeed any sudden demand for a breed has been coined ‘The Dalmatian Syndrome’. Conscientious breeders and dog welfare organizations have raised concerns as such spikes in demand encourage opportunistic and irresponsible breed practices.
The Great Dane – Origins and History
The Great Dane is often referred to as ‘The Apollo of Dogs’ and is a truly breath-taking giant breed which combines the strength of the Mastiff with the lean muscularity and height of the Irish Wolfhound to produce what were originally very large hunting dogs.
The Great Dane is also a very active breed who need a good outdoor space to play in and once they have fully grown thrive on long walks and plenty of exercise. Like the Dalmatian, when fully grown, they are able to walk for many miles tirelessly, so the Great Dane Dalmatian mix will require plenty of exercise, but will offer an excellent companion to any hikers or long distance walkers out there.
The Great Dane could suitably be described as the biggest lapdog on the planet and have been known to follow their humans absolutely everywhere. The Dalmatian does have a reputation for being something of an attention-seeker who likes to find itself in the middle of anything that is going on in the home.
So expect the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix to literally ‘dog’ your every footstep around the house and be highly affectionate to its nearest and dearest humans.
What is the difference between the Great Dane and the Dalmatian?
Great Danes tend to have a mellow temperament making them an excellent parent breed dog when combined with more excitable breeds. Great Danes do like to run and play hard but they also like to rest hard, making them more sedate than the fit and feisty Dalmatian.
The Dalmatian most definitely falls into the category of excitable and high energy. This ‘coach dog’ was bred to run for miles. Dalmatians are impressively athletic, lithe and leanly muscular dogs designed to run at an efficient trot. But Great Danes were designed for bursts of speed to overtake large prey and are not the best marathon runners in the canine world.
This tends to lead to the Great Dalmatian being full of vivacity and playfulness but easier to manage and less excitable than a purebred Dalmatian. Also the Great Dal is likely to be athletic and have more stamina than a purebred Great Dane.
What is an interesting fact about the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
The parent breeds of this mixed breed, Great Dane and the Dalmatian, both hail from aristocratic roots so you can expect this lovely hybrid to enjoy the best things in life. The Great Dane ran alongside kings and the nobility as a ‘catcher-dog’ bringing down large prey, such as boar, alongside the quick and alert sight hounds.
While the Dalmatian jogged effortlessly beside aristocratic coaches in nineteenth century England offering both protection from highwaymen and keeping marauding dogs at bay from the horses. It is little wonder then that this mix offers a very regal and majestic dog who loves nothing more to roam and play for miles outdoors, but at the same time promises to be an excellent guardian of the family and the home.
What will a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix look like?
It is impossible to predict exactly how a Great Dalmatian will look but this mixed breed is likely to have a long head with a flat skull and a deep muzzle.
The ears will most likely be medium-sized and set high. The Great Dal should have a straight back with a tapering tail that is not carried high.
The body type will be athletic and lean with the stomach neatly tucked in at the sides.
The Great Dal may or may not have the trademark spots of the Dalmatian parent.
What is the temperament and personality of the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
Great Danes not only cast a large shadow, but literally becomes a a large shadow as they follow their owners around. The Dalmatian breed is known to often seek the attention of their owners, although they do are not quite as prone to need to be beside their owners at all times in the house.
Nevertheless this hybrid breed is going to need a lot of time invested in them and will not suit an owner who is not in a position to spend most of the day with this colossal companion. With this hybrid, the more exercise the better in order to provide as much mental and physical stimulation as possible so that this dog will be more relaxed and docile at home.
So you can certainly expect a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix will absolutely dote on their owners and be intensely loyal. Although it is important to be aware that although most are very good in the house some Dalmatians have the reputation for not having entirely ‘spotless’ behaviour outside. They can be a little stubborn and self-willed, as might perhaps be expected from a dog breed which acted as an independent protection dog having to make its own decisions in defence of both horses and carriage.
But the Great Dane influence is likely to temper this stubbornness, and both dog breeds thrive on praise and are very eager to please. You can therefore expect a Dalmatian Great Dane Mix to be a devoted companion who will generally be receptive to training. It is important, however, to make sure any training is governed by an approach based around positive reinforcement to ensure the dog is happy, confident and biddable.
But this dog will want to be in the middle of anything that is going on at home and will also want to play with any children or other pets. This makes early socialization to be absolutely imperative to avoid accidents and maintain relaxed and problem-free relationships between this huge hound and other canine, human and even feline members of the family.
As with most Great Dane based hybrid dogs, the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix will make an effective guardian of the home. The Dalmatian is less trusting of strangers and will bark an alarm if anyone approaches the house adding an edge to the more mellow and accepting temperament of the Great Dane.
Also both of these dogs are agile and swift, so the deep resounding bark of the Dalmatian and Great Dane Mix will quickly followed by this lithe and muscular guardian. But you can be certain that with socialization in place any welcome visitors will have absolutely nothing to fear.
This large dog is likely to be gregarious and willing to play with other dogs, although there may be the occasional episode of dominant behaviour or aggression with a few dogs .
Nevertheless early socialization will generally ensure that this huge hound will enjoy play-time with its canine pals without incident. The Dalmatian Great Dane Mix will be able to live with smaller animals and other dogs but if you are bringing a puppy home to an established dog this should be done in a carefully structured way as outlined in introducing a puppy to an older dog.
The Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, when fully grown, also provides the ideal dog for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor pursuits as they will be able to walk and climb for many miles.
For a guide on how puppy and dog’s develop both physically and mentally please click here.
What exercise is required for the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
This Great Dane Dalmatian Mix is is certainly going to require plenty of exercise including at least one long walk a day of around one and a half hours. The Great Dal will also make a good jogging companion for the more active owners.
Additionally, as much opportunities to run and play in a safe, enclosed area as possible should also be provided along with the mental stimulation of ‘treasure-hunt’ and chasing games. This is a dog who will never tire of playing with family members and chasing around after Frisbees and toys.
The Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, when fully grown, also provides the ideal dog for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor pursuits as they will be able to walk and climb for many miles.
This is a dog who will benefit from a good run of the leash each day. But ensure that the Dalmatian Great Dane mix is trained in recall from as early age as possible to ensure that they are consistently manageable and obedient outside.
Remember also that any Great Dane hybrid dog requires special consideration in terms of the planning of exercise for puppies and young dogs that are still growing. 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 also in this dog. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet alongside feeding and other aspects of fundamental care for this huge hybrid.
Is the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix a good family dog?
For an experienced owner the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix makes an absolutely wonderful family pet. Although it must be in a household which has the time to invest in training and exercise.
This dog will be intensely playful and will demand lots of interactive play. But they will be fiercely protective of the family and very eager to please. Like both parent breeds, hybrid breed will be good and patient with children, although all play must be carefully supervised.
Also with the correct socialization this dog will most likely get on with any smaller pets such as cats in the household.
Who is the ideal owner of a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
The ideal owner will be active, patient and willing to put in time to socialize and train this dog. Also any experience with large and powerful breeds would be hugely beneficial.
Due to the fact that the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix will be a large dog with strength and high energy levels this dog is best suited to a home environment where they have human company for most of the day.
The Great Dane Dalmatian Mix will also be an intelligent dog able to learn a range of commands. But they will be easily distracted so early foundation training on keeping the dog focused on you will be hugely beneficial.
If it is essential to leave this dog for any period of time regularly then it is absolutely imperative to offer training for separation anxiety at an early stage to prevent destructive behaviours in the house which will be the reflection of the dog’s stress.
Like all Great Dane hybrids, this dog will suffer without strong canine leadership. Any less experienced dog owners should prioritize attendance at puppy training classes in order to support their dog feeling happy and secure.
What are the grooming requirements of the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
The Great Dane Dalmatian mix has very minimal grooming requirements. The short and sleek 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 in order to keep this dog comfortably cool. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.
Ensure that as part of any grooming routine the ears are carefully cleaned in order to avoid infection and nails are clipped.
How much space is required for a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
This combination of parent breeds means a dog that is both physically large, and also absolutely full of play and energy. These large dogs are going to need space both inside and outside the house.
The Great Dalmatian is ideally suited to a rural area or a home which has a good-sized, secure area outside in which to burn off its almost inexhaustible supplies of energy and willingness to play.
What is the lifespan of the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
Considering the parent breeds, the lifespan of the Great Dane is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While the Dalmatian has a healthy lifespan of between 12-14 years.
This means that the probable lifespan for a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix is between 9-12 years.
What are the potential health problems for a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
Hybrid 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 founding breeds of the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix in order to have a higher awareness of how best to care for your dog in consultation with a vet.
- Potential health problems for the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix include:
- cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions.
- bone cancer,
- hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
- urinary infections
- hypothyroidism.
Unfortunately, some Dalmatians suffer from deafness, so it is important that this is checked for complete piece of mind.
What kind of training is required for a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
With a fast, powerful and vibrant dog like the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix, early socialization and consistent obedience training are something that needs to be put in place early.
As noted above, unless the owner is very experienced with large dogs, puppy training classes are absolutely vital to ensure that this mixed breed puppy will adapt to his home in such a way as to feel entirely happy, secure and comfortable.
This will mean that the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix will generally be able to cope with a range of situations both inside and outside the home and forestall any potential aggressive behaviours towards other dogs.
This dog will in generally be a playful companion to other dogs. But be aware that Dalmatians can occasionally be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs, so frequent socialization opportunities as a puppy are very important.
The Great Dal can be excitable and a little distracted off the leash, so recall training will also be a priority. This will be most successful when training is based around positive reinforcement.
As noted above, training for separation anxiety should also be foregrounded to avoid destructive behaviors in the house.
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 Dalmatian Mix get?
Great Danes are classed as a giant breed. 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 Dalmatian stands at around 22-24 inches (57-61cm) while the slightly shorter female has a height of around 21-24 inches (53-60cm) .
A Dalmatian and Great Dane Mix is likely to reach:
- Male 26-30 inches (63 – 74 cm) from feet to withers
- Female 24-28 inches (58 – 69cm)
How much is a Great Dane Dalmatian 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 weight of the adult Dalmatian can vary between 40-60lb (18-27 kg).
This means that a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix is likely to weigh:
Male 80-115 lb (36-52 kg)
Female 70-105 lb (32-48kg)
Where should I get a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix from?
If you are looking for a Great Dane Dalmatian 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 breeder should also have details of the father available on request.
- You should have access to the medical records of both parents and any kennel club certificates.
- 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 in order to offer a dog an appropriate forever home.
If you already have an established 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 Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
It is always a good idea to consult with a vet or animal dietician regarding feeding requirements in the early days of ownership, as each dog will be unique.
This will ensure that your Great Dane Dalmatian Mix will receive a balanced diet in the correct portions. It is also important to balance feeding against exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
The Great Dane, like other large dogs, is prone to bloating. This means it is advisable that owners should plan to exercise their Great Dane Dalmatian Mix at least an hour before they feed and at least an hour afterwards. This will help prevent bloat and other gastric conditions afflicting your dog.
Should I get a male or female Great Dane Dalmatian 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. In general the female Great Dal tends to be slightly more mellow and less distrustful of strangers. Also they are less stubborn or distracted during training.
The male dogs can occasionally be aggressive, or even dominant, towards other male dogs but if well-socialized more playful both with dogs and their human family. A well-trained and socialized dog of either gender will provide an excellent family dog who can be a trained to a good standard.
What colors are common for a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix?
In general the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix can be any solid or partial color, and may inherit the dappling of a purebred Dalmatian. If present, these spots are likely to be either liver (brown) or black.
Does a Great Dane Dalmatian Mix get on with cats?
If sensitively introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that the Great Dalmatian can successfully live with these smaller pets. Neither of these dogs have a particularly high prey drive, so feline-canine relationships should generally be without too many problems, although this huge dog may, on occasion, be over-exuberant.
The steps of introducing a cat to a puppy should be carefully structured and follow the following steps:
- Start with putting down items that belong to the Dalmatian Great Dane Mix puppy before the arrival to accustom the cats to the scent.
- Confine the puppy to an area. This should certainly include at feeding times. This could be a room with a baby-gate.
- circulate this area of confinement around the house to different rooms as well as a safely enclosed outside area.
- When ready allow the puppy out on an appropriate leash or harness and proactively praise positive interactions and correct any chasing.
- Always ensure the cats always have escape areas including high places to promote their sense of confidence and safety.
Does the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix make a good guard dog for the home?
This hybrid will certainly provide a reliable and alert protector of the family and the home. The Dalmatian does have a tendency to mistrust strangers and be aloof countering the Great Dane‘s tendency of being by nature too friendly with unfamiliar people.
The combination of these parent breeds, however, is certain to produce an excellent guard dog that will rise to the occasion and sound an alarm to protect the household in the event of any intrusion
Where can I found out more?
If you are considering a hybrid breed such as the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix always research both founding breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of your dog and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.
Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Dalmatian and other breeds. Also a reputable breeder should be willing to offer you advice and guidance when you take your puppy home.
As noted above if you have any queries or doubts regarding the health or feeding of your Great Dane Dalmatian Mix puppy consult a professional vet or animal dietician at the earliest opportunity.
Other Great Dane Hybrid Breeds
Please click on the pictures to find out more about these other fantastic Great Dane hybrid breeds:
Great Dane Pitbull
Mix
Great Dane Boxer Mix
(Boxane)
Great Dane Doberman Mix
(Doberdane)
Great Dane and Rottweiler
Mix
Links:
Great Dane Rescue (USA)
DaneLine (UK)
Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue (USA)
British Dalmatian Welfare (UK)
Dalmatian Group of America (USA)
Save the Dalmatians and other Rescues (USA)
British Dalmatian Welfare (UK)
