Physical Attributes
Male 27-32 inches (69 – 79cm)
Female 26-30 inches (66 -76cm)
Male & Female: 95-145lb (43-66 kg)
Great Dane:
Working Group
Doberman:
Working Group
Lifestyle Guidance:
What are the reasons to get a Great Dane Doberman Mix (Doberdane)?
- This is a wonderful family dog and is tolerant of children (click here for more details)
- A fun-loving and loyal personality (click here for more details)
- Great guard dogs as both protective and obedient (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)
- Very trainable and quick to learn a range of commands (click here for more details)
- Capable of being successful in dog sports such as obedience and agility trials (click here for more details)
What are the reasons not to get a Great Dane Doberman Mix (Doberdane)?
- A prospective dog owner doesn’t have time to invest in continuous training and socialization
- A challenge for first time owners
- 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 can affect this large breed such as hip dysplasia
What is a Great Dane Doberman Mix (Doberdane)?
Overview
The Great Dane Doberman Mix offers a unique blend of impressive size, power, athleticism and trainability while at the same time having a gentle and balanced temperament.
The Great Dane as a parent breed offers size, strength and a playful temperament which offers a winning combination with the more serious, intelligent and trainable Doberman.
But with any hybrid 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 Doberdane 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 Doberman 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 Doberman.
The Doberman – Origins and History
To understand dogs fully requires an understanding of where they have come from.
The Doberman is the result of alchemical breeding brilliance in the 19th Century by a tax collector called Louis Dobermann. Taxation might not sound like the most exciting origin story for a breed. But the Doberman is a prime example of how already specialized breeds can be combined so dynamically to create something new and wonderful.
Although not officially documented, the Doberman Pinscher is thought to be bred from a combination of The German Shepherd, The Rottweiler, The Greyhound and the Weimaraner. Other possibilities cited by the AKC include the Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher.
‘Pinscher’ came to German from the French word ‘pincer’ . This means to bite and nip signalling the role of of Doberman Pinschers as intimidating guard dogs. The fame and popularity of this wonderful dog soon spread. In 1900 this dog was designated a breed by the German Kennel Club. In 1921 the Doberman had become global and the Pinscher Club of America was established.
The recent AKC 2020 registration records the Doberman Pinscher as the 18th most popular breed in the United States [1]. This popularity is certainly helped by the fact that this lovely dog is no longer associated with collecting tax.
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 [2].
Linked Hybrid Breeds:
Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, Great Dane Pitbull Mix, Great Dane Boxer Mix, Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Dane Rottweiler Mix, Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane Greyhound Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix.
What’s the difference between a Great Dane and a Doberman?
The Great Dane tends to have a more mellow temperament than the Doberman 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. They are also tend to be more naturally friendly to unfamiliar people than Doberman.
The Doberman is more of a natural guard dog than the Great Dane and is always on the alert. It is also hyper-trainable and demands a high level of physical and mental challenge. These dogs are generally more obedient and able to learn commands more quickly. They are also more aloof with strangers.
This can lead to a balanced temperament in the Doberdane.
What is an interesting fact about Doberdanes?
Great Danes and the Doberman Pinschers share some common ancestry in they can both count the Greyhound, the speediest canine on the planet, as a founding breed. So expect some electric speeds from this very exciting hybrid breed derived from these parent breeds.
What will a Doberdane look like?
The Doberdane is likely to have a long narrow head with floppy ears and a more blunted muzzle than typically found on the Great Dane.
The Doberman Pinscher is a very athletic and strong breed and when combined with the added bulk of the Great Dane produces a formidably powerful and muscular dog. Both of these breeds are also very energetic meaning that the Doberdane will be bursting with energy.
This Doberman Great Dane Mix will also have a long, majestic stride capable of achieving an absolute blistering speed owing to the fact that both parent breeds can trace the Greyhound in their ancestry lending a real lithe athleticism to the Doberman Great Dane Mix.
This muscular and athletic dog is very handsome and guaranteed to turn heads in the park.
What is the temperament and personality of the Doberdane?
Although there are some differences in the parent breeds, there are common characteristics the Doberdane is predestined to inherit in terms of personality and behavior.
Great Danes not only cast a large shadow, but literally become a large shadow as they follow their owners around. But Doberman Pinschers are not quite as ‘clingy’ but are another fiercely loyal breed who relish praise and are very eager to please.
The Great Dane is intelligent and also biddable, but this is enhanced even further by the influence of the Doberman who is a very trainable and obedient.
You can therefore expect a Doberdane to be a devoted companion who also responds to training really well. But both these founding breeds are sensitive so any training must be based around positive reinforcement.
The Doberdane is very likely to be gregarious. Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Great Dane are very sociable breeds. The Doberman Pinscher, particularly males, can assert dominant behaviors towards other dogs, but this is likely to be tempered by the more mellow temperament of the Great Dane.
Nevertheless early socialization will ensure that this huge hound will enjoy play-time with its canine pals without incident. This also makes this wonderful hybrid eminently suitable for a multi-dog household, although if introducing a puppy to an older dog be sure this is sensitively structured.
The Doberdane when fully grown also provides the ideal dog for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor pursuits. This large breed will be able to walk and climb for many miles.
For the different stages in a puppy and adult dog’s development please click here.
For a video of two very handsome Doberman Great Dane Mix 10-month-old puppies playing and exercising click here.
What are the exercise requirements for Doberdanes?
This Doberdane is very likely to be a high-energy dog who needs the outlet of at least one long walk each day or even a jog to burn off energy. As much opportunities to run and play in a safe, enclosed area as possible should also be provided for this large breed along with the mental stimulation of ‘treasure-hunt’ and chasing games.
This is a dog who will benefit from a good run of the leash each day. The good news is that the Doberman Great Dane mix will prove to be responsive and obedient so recall should not be a problem.
The Doberdane tends towards the large scale of a Great Dane hybrid breed dog. 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 Doberdane. If you are concerned regarding this then it is advised that you discuss this with a vet.
Is the Doberdane a good family dog?
For an experienced owner the Doberman Great Dane Mix makes an absolutely wonderful family pet. This hybrid breed will be loyal, devoted and playful. Additionally, the Great Dane influence will make these dogs even more welcoming of invited guests and any other smaller animals (and let’s face it some of them will be a lot smaller) that are part of the household.
The Doberdane will be fiercely protective of the family and very eager to please. They are likely to be very tactile, playful and gentle with children of all ages although, as with all dogs, they must be supervised.
These dogs will be happy as long as they are with their human pack. This means that the Doberman Great Dane Mix will 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 Doberman Mix?
The ideal owner will be an experienced dog owner. It is even better if a prospective owner has experience with large and powerful breeds.
This dog has huge potential in terms of training but will require a strong canine leader who consistently puts in place socialization and is willing to invest time in order to ensure that this huge, powerful dog is responsive to a range of commands.
The ideal owner will be one that can be at home with this dog most of the time. The Doberdane does not cope very well with being left alone for too long and the resulting separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviors.
What are the grooming requirements of a Doberman Great Dane Mix?
The Doberdane will have only very moderate 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 and keep the Doberdane cool. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.
Both parent breeds only have a single-coat so a Doberdane will be susceptible to the cold, and is not ideally suited to wintery climates. So when bathing remember to ensure that the water is warm. In colder climes it is also advisable to provide a nice warm coat for this dog for maximum comfort.
This Doberman Great Dane Mix is likely to have floppy ears that should be washed regularly as part of the grooming routine in order to avoid any infection.
How much space is required for a Doberdane?
It is obvious from the size of both parent breeds that the Doberdane is likely to be at the large end of Great Dane hybrid scale. Not only are Great Danes giant hounds, but the Doberman Pinscher is in itself a tall and muscular dog. This dog should therefore ideally be housed somewhere with a fair-sized outdoor space and apartment living should be avoided.
The Great Dane Doberman Mix will also be a high energy dog who will require somewhere to burn off excess energy. This dog will combine the adventurous spirit of Great Danes, with the instinct of the Doberman Pinscher to guard territory. This means that an outdoor space to roam and patrol is essential for this hybrid breed.
What is the lifespan of the Doberdane?
The lifespan of Great Danes is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While the Doberman has significantly more longevity and can expect to live between 12-14 years.
The likely lifespan for a Doberman Great Dane Mix is between 9-12 years.
What are the potential health problems for Doberdanes?
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 parent breeds of the Doberdane can be inherited.
Potential health problems for the Doberdane include:
- Cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions
- Bone cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Possible deafness as it affects some Great Danes.
- Eye problems such as ectropion
- hypothyroidism
What kind of training is required for a Great Dane Doberman Mix?
With a large and powerful dog like the Doberdane, 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.
This will also prevent any potentially aggressive behaviors towards other dogs. As already noted the Great Dane Doberman mix may exhibit dominance if owners do not establish themselves as canine leaders.
If this is in place the Doberdane has huge potential. Both founding breeds have an eagerness to please and are celebrated for their intelligence. The Doberman Pinscher influence means that this dog can be categorized as highly trainable for owners willing to invest the time and will be more than capable of competing in dog sports including obedience trials.
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 Doberman 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 Doberman is a tall, muscular dog, so it is likely that the Doberdane will not be significantly smaller than a pure bred Great Dane. The male Doberman stands at between 27-28 inches (69cm-72cm), with the female only slightly shorter between 24-26 inches (60-66cm) .
The size of a Doberdane is likely to be:
- Male 27-32 inches (69 – 79cm) from feet to withers.
- Female 26-30 inches (66 -76cm) from feet to withers.
How much is a Doberdane 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 Doberman Pinscher weighs in at between 70-100lbs (32kgs – 45kgs).
The Doberman Great Dane Mix is likely to weigh:
- Male 95-145 lb (43-66 kg)
- Female 80-130lb (36kg-59kg)
Where should I get a Doberman Great Dane Mix from?
If you are looking for a Doberman Great Dane 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 Doberman 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 Doberdane 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 Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes are recommended a raw food diet.
Should I get a male or female Doberman Great Dane 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 Doberdane tends to be a little more distrustful of strangers but they are slightly more focused and receptive to training.
The male dogs can be more dominant with other dogs but if well-socialized more playful both with dogs and their human family. The males also have a reputation of being friendlier with unfamiliar humans if they know they are welcomed by their human companions.
Both genders of Doberdane make equally good guardians of the home and family pets.
What colors are common for a Doberdane?
In general the Doberdane can be any solid or partial color.
Common colors include:
- Fawn
- Brindle
- Blue
- Black
- Some may favor the black and tan coats of the Doberman Pinscher.
Do Doberdanes 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.
As noted above it is, however, vital to socialize a Doberdane puppy consistently to cope with a range of situations. this becomes of paramount importance in the case of a powerful dog like the Doberman Great Dane Mix.
Do Doberdanes get on with cats and small pets?
If the Doberdane is introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that they can successfully live with these smaller pets. Doberman Pinschers can have a high prey drive, and without the correct socialization and training be prone to chase smaller animals.
But this can be balanced by the temperament of the Great Dane who as a breed are known to be disposed to get on with feline family members.
Training a Doberman Great Dane Mix puppy to get along with a cat
To maximize the chances of a positive relationship between your Doberdane 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 Doberman 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.
Do Doberdanes make good guard dogs for the home?
Doberdanes will certainly provide a formidable protector of both the family and the home.
The Doberman Pinscher is very agile in both mind and body and a very alert dog who is very responsive to an owner’s commands. The Doberman Pinscher also adds hard-edged confidence to the more mellow and naturally friendly temperament of the Great Dane. This means the Doberdane will be fiercely protective of their homes and human families but with the balanced temperament that makes a good guard dog biddable.
The deep resounding bark of the Doberdane will swiftly be followed by this agile, speedy and muscular guardian. But with high trainability and obedience any invited guests will be perfectly safe from these formidable guard dogs.
The combination of these founding breeds, however, is likely to produce a dog that is highly biddable and eager to please their humans but will rise to the occasion and react quickly and effectively in the face of any threat, particularly if they sense the distress of an owner.
Where can I found out more about the Great Dane x Doberman?
If you are considering a hybrid breed such as the Doberdane always research both founding breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of your Doberdane puppy and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.
The price of a Doberdane will vary but generally hybrid breed dogs such as the Doberdane cost less than pure bred dogs such as a Great Dane puppy or a Doberman puppy.
Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Doberman 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)
United Doberman Rescue (USA)
Doberman Rescue UK (UK)
1 thought on “Great Dane Doberman Mix (Doberdane or King Doberman) – A Complete Guide with 24 Questions Answered”
I absolutely love Doberdanes! They are such a unique and amazing breed. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a loyal, loving, and protective companion.