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

Physical Attributes

Lifestyle Guidance:

Average

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Good

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Minimal

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Average

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Good

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Not Suitable

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

• 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 Greyhound Mix?

• 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 Greyhound Mix?

Overview

The Great Dane Greyhound Mix has to be the ultimate blend of size and speed. The Great Dane is certainly no slouch when it comes to speed, but the Greyhound influence adds both a blistering pace and a calmer temperament.

So essentially the Great Dane Greyhound Mix could be characterized as the biggest and fastest lapdog in the canine kingdom

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 Greyhound Mix, the Greyhound and the Great Dane, as well as 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound.

The Greyhound – Origins and History

A Greyhound-like coursing hound is represented pictorially in Egyptian tombs from 4000 BC [1] and also in later frescoes and paintings from the Greek and Roman era. Later, these lean sight hounds were recorded in various sources as widespread in Saxon England where they were used by the nobility for hunting in forests. Indeed in 1014 laws were enacted to ensure that Greyhounds could only be used by nobility in woodland to prevent poachers from hunting in the royal forests.

The British monarchy also has a long history with these hounds who were also used for coursing smaller game such as hares. King Henry VIII was known to enjoy a bet on this sport and his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I,  first formalized the rules on the sport of coursing hares.

This blood sport has now thankfully been banned in the UK and more recently Northern Ireland. But it continues in three EU countries including the Republic of Ireland and is also practiced in Western United States.

The Greyhound’s blazing speed now has a far wider audience than the royal hunting grounds. They continued to be bred for velocity but this became even more pronounced with the advent of Greyhound racing in the early nineteenth century.

The modern sport of Greyhound racing is televised around the world where the dogs reach amazing speeds of up to 45mph (72kph).  Interestingly, to do so they adopt the same distinctive rotary gallop gait as the Cheetah.

For many the Greyhound is the breed which typifies the sub-category of breeds in the Hound Group called Sight Hounds. The breed was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1885.

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 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 Rottweiler Mix, Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Saint Bernard Mix.

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

The Great Dane has what might be described as having a relaxed and calm temperament. But they relatively active and high-energy. Surprisingly this is actually not the case with the lovable Greyhound, widely known as ‘the fastest couch potato on the planet’. Once they have had a run on a walk, the Greyhound is quite happy to spend the rest of the day at rest.

The Great Dane is also a dog that likes to closely shadow their owners. The very laid-back Greyhound is a very people-oriented dog but is not quite so clingy and tends to be very low-maintenance.

This means there is a good chance that the Great Dane Greyhound Mix will be sprightly but not overly active, so you should be able to expect some downtime with this mixed breed.

In terms of physical comparison the Greyhound is far slighter and more narrow in the face. While the Great Dane gains some bulk and its squarer head deep muzzle from the Mastiff influence.

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

Despite the differences between the Greyhound and the Great Dane, it is noticeable that both dogs have the lean, tucked-up body typical of a sight-hound bred to chase pursue prey over a short distance.

This is because the early forbears of the modern Great Dane were thought to be a combination of the Greyhound, to offer speed, and the Mastiff to give bulk and strength.

This produced the perfect ‘catch-hound’ on the hunt: a dog quick enough to catch large prey but also big enough to hold them back until the arrival of the hunter. The result of this combination is the elegant and powerful Great Dane.

No wonder then that the Great Dane Greyhound Mix provides a wonderful variation on this theme in a leaner, faster version of the Great Dane.

What will a Great Dane Greyhound Mix look like?

It is difficult to be precise about exactly how a Great Dane Greyhound Mix will look as they may heavily favor one of their parent breeds in different aspects of their appearance.

But due to the common sight-hound inheritance you can be sure that the body of this mixed breed will exude lean, muscular athleticism. The stomach will be neatly tucked up arching into the powerful hindquarters. The back will be straight leading down to a thin, tapering tail.

The square-shaped head of the Great Dane may remain on this hybrid breed or be narrowed by the Greyhound influence. The ears are likely to be on the small side and possibly folded.

This dog will offer a magnificent sight in open fields when at full speed. The Great Dane Greyhound Mix will be able to achieve a blisteringly fast gallop, devouring distances with a long, elegant stride.

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

As with physical appearance, the Great Dane Greyhound Mix may heavily favor the temperament of one of the parent breeds. It is therefore worth consulting information on both the Great Dane and the Greyhound.

But the following will consider the likely outcome of a blend of these fantastic breeds.

The Greyhound is fundamentally a breed that is known to be quiet, calm and laid-back. But this disposition is likely to be energized in the Great Dane Greyhound Mix as the zestful Great Dane is a very playful and fun-loving breed.

It is certain, however, that this dog will always be eager to please their human family and want to be at the center of everything! The Great Dane is incredibly clingy and will provide a large, furry shadow for its beloved humans all day. While the Greyhound likes to be close to its human family most of the time, this breed has more independence.

This means the Great Dane Greyhound Mix is likely to be happy to be left alone for short periods of time.

Both parent breeds have a reputation for being clean dogs that are well-behaved around the house. But this dog will be on the large size and Great Danes can be a little clumsy.

Also the Greyhound influence should curb the naturally boisterous nature of the Great Dane. This means you can usually expect a well-balanced dog with a naturally kind, gentle and tolerant disposition. But be aware that the Greyhound has a high prey-drive, which may lead this dog to chase around after smaller animals on a walk.

The Great Dane does have a tendency to be a vocal dog with a large, booming bark. But the Greyhound is a relatively quiet dog meaning that there is a chance that this dog will bark an alarm should someone approach the house, but will not be a nuisance barker.

This Great Dane Greyhound Mix will have a very sensitive temperament, so should be trained and managed using methods based around positive reinforcement.

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

What are the exercise requirements for a Great Dane Greyhound Mix?

The Great Dane needs around 1.5 to 2 hours walking a day including a long walk with time to romp around off the leash. But the Greyhound only needs a couple of short walks each day of around 20 to 30 minutes.

The Great Dane Greyhound Mix is going to be an athletic dog who is likely to need around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise each day.

But this mixed breed is going to be a very large dog. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years.

This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially a Great Dane Greyhhound Mix. If you are concerned regarding this then it is advised that you discuss this with a vet.

Is the Great Dane Greyhound Mix a good family dog?

The Great Dane Greyhound Mix is likely to prove an absolutely excellent family pet.

The Greyhound and the Great Dane both have very gentle and loving temperaments, and are very tolerant of children. Although it is important, as with all dogs, that they are closely supervised at all times. This is particularly true if the children are very small, as this big dog may cause accidental injury.

This dog promises to generally low maintenance with good house manners. Both parent breeds are also known for being generally clean animals. They will generally be biddable and with good socialization will be manageable both inside and outside the home.

This dog will also be playful but will also happily have times when left to themselves within the home. This means you will get some down-time, as long as this dog receives enough exercise and stimulation.

These dogs will be happy as long as they are with their human pack. This means that the Great Dane Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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.

It is highly preferable that the an owner of the Great Dane Greyhound Mix enjoys an active lifestyle and that they have the physical strength to manage a dog of this size.

This dog will also need a strong canine leader to ensure that socialization, manners and obedience training are consistently put in place. This will ensure that this large dog is fully manageable and biddable both within and outside the home.

The Greyhound influence may give this dog a measure of independence and this dog will be able to be left alone for short periods of time. But the ideal owner will still be one that can offer this dog human companionship for most of the day.

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

The Great Dane Greyhound Mix will have only very minimal grooming requirements. The short and fine coat will only require weekly brushing to remove dead hair and ensure the circulation of natural oils around the skin.

This will also help to keep this mixed breed dog cool in spells of hot weather. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.

Both parent breeds only have a single-coat and can be susceptible to the cold. 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.

Ensure also that teeth and ears are cleaned on a regular basis to keep this dog in tip-top condition.

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

This mixed breed dog is going to be a very large dog approaching the size of a purebred Great Dane so will need a home with plenty of space. The Great Dane Greyhound Mix will need a large area in which to spread out and make themselves comfortable.

The Great Dane enjoys a good run outside and this will be further intensified by the influence of the Greyhound. This means the ideal home for this dog will have a large and secure area outside to help keep this dog well-exercised and fully stimulated.

What is the lifespan of the Great Dane Greyhound Mix?

The lifespan of Great Danes is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. Greyhounds, however, can live up to around 10 years.

The likely lifespan for a Great Dane Greyhound Mix is between 8-10 years.

What are the potential health problems for the Great Dane Greyhound 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 parent breeds of the Greyhound Great Dane Mix can be inherited.

Potential health problems for the Great Dane Greyhound Mix include:

• Osteosarcoma
• Cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Possible deafness as it affects some Great Danes.
• Eye problems such as entropion and ectropion
• Hypothyroidism
• Gastric Torsion

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

The Great Dane Greyhound Mix is going to be a very large dog with a spirited temperament. This means like early socialization and consistent obedience training are an absolute priority to nurture a confident but biddable dog.

The priority for this athletic canine will be to provide heel training as there is a strong likelihood that the Great Dane Greyhound Mix will tend to pull on the leash. This behavior springs from the hunting hound heritage of both parent breeds.

It is advisable to allow this dog to have a good run off the leash during a walk so this mixed breed dog can expend its energy in bursts of sprinting. This will provide the physical stimulation upon which fast, sight-hound based dogs thrive. But this demands good recall training to ensure that this tall sprinter will return when necessary.

Both parent breeds, the Great Dane and the Greyhound, are very sensitive. It is therefore important always to use training methods based around positive reinforcement.

If the Great Dane Greyhound Mix is going to be left alone regularly for any periods more than a couple of hours then it is also essential to provide training for separation anxiety.

Click here for more general information on socializing a puppy and here for socializing an adult dog.

How big will a Greyhound Great Dane 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 Greyhound is also a tall dog and a male measures at around 27-29 inches (69-74cm). The female Greyhound is only slightly smaller at 26-28 (66-72cm) inches.

This means that the Greyhound Great Dane Mix is going to among the tallest of Great Dane hybrid dogs. You can expect the size of this dog to be:

• Male 30-33 inches (76 – 84cm) from feet to withers.
• Female 29-32 inches (74 -81cm) from feet to withers.

How much is a Great Dane Greyhound Mix is 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 Greyhound male weighs in at around 65-70 lb (29-31kg) with the female between 60-65 lb (27-29kg).

The lithe Great Dane Greyhound Mix is likely to weigh:

• Male 100-130 lb (45-59 kg)
• Female 90-110lb (41kg-50kg)

Where should I get a Great Dane Greyhound Mix from?

If you are looking for a Great Dane Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhounds and Great Danes are recommended a raw food diet.

Should I get a male or female Great Dane Greyhound 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 Dane Greyhound Mix may be a little more independent than the male meaning that training around recall can be a little less consistent.

The male dogs can take longer to mature, which will mean extra patience during the socialization and early training phases. The male dogs may be slightly more affectionate than females.

But regardless of gender, the Great Dane Greyhound Mix will offer a dog full of character and a superb companion for both families and single owners.

What colors are common for a Great Dane Greyhound Mix?

In general the can be any solid or partial color.

Common colors include:

• Fawn
• Gray
• Red
• Brindle
• Blue
• Black
• A white bib or striping to the neck and chest will be common
• Color may be solid or dappled

Does a Great Dane Greyhound Mix get along with other dogs?

This Great Dane Greyhound Mix is very likely to get on with other dogs. This is also true of both parent breeds but ensure you follow clear steps in introducing established dogs to a puppy or another dog if introducing this mixed breed to a multi-dog household.

The Great Dane is a particularly gregarious dog and any hybrid with this gentle giant in the mix is unlikely to be aggressive. Similarly the Greyhound is usually relaxed and laid-back around other dogs, although they generally prefer the company of humans.

Does a Great Dane Greyhound Mix get on with cats and small pets?

If the Great Dane Greyhound Mix is introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that they can successfully live with these smaller pets. Greyhounds have a high prey drive, in keeping with their sighthound heritage, 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 Great Dane Greyhound Mix puppy to get along with a cat

To maximize the chances of a positive relationship between your Great Dane Greyhound Mix 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 Greyhound 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.

Does the Great Dane Greyhound Mix make a good guard dog for the home?

If this dog senses that a family member is threatened the likelihood is that this huge hound will rise to the occasion and be protective of the family members.

But across the range of Great Dane mixed breeds, the Great Dane Greyhound Mix is not the most natural of guard dogs.

This is because both parent breeds, the Great Dane and the Greyhound, are generally disposed to be friendly towards humans. Also the Greyhound influence may mean that this mixed breed is less prone to barking an alarm as the Great Dane Greyhound Mix is more likely to be the strong and silent type.

But the Greyhound Great Dane Mix, due to sheer bulk and natural protectiveness, still offers a significant deterrent to any unwelcome visitors to the home.

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

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

The price of a Great Dane Greyhound Mix will vary but generally hybrid breed dogs cost less than pure bred parent breeds.

Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Greyhound and many other fascinating and exciting 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)

Grey2KUSA (USA)
Greyhound Trust (UK)