Last Updated on December 28, 2021 by Marco
Great Danes are known as being the largest dog breed in the world. Some dogs are taller, and some are heavier, but overall Great Danes are the world’s largest dogs according to height and weight. But despite their massive size, these dogs are gentle giants.
Siberian Huskies are a smaller breed and are generally put in the medium-sized build category for dogs. But like any dog breed, there are always variations within that breed standard.
Not only will this pairing combine two dog breeds that are quite different in terms of appearance, they are also quite different in terms of temperament.
So what kind of dog is the result of a pairing between a Great Dane and a Siberian Husky? In this article, you will discover what to expect with a Great Dane mixed with a Husky dog.
In order to do that first, let’s take a look at the purebred Great Dane.
The Great Dane
History
Despite the name, the Great Dane is actually German in origin, and not Danish! They have long limbs, a deep chest, a broad head and muzzle, and a long tail. Their ears are floppy. In the past, it was a trend to have their ears cropped so that they would stand upright, but thankfully this cruel practice is dying out. This dog tends to drool quite a bit because they have floppy jowls.
Size
Both male and female Great Danes weigh anywhere from 100 to 120 pounds. Males measure 32 inches at the withers; females measure 30 inches at the withers.
Coat
The Great Dane has a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors and needs little grooming. One of the most recognizable coat colors for this breed is the fawn body with a black face, and the ‘Harlequin’, which features big splotches of black or another color, on a white coat. The Great Dane is one of those breeds where blue merle is possible too because they carry the dilute gene. Because of this dilute gene, Great Danes can also have blue eyes.
Purpose
This dog breed is a member of the Working class of dogs. They were originally bred from mastiff-type dogs for German nobility to use for hunting purposes, such as hunting wild boar. This was back in the 17th century. However, the Great Dane that we know today was developed sometime in the 1800s. By this time, they were used as protectors of estates and carriages, as well as hunting dogs.
Today, the Great Dane is a beloved family dog that is also employed as a protector of the home and family; this ‘Apollo’ of dogs can deter an intruder with their sheer size alone. This is just as well because they do not bark much.
Lifespan and Health
Like all giant breeds, Great Danes do not live a particularly long life. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is only 6 to 8 years. They are prone to health issues such as bloat, where gas builds up and the stomach can twist.
Exercise
The Great Dane should not be vigorously exercised when they are young because their bones are still growing. As adults, this breed requires a 20 to 40-minute walk per day. Their energy levels are average.
Personality
This dog is quite playful, affectionate, and good with children. If they are raised with other animals they are usually fine with other pets but if not then they can show aggression towards dogs that they are unfamiliar with.
Training
Great Danes can be stubborn learners but it is important to train them in obedience because of their adult size so that the owner has command of them.
Other Care Requirements
Other care requirements for Great Danes include raised food and water bowls so that they do not have to stand awkwardly to eat, a decent-sized yard to grow and play in, and several smaller meals per day rather than one big one, to prevent bloat. These dogs are expensive to feed! They will also need a big comfortable dog bed to support their large frame and joints.
The Great Dane Husky Mix
- This hybrid dog will be large. So potential owners should have a good-sized yard and home for this hound.
- The Great Dane Husky mix has a short and thick coat of mixed colors that will need plenty of brushing.
- There is potential for this dog to have blue eyes, due to both of its parents having the blue-eyed gene. Otherwise, the eyes will be brown.
- Their nose will most likely be black.
- The Great Dane Husky mix will live on average for around 12 years, so quite a bit longer than a purebred Great Dane, which is wonderful!
- They will be somewhat difficult to train because Huskies are known to be stubborn, and so too can Great Danes when it comes to obedience.
- This hybrid may not be suitable for other pets, particularly small ones. This is due to the strong prey drive of the Husky.
- The Great Dane Husky mix should be good with children because both parent breeds are good with kids.
- Great Danes are more placid than Huskies, so a hybrid should be less boisterous than a purebred Husky.
- They will have a long and lean build, with half-cocked ears and a nicely proportioned head.
- The Husky Great Dane mix will be prone to hip dysplasia because both parent breeds are. Other health concerns include eye and thyroid issues from the Husky parent and bloat from the Great Dane parent.
- They will need a moderate amount of exercise each day.
- This dog mix will make a good family dog.
- Huskies are friendly towards strangers and intruders whereas Great Danes are not, so how this mix will be with regard to home security is anyone’s guess!
- This is a fairly new hybrid so the cost of individual puppies may vary quite a bit based on popularity and demand.
- Before buying a Great Dane Husky mix, consider checking out your local shelters and rescues; you never know, there may be one of these dogs waiting there just for you!
