Great Dane Pitbull Mix: The Ultimate Guide

Published: 10/11/22 •  9 min read

The Great Dane Pitbull mix is the perfect mixture of dogs for families seeking a medium-sized dog that doesn’t take up too much space, but still has the energy required to keep a busy family on their toes. While not exclusively a family dog, it does much better around active and energetic people, so, if you don’t have a family; make sure you have a yard that it can run in.

Great Dane Pitbull Mix

Otherwise known as the Great Danebull, a medium-sized bundle of energy that needs burning off each day! Owners should expect a long walk, or some fetch in the yard for half an hour per day. If you have a growing family, then this might be just the dog for you, as they are also gentle with people and young children.

Our handy guide below will help you to decide if the Great Dane Pitbull mix is the right dog for you!

Great Dane Pitbull Mix – At a Glance

Weight:60-90 pounds
Height:21-27 inches tall
Lifespan:7-12 years
Coat Colors:black & brown, brown & white, and combinations of red, blue, merle, mantle, harlequin, sable or brindle
Temperament:Energetic, playful, loving, protective, loyal
Most Suitable For:Families with or without children, singles, owners with yards

What Does a Great Dane Pitbull Mix Look Like?

Great Dane Pitbull Mix

The Great Dane Pitbull mix inherits a decent mix of its physical features from both parent genes. It has the nose and face of the Pitbull, with the stature and muscular physique of the Great Dane. You can expect these dogs to be relatively small puppies but quickly grow into semi-large dogs as they age. 

The History of the Great Dane Pitbull Mix:

Unfortunately, as this is quite a new breed of dog, the actual origins of the Great Dane Pitbull mix can be difficult to trace, but we can surmise that the cross-breeding of both dogs took place as part of an effort to create a smaller version of the Great Dane, without sacrificing any strength or power. We can also surmise that, perhaps, the Great Danebull was originally intended to be a hunting companion.

Great Dane History

Great Dane History

The history of the Great Dane is a long and storied one, dating back to some 3000 BC. They were originally used by the Assyrian Empire to hunt wild boars and were brought by the Assyrians to other parts of the world as they travelled from what is now Egypt. The Great Dane made its way to the Americas from Germany and Norway, Great Danes came as hunting dogs but were quickly domesticated and now find themselves to be loyal companions and guardians of American homes.

How Popular Are Great Danes in the United States?

The Great Dane is quite a popular breed in the United States, routinely finding themselves in the middle of the pack of the Most Popular Dogs in the country. Last year, they ranked 17th in a list of the most popular dogs in the United States.

Who Are Great Danes a Good Dog For?

The Great Dane is a very large dog, perfect for those with lots of space. Whether that be a family or a single person, the important thing is that you’re able to properly exercise your Great Dane and have ample space for them to exist in your home in a comfortable way. 

How Did Great Danes Come About?

The Great Dane has been around since 3000 B.C and has a history stretching back to the Assyrian Empire and beyond, long since guardians of estates and companion hunting dogs of German and Norse aristocrats, they’re now faithful household pets.

When Did We First Cross-Breed Great Danes?

While the history of exactly when we began to crossbreed Great Danes is a little spotty, they are now routinely crossbred with other smaller hunting dogs. They tend to be bred with compatible dogs that were similarly used for hunting and/or guardianship. 

Some of the most popular Great Dane crossbreeds include:

Pitbull History

Pitbull History

The Pitbull was bred as a bull-baiting and fighting dog in the early 19th century in England. Originally bred from the English Mastiff, this dog was bred to be a tough dog, powerful and quick. It has a history as a hunting companion of the English gentry, though today they get a bad reputation, in general, Pitbulls are very loving and loyal dogs.

How Popular Are Pitbulls in the United States?

Unfortunately for the Pitbull, the American Kennel Club has yet to officially recognize them as a breed, and their legality is sometimes questionable, depending on what state you’re in. Before you consider adopting a Great Danebull, make sure you’re legally allowed to own them in your state.

Who Are Pitbulls A Good Dog For?

Pitties are great dogs for just about everyone, with the exception of the elderly, as they can be strong and powerful dogs that could pull when being walked. They’ll require plenty of exercise throughout their lives, and so are best suited for active people/families with the land necessary to give them that exercise.

How Did Pitbulls Come About?

Pitbulls were first bred from English mastiffs/Terriers and have a questionable legal status in many countries in the world due to their aggressive tendencies, based on their genealogical history as being bred as bull-baiting and fighting dogs. 

How Did We First Cross-Breed Pitbulls?

It is difficult to pin down when exactly the Pitbull was first cross-bred. Though it is usually nowadays bred with dogs of similar size and stature, temperament and function. Hunting dogs are typically bred with fellow hunting dogs, to combine the best of both sets of genes.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Pitbull was a popular parent breed for mixed-breeding of dogs. Several popular Pitbull crosses include:

What is the Temperament of the Great Dane Pitbull Mix?

The temperament of the Pitbull Great Dane is typically one of love and affection, despite their Pitbull genes that are prejudged to be aggressive. However, despite this, Great Danebulls tend to be gentle, soft and loving animals. Loyal and devoted house pets.

Are Great Dane Pitbull Mixes Friendly?

Yes, typically the Great Dane Pitbull mixes are very friendly dogs. They seem to lose the atypical aggression associated with the Pitbull and become more like gentle giants, as is the Great Dane.

Are Great Dane Pitbull Mixes Easy to Train?

Given that both breeds were bred for hunting, they tend to be particularly good at following commands, making them very easy to train – even without professional help.

How Much Can Great Dane Pitbull Mixes Weigh?

These aren’t light dogs, by any stretch. This mix tends to weigh between 60 and 90 pounds when fully grown.

How Tall Can Great Dane Pitbull Mixes Get?

They typically stand between 21 and 27 inches at shoulder height.

Similar Sized Breeds

Many similar cross-breeds include the Doberman, Rottweiler, and many other medium-large sized dogs.

Does a Great Dane Pitbull Mix Shed?

Surprisingly, for a short-haired dog, the Great Dane Pitbull mix sheds a fair amount! Probably due to their size. They’ll need to be regularly brushed, at least once every couple of weeks, but we recommend once a week.

How Much Exercise Does a Great Dane Pitbull Mix Need?

There’s one thing that’s a requirement of owning a Great Dane Pitbull mix: exercise! These large dogs love to run – it’s in their genes – and this mix is no exception. Make sure you’re able to walk your dog at least once per day or offer at least 40 minutes of off-leash exercise. This is one reason why this mix mightn’t be the best fit for elderly people.

How Long Does a Great Dane Pitbull Mix Live?

The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 8-10 years, while the Pitbull is between 8-16 years.

Therefore we can assume the life expectancy of the Great Dane Pitbull mix is anywhere between 10-12 years.

Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific Great Dane Pitbull mix lives like diet and exercise.

What Health Conditions Could the Great Dane Pitbull Mix Have?

In general, both of these dogs have very healthy genetics and its rare that they suffer from the above diseases, but these conditions are present in the genetics of both breeds, so be wary of them. As always, a dog’s health is tailored to its lifestyle and exercise routine.

How Can You Find a Great Dane Pitbull Mix For Sale?

In general, finding a Great Dane Pitbull mix might be more tricky than you think, simply due to the lack of popularity of the Pitbull breed within the United States. But, it’s always a good idea to check with your local kennel or shelter organization, to see if anyone has surrendered a Great Dane Pitbull mix for adoption.

How Much Does a Great Dane Pitbull Mix Cost?

Typically, Great Dane Pitbull mixes can cost between $400-$800, making them one of the more affordable breed mixtures to purchase.

Is the Great Dane Pitbull Mix the Right Breed For You?

Only you will know if the Great Dane Pitbull is the right breed for you and your family. But, in general, if you can provide a stable, loving home – full of exercise and fun times, and can handle the size/temperament of the Great Dane Pitbull, then this mix might just be the right dog for you and your family.

We hope our guide has answered your questions concerning the Pitbull Great Dane mix and helped you decide whether or not this mix might be a good fit for your home.

Nick Meagher

I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.

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