The Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier make one interesting cross. And if you’re planning to bring this dog home, this DogAppy post addresses all the queries circling in your head at the moment.
What happens when you cross a gentle giant with a nanny dog?
You get a Great Danebull!
Yes, the Great Dane is often called a ‘gentle giant’, whereas the American Pit Bull Terrier was once affectionately named ‘the nanny dog’ as they were excellent caretakers of young children. While the Pit Bull’s reputation has taken an unfortunate beating throughout the years for little or no fault of theirs, the Great Dane hasn’t been the most popular breed owing to their enormous size.
Two amazing breeds with vastly varied histories. The Great Dane is one majestic hulk of a dog, with a very gentle and loving disposition. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is stockily built, and highly regarded for its protective nature and unwavering loyalty.
Both breeds love to have humans around them and have a very sweet and gentle nature―yes, it’s truer in the case of Pit Bulls, who are the current holders of the ‘most misunderstood breed’ title. Another shared trait of these dogs is that they can be quite imposing to look at―the Great Dane because of its sheer size, and the Pit Bull because these days, just being a Pit Bull seems to be a cause for alarm.
A Great Danebull, thus, is probably the most interesting crossbreed you’ll ever encounter. To understand them better, here’s a heads up on its parents.
Great Dane
HEIGHT: 25 – 34 inches
WEIGHT: 80 – 150 lbs
LIFESPAN: 7 – 10 years
American Pit Bull Terrier
HEIGHT: 17 – 19 inches
WEIGHT: 30 – 85 lbs
LIFESPAN: 12 – 15 years
Great Dane-Pit Bull Mix Facts
Temperament and Personality
An offspring of a Great Dane and APBT only looks ferocious, but is a complete sweetheart. Expect the dog to be friendly and affectionate to people he knows and loves. He may be inherently a bit wary of strangers, and take a little time to warm up to newcomers.
Your dog will be tenacious and extremely loyal, qualities which it may inherit from the Pit Bull parent. The Great Dane in it will be more sage-like, yet completely alert.
Great Dane-Pit Bull mix dog will be people-oriented and will try very hard to please his owner, which makes it a delight to train. Enjoy your training sessions together, as it gives you a fantastic opportunity to bond with your new pet.
Both parent breeds carry a reputation of being suckers for affection, and this trait is sure to show in the offspring as well. Great Danes, in particular, tend to forget how big they are and imagine themselves to be toy breeds, often hopping on their favorite person’s lap. Pit Bulls show their affection by rubbing their face on to their favorite person and incessantly licking it.
Their energy and enthusiasm will be boundless to contain, as these dogs love to run around and play and chase, and generally enjoy the outdoors.
Though the dog will be sweet and attentive towards the family, behavioral training and socialization is an absolute must, right since puppyhood. Doing so will help you raise a well-behaved dog, and in the process, enrich the bond you share.
Size
With crossbreeds, it is impossible to determine the size in accurately, as the offspring can take after either parent, or be a blend of both. The Great Danebull, however, will by no means be a small dog. This pet is only suitable for those living in a large house, preferably with a larger backyard to match. A dog this size will not appreciate being confined in cramped spaces for long, and will be happier in open areas.
Health and Life Expectancy
These dogs generally enjoy good health overall, but you have to be on the lookout for any inherited problems. Ensure that you bring home a dog from a responsible breeder.
Their coat is short, which is why these dogs should always be kept in a protected, heated enclosure during winters.
They need a minimum of 60 to 90 minutes of exercise everyday, with a long walk included within this time.
The Great Danebull forges an emotional bond with the family he lives with, which is why it is advisable to keep it indoors, regardless of the weather conditions.
Their life expectancy can average between 8 to 12 years, depending upon their size and overall health condition.
