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Great Dane Husky Mix: Dog Breed Info & Pictures

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Great Dane Husky mix

Height: 24–28 inches
Weight: 60–90 pounds
Lifespan: 7–10 years
Colors: White, fawn, brindle, merle, blue, brown, black, harlequin
Suitable for: Active families looking for a large, friendly dog
Temperament: Loyal, outgoing, independent, playful

The mix between a Great Dane and a Siberian Husky is a striking animal, especially if your pup takes on the size of the former. This is a relatively new combination that has yet to receive formal recognition by any of the major hybrid associations. Both parent breeds differ considerably, so the mix is a wild card about what you may see when they’re an adult.

Both parents contribute several desirable traits, though. The Great Dane is an older breed, while the Siberian Husky’s formal history starts at the beginning of the 20th century. Both breeds are popular with the American Kennel Club, each being in the top 25 of the popularity list.1 Their personalities are driving factors, as both are lovable and loyal dogs. The Great Dane contributes their patience to the mix. Although they’re energetic, they stay on an even keel. The Siberian Husky is all energy. You could say that it’s an instinct with them. After all, no one needs to teach them what to do when harnessed in front of a sled.

Therefore, Great Dane Husky mixes are friendly dogs with people and other pups. They are also playful, with enough energy to keep up with the kids.

Divider 5Great Dane Husky Mix Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Size is perhaps the most significant consideration when dealing with this mix, sometimes called the Great Danesky. A male Great Dane can weigh over 150 pounds, something to bear in mind if they are the dominant breed. It can play a role in everything from feeding to training. Despite their size, the Great Dane isn’t an aggressive dog. Their stature simply speaks for itself.

The Siberian Husky is all about running. That fuels their strong wanderlust potential and independence. So, the mix is not a dog to let off-leash without supervision. Both parent breeds have a high tendency to bark. It makes sense for the Husky when you think of the canine conversations going on in front of the sled. The Husky also tends to nip, especially as a puppy. It’s something you must correct early in your mix’s training.

Both the Great Dane and Siberian Husky are sensitive to stern reprimands. As stubborn as the Husky can be, they still want to please you and will be disappointed if they fail. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train the hybrid pups. An occasional treat won’t hurt either. Both parent breeds are loyal dogs. The more time you can spend with your mix, the stronger the bond between you.

The parent breeds of the Great Dane Husky Mix
Photo Credit: Left – BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock | Right – andrescarlofotografia, Pixabay

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Great Dane Husky Mix 🧠

Both parent breeds are relatively intelligent, something they learned while on the job. The Great Dane has the edge on trainability between the two. They are quite responsive. Conversely, the Husky is a handful because of their independent streak. They are sometimes stubborn and mischievous. Considering their potential size, the Great Dane Husky mix isn’t the best choice for the novice pet owner.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Great Dane Husky mix can make an excellent pet for the right family. They’ll do best in households with older children, particularly if they’re a large dog. This pup is friendly with just about everyone they meet, especially if you socialize them early. Introduce them to new people on their walks. We’d also suggest enrolling them in puppy playtime classes.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Siberian Husky grew up in the company of the other dogs on their team. They still have that same dog-friendly nature in their DNA. Just be sure to give your mix opportunities to meet other canines. Both parent breeds have a moderate prey drive. Your hybrid pup may chase the family cat, which is a problem if they take after the Great Dane in size. They’ll probably do best in a home without cats or small animals.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Great Dane Husky Mix:

Now that we’ve covered the basics of temperament, let’s delve into the day-to-day activities that can help you decide if the Great Dane Husky mix is a good fit for your household and lifestyle. The dominant parent is the overriding factor in many aspects of pet care, especially given the size differences between these two parent breeds.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Seeing the mother of your pup can give you an estimate of your hybrid pet’s adult size. That’s a critical point when choosing the right food for your dog. Puppies that resemble the Great Dane more should get a diet appropriate for giant breeds. If they’re more like a Husky, products for large dogs will fit the bill. Also, consider your pet’s age. Puppies need a diet meant for their life stage.

Fortunately, neither parent breed is prone to weight gain. Their high energy levels manage that aspect of care. Nevertheless, we suggest monitoring your pup’s body condition and adjusting their diet if necessary. You should be able to feel their ribs, even if they have the thick coat of a Husky. Keep treats to 10% or less of your pup’s total caloric intake to ensure that they’re getting the proper nutrition to keep fit.

Exercise 🐕

Exercise is a vital element of your pet’s—and your—health. Your Great Dane Husky mix needs lots of activity to keep them physically and mentally fit. Their size may keep them out of the doggie park unless you socialize them early and reinforce those lessons regularly. We suggest using a short leash to keep this pup under control. Daily walks are an excellent way to accomplish these goals.

The Siberian Husky in this mix makes them a poor candidate for crate training. It could end up encouraging those bad habits, such as barking or howling. Spending time with them is a better option, especially given their propensity for separation anxiety. Both parent breeds are people dogs and crave the attention of their human companions.

Training 🦮

The Great Dane Husky mix is a wiser option for the experienced dog owner. This pup needs consistent training and strong leadership to cultivate good canine manners. Even though the Siberian has an independent streak, they still want to please you.  Building trust is a critical part of the process. It’ll spur their loyalty and increase their enthusiasm for training.

Grooming ✂️

How much grooming you’ll have to do depends on the dominant breed. The Great Dane is a seasonal shedder that will do well with weekly brushing. The Husky has a double coat that they will blow seasonally. Like other Spitz-like breeds, they are surprisingly clean, taking on this maintenance task themselves. Regardless, running a slicker brush through your mix’s fur is an excellent way to keep them looking their best.

You should also check their nails and ears regularly to give them attention as needed. If your pup runs on the pavement a lot, it’ll likely wear down their toenails for you. Take a look at their eyes as part of your routine maintenance because of the breed’s propensity for eye issues.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The main concern with the Great Dane Husky mix is the parent breed’s risk of bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus. This condition occurs in deep-chested dogs when their abdomen expands unnaturally, putting pressure on their GI tract’s circulatory system. It is potentially life-threatening if left untreated. It is a medical emergency.

Gulping down copious amounts of water or food is a risk factor. It’s one reason that you should feed your pup twice a day, even as an adult. Signs of the condition include unproductive vomiting, agitation, and abdominal sensitivity.

Minor Conditions
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye infections
Serious Conditions
  • Heart issues
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat

Male vs. Female

The size difference between a male and female Great Dane Husky mix is often significant. That can affect your ability to control your dog. It’s another reason that it’s so helpful to view the mother. You’ll get a wonderful pet no matter which sex you choose. Breeders of pups of lesser championship quality often make spaying or neutering their dogs a condition of the sale.

We suggest that you discuss this procedure with your veterinarian. While breeding your dog is risky, the changes in their physiology and metabolism after the surgery also carry health risks. There’s also the question of timing. It will vary depending on the dominant parent breed. Larger dogs mature more slowly, making altering their sex an option when they are older and past sexual maturity.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Great Dane Husky Mix

1. The Great Dane Is an Ancient Breed

The regal Great Dane has a long history that goes back 5,000 years, to the time of the ancient Egyptians. The pup of yore bore little resemblance to today’s dog. It’s hard to believe that this gentle giant once hunted boars. Now, this dog is content to be a loyal companion.

2. Brave Siberian Huskies Led the Race to Save the Lives of the People of Nome, Alaska

Balto and his co-leader, Fox, led a team of sled dogs on the last stretch of the legendary Serum Run. A diphtheria pandemic fueled the urgency of delivering medicine to the town of Nome during blizzard conditions. Thanks to the heroics of the dogs and their mushers, many children survived this potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.

3. Famous Explorer Roald Amundsen Chose the Siberian Husky for His Team

When Norwegian Roald Amundsen set his sights on traveling to the South Pole, the Siberian Husky was his breed of choice for his team on the expedition.

Divider 3Final Thoughts

A Great Dane Husky mix might not be your first choice for a new pet in your home. However, this dog is an energy-filled bundle of love that is worth a look if you have the time and experience to devote to this pup. They have a friendly and outgoing disposition that can bring so much joy to you and your family. However, this dog is a commitment in time and money. They need attention and discipline.

While they aren’t a beginner dog, the Great Dane Husky mix is an excellent choice because of their loyalty, outgoing nature, and willingness to please, even if there is a bit of stubbornness thrown in with it too. This pup does best in a household with adults or older children in a home with a fenced-in yard. With proper care, you’ll have a faithful companion for years to come.


Featured Photo Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

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