The Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix is truly an exceptional mixed breed, as it perfectly blends the wonderful traits of its parents. It is an affectionate family companion and an alert guardian at the same time.
But, being an offspring of two breeds that are known to carry the merle gene, the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix, while handsome-looking, is at risk for certain health issues too.
If you are interested in learning about the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix, keep reading! This guide has all the essential information about this delightful breed, including its appearance, health, and more. Let’s begin!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 18 – 32 inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 175 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, black and white, blue, blue and white, blue brindle, brindle, chocolate, fawn, harlequin, merle, silver, white, chocolate and white, chocolate brindle, mantle, mantle merle, merlequin, blue merle, red, red merle |
| Temperament: | Lively, intelligent, alert |
| Suitable for: | Active individuals and families; experienced owners |
What Is a Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix?
The Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between a Great Dane and an Australian Shepherd. This medium to extra-large hybrid canine is good-natured, hardworking, lively, intelligent, and thrives in an active home with an experienced owner.
It is also a dependable family companion that loves its pack and enjoys being included in family activities.
Aussie Great Dane mixes are relatively rare currently since they are difficult to breed.
Careful breeding practices and genetic testing must be performed to ensure that no double-merle puppies are produced, especially since both parent breeds are known to carry the merle gene.
While responsible for giving a beautiful patchy coat coloring, this dominant gene is likewise linked to certain health problems such as vision impairment and deafness.
As such, genetic testing must be performed to avoid breeding a merle dog with another merle dog.
Breeding a merle Great Dane with a merle Aussie, like the blue merle Australian Shepherd, can result in a double merle puppy with a higher chance of being born deaf and blind.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Origin and History
Tracing the exact origin of designer breeds such as the Great Dane Aussie mix can be difficult. There is no established historical account of how it came to be.
Its parent breeds, however, have rich histories and have long existed for centuries.
The Great Dane, hailing from Germany, was originally bred to be a hunter of wild boars in the 1400s. Along with being an excellent hunting dog of aristocrats, it is also revered as an affectionate and reliable family guardian.
Meanwhile, Australian Shepherds were developed in the 1800s by the Basques, an indigenous group of people from Europe.
Bred to be supreme herders, these intelligent and lively dogs traveled across several continents, which has led them to be confused as Australian natives.
As the years passed, the Great Dane and Australian Shepherd thrived and became popular family companions with their excellent skills and great temperament.
Given their superior traits, the idea of pairing the two breeds is bound to be eventually raised. Thus, the successful crossbreeding of the two brought about the delightful Aussie Great Dane mix.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Appearance
The Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix bears a regal appeal with the combined physical characteristics of its parent breeds.
Depending on the dominant trait it inherits, a Great Dane Shepherd mix can have a variety of coat colors and patterns, including harlequin, blue, brindle, mantle, and merle, like the Great Dane.
Likewise, it can sport colors such as red merle, tricolor, and blue merle, like its Australian Shepherd parent. But, it’s more common to see these mixes in a black coat as both its Great Dane and Aussie parents share this color trait.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd mixes can either have short or medium-length coats that can also be straight or slightly wavy.
In addition, their heads are proportionate to the size of their bodies, and they have muzzles that tend to be pointed and long.
Furthermore, the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix has almond-shaped eyes that are usually brown-colored, and most have black noses. Their ears can either be set high or folded forward.
As a powerful dog, the Great Dane Aussie mix has a broad and deep chest, allowing for good lung capacity. Its legs are muscular and have feet that are round and tight.
All in all, the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix has an appearance that uniquely blends the powerful physical attributes of its parent breeds.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Size and Weight
The Great Dane Australian Shepherd is a medium to an extra large-size dog that can grow to a height of between 18 and 32 inches.
Whether it takes after its Aussie parent or Great Dane parent, its adult weight will be around 40 to 175 pounds.
Typically, a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix will reach its peak size when it is 12 to 18 months.
That said, you need to carefully consider its living space if you are interested in getting one, as this canine will require ample room to move around like its Great Dane and Australian Shepherd parents.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament and Personality
A designer breed such as the Aussie Great Dane mix is an excellent family companion with its lively, easygoing, and affectionate nature. This dependable guardian is hard-working and very loyal to its owners.
As such, the Great Dane and Australian Shepherd mix can get very attached to its owners and may experience separation anxiety when its family is not around, much like the Australian Shepherd.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix dogs are also good with older children, and if they are like their Aussie parents, they may try to herd younger kids. In addition, they do well with other dogs and pets.
Though it is very affectionate with family members, it can be aloof with strangers. Due to their high prey drive, owners must also keep their Aussie Great Dane mix secure with a high-fenced yard.
Like all dogs, the Australian Shepherd Great Dane mix requires proper training, socialization, and good leadership by an assertive and patient owner to become a well-adjusted and good-mannered canine.
Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
As a mixed breed, the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix can live for 7 to 15 years. Thanks to its Australian Shepherd lineage, it can live longer than its Great Dane parent.
While it can enjoy a longer lifespan, it is still susceptible to certain health issues.
Aside from the risk of blindness and deafness if it inherits two copies of the merle gene, owners must be on the lookout for other illnesses during the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix’s lifetime.
Below are some of the health problems of the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful bone condition resulting from the malformation of the hip joints of the Great Dane Australian Shepherd during its growth years. Weakness, difficulty in movement, limping, and cracking sounds from the joints are some of the symptoms of this illness.
- Bloat: When the stomach of the Great Dane Shepherd mix twists and expands due to being filled with fluid, food, and gas, it causes fatal damage to the organs next to it. This life-threatening condition is also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus. Stress, eating too much and too quickly, and intense activity after meals can lead to bloat.
- Eye Diseases: The Aussie Great Dane mix is prone to developing certain eye diseases, such as entropion and cataracts. In entropion, the dog’s eyelids roll inward, causing discomfort and irritation to the cornea. Meanwhile, a cataract is an eye condition that causes cloudy vision due to the accumulation of proteins in the dog’s eyes.
Regular vet check-ups can greatly help prolong the lifespan of your Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix.
Likewise, avoiding overly strenuous activities and maintaining ideal feeding times can help keep these illnesses at bay.
As unforeseen medical expenses can be pretty expensive, you can also consider getting pet insurance for your Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix to help mitigate the high cost.
How to Take Care of Your Australian Shepherd Great Dane Mix
As an owner of a Great Dane Australian Shepherd, you must know how to care for it properly. This includes providing the proper diet, grooming, training, and exercise.
Here are some pointers on how to take care of this charming pup in the sections below.
Food and Diet
The Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix, on average, needs to be fed around 4 to 10 cups of high-quality kibble daily, depending on its specific weight and activity level.
Stick to a diet that contains sufficient proteins to provide enough energy for daily activities.
Likewise, its food must also contain the right amount of vitamins and minerals for immunity and proper functioning of its body systems.
You can also substitute commercial treats with raw or steamed fruits and vegetables to further enhance your dog’s health. Blueberries, carrots, and broccoli are tasty treats that are also good for the heart and eyes.
In addition, you can include supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect your Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix’s joints.
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming your Great Dane Aussie mix is a pretty easy task. Weekly brushing is enough to keep its coat shiny and healthy.
But, during the shedding seasons of fall and spring, you must increase the frequency of your brushing routine to prevent loose hair from sticking onto your clothes and furniture.
Bathing should be done every 3 to 4 months or only as necessary to avoid skin dryness and irritation.
Regular ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and nail clipping must also be part of your grooming habits for this mix.
Training and Exercise
The Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix is easy to train due to its intelligence and eagerness to please. With that, owners must be consistent, assertive, and patient when teaching commands.
Early socialization and obedience training are likewise very important as this mixed breed not only tends to have a large physique but also has boundless energy.
In addition, crate training is helpful in managing the separation anxiety of the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix.
In terms of exercise, your Great Dane Aussie mix needs around one to two hours of daily exercise to stay fit. Walking, hiking, and running are great ways to burn energy.
You can also try other activities such as scent work, agility, and herding as forms of physical and mental stimulation.
But, since the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix is prone to developing hip dysplasia, intense exercise must only be done when they are two years old to avoid damage to their growth plates.
Watch a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix transform into a well-trained canine in the video below:
How Much Does a Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix puppy costs around $250 to $1,250. It is comparatively lower than the price of its Great Dane and Australian Shepherd parents.
Meanwhile, adoption fees for this mix range between $150 and $880.
Aside from the initial purchase price, you must prepare for other expenses you will incur when your puppy arrives home.
Below are the initial expenses of a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
The estimated amounts listed above can help you get an idea of how much you will spend on your new pup.
However, you should note that the recurring expenses of owning this hybrid dog are not yet included in the table above. These recurring expenses include the monthly costs of vet visits, food supplies, grooming, and others.
Places to Find Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
A Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix is a rare mixed breed. As safely producing one requires meticulous breeding techniques, finding Aussie Great Dane puppies may require a rigorous search and patience.
Fret not, though, since we have listed some places below to help you find a Great Dane Aussie mix puppy to own!
Below are places to check out to find a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix puppy for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – You can try to contact breeders of Great Danes and Australian Shepherds listed in the AKC Marketplace to find a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix. This is an online advertising platform for experienced American Kennel Club breeders.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online advertising site for available puppies for sale, including the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix. Reputable dog breeders and private sellers alike are able to list their puppies on this site to reach prospective buyers.
- Keystone Puppies – Another online advertising platform to check out is Keystone Puppies. In addition to providing a venue for advertising available puppies, like the Aussie Great Dane mix, Keystone Puppies also incentivizes breeders who adhere to better breeding practices.
Meanwhile, if you prefer to adopt, below are some places and rescues you can contact to find a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix for adoption:
- Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is a pet adoption site that lists available dogs for adoption like the Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix. This site partners with animal shelters, adoption agencies, humane societies, and rescue groups to reach possible adopters.
- Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love – This rescue is dedicated to saving and rehabilitating abandoned Great Danes and mixed breeds such as the Great Dane Aussie mix. Rescued dogs are placed in foster homes until they get adopted.
- Australian Shepherds Furever – Australian Shepherds Furever is a non-profit rescue focusing on saving unwanted Australian Shepherds and their mixes, including the Great Dane Aussie mix. To date, this rescue has already successfully rescued 4,008 dogs.
For additional resources, head over to Reddit or Facebook. Just exercise extra caution when searching for a breeder or rescue.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Shepherd Great Dane Mix
Owning a designer breed, such as the Australian Shepherd Great Dane mix, has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these can help you better determine if you and this canine are a good match.
Below are the pros of owning a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix:
- Affectionate and intelligent family companion: The unique combination of the Great Dane and Australian Shepherd results in a clever, good-natured, and affectionate family companion that is easy to train and loyal.
- Unique appearance: The Aussie Great Dane mix bears a distinct appearance with the blended physical traits of its parent breeds. Its ability to have various coat color combinations makes it even more attractive.
- Low maintenance: Grooming an Australian Shepherd Great Dane mix is a pretty manageable task. It does not require routine hair trimmings to maintain the beauty and health of its coat.
Meanwhile, the following are the cons of owning a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix:
- Limited sources: Finding a Great Dane Aussie mix to own is quite difficult due to the complex breeding process required to yield one. Not a lot of breeders consider producing this canine; hence, you need to be very patient if you want to own this hybrid.
- Needs a big living space: A mixed breed, such as the Aussie Great Dane mix, requires a lot of room for movement as it is huge and can be quite active. It will not thrive in a small, confined space.
- Prone to certain health risks: As both the Great Dane and Australian Shepherd can carry the merle gene, there is an increased risk of breeding a double merle offspring that has vision and hearing impairments.
Based on the advantages and disadvantages listed above, you should now be able to determine carefully if this mixed breed is a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mixes Good Dogs?
Yes, Great Dane Australian Shepherd mixes are excellent family dogs that are affectionate and intelligent. Similar to their parent breeds, they are friendly, courageous, and clever.
With proper training and socialization, these dogs provide the utmost joy and love to their family members.
Do Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mixes Shed?
Yes, Great Dane Australian Shepherd mixes shed a moderate amount of hair throughout the year.
Nonetheless, you should expect them to shed more during fall and spring; thus, more frequent brushing is needed to prevent loose hair from spreading around the house.
Are Great Dane Australian Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Great Dane Australian Shepherd mixes are not hypoallergenic. As they are a moderately shedding breed, the dander attached to their hair can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it.
Due to this, they are not a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Shepherd Great Dane mix is a special and rare mixed breed. This dog uniquely blends the admirable traits of its parent breeds, making it a sweet, loyal, and alert family companion.
While the Australian Shepherd Great Dane mix is truly appealing, aspiring owners must also discern their capabilities to meet its specific needs.
These pooches require an active lifestyle and a big living space. They likewise need to be properly trained and socialized to grow up as well-mannered dogs.
Remember to get a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix from a reputable breeder with proper genetic testing to ensure you get a healthy pup.
Are you up for the wonderful challenge of owning a Great Dane Australian Shepherd mix? Let us know, and leave your comments below!
