If you’re a fan of gentle giants, meet the Doberman Great Dane mix, a.k.a the Doberdane. While it’s common for this designer breed to have an intimidating build, don’t be fooled! They’re actually friendly and devoted pooches.
Moreover, Doberdanes make excellent guard dogs as well. They will do their best to protect their human companions from any danger. Given this hybrid’s noteworthy traits, it’s no surprise that its popularity continues to grow.
But there are more interesting facts about the Doberdane that you need to know. In this article, we will talk about the history of this mix, its overall appearance, health concerns, costs, and much more! Let’s dive in!
What Is a Doberman Great Dane Mix?
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Commonly known as the Doberdane, the Doberman Great Dane mix is a result of crossing the hardworking Great Dane with the alert Doberman Pinscher. Although this hybrid breed is unpredictable, it usually inherits the vigilant nature, intelligence, and huge stature of the Great Dane and the Doberman.
If you’re familiar with the famous Warlock Doberman or the “king Doberman,” then let me set the record straight about this myth. Generally, these oversized versions of Dobies are actually the Doberdanes and the Rottermans.
Technically speaking, once the Doberman Pinscher is mixed with a Great Dane or a Rottweiler, you’ll get a gigantic Dobie. Consequently, many canine lovers in the United States are searching for these kinds of pups today.
As with other mixed breeds, however, the Great Dane Doberman mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Great Dane Club of America (GDCA), and the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA).
Despite that, Doberdane owners can still register their furry friends with well-established hybrid clubs, including the Dog Registry of America (DRA) and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
Doberman Great Dane Mix Origin and History
Since the Doberman Great Dane mix is a relatively new breed, its origin is not well-documented.
Still, by closely examining the histories of its parent breeds, we can get a clear idea of why the Doberdane was developed in the first place. Let’s start by discussing the origin of its Great Dane lineage.
The Great Dane is one of the oldest breeds in the world, resembling the canines found in Babylonian paintings and artifacts. Primarily, they were bred to hunt wild boars and bears in Germany.
They possess a natural sense of alertness, making them excellent protectors. Thus, they are still very much used for that purpose today. But it wasn’t until 1887 that the AKC finally recognized this colossal breed.
Meanwhile, the Doberman Pinscher breed was initially produced in the 1880s by Karl Louis Friedrich Dobermann — a tax collector and a canine breeder.
He used the original Doberman to accompany and guard him whenever he went out to do his job. Today, law enforcement officials still use this breed because of its proven capabilities to protect and serve.
Ultimately, we can say that Great Dane Doberman mixes are popular due to the shared history of their parents as reliable watchdogs. They’ll likely inherit the protective, watchful nature of the Dobies and Great Danes.
Doberman Great Dane Mix Appearance
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In most cases, Doberdanes end up looking like massive Doberman Pinschers. After all, both parent breeds bear similar folded ears, scissor bites, and short, smooth coats.
Moreover, the bulky features of Great Danes are also evident, such as their large heads, broad chests, and muscular bodies.
In terms of coat colors, the Doberman Great Dane mix may exhibit any or a combination of the following: mantle, black, fawn, silver, harlequin, and brindle.
Meanwhile, the Dobie’s parti-colored heritage, including blue, red, and fawn with rust accents, can also be passed on to this designer breed.
Overall, it’s important to note that not all Great Dane Doberman mixes look entirely the same. Their appearance will still vary depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.
Do you want to see other unique-looking mixes like the Doberdane? Check out the Doberman Dalmatian mix, Chi-Dane-Dane, and Saint Dane.
Doberman Great Dane Mix Size and Weight
On average, an adult Doberdane can stand between 26 and 32 inches high and weigh around 75 to 160 pounds. Since this mix is relatively new, it can be difficult to disclose how big Doberman Great Dane mixes can get.
Nevertheless, we can look at the physical traits of this designer breed’s parents to help us predict its possible size and weight.
According to the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Doberman’s height ranges between 24 and 28 inches and can weigh as much as 100 pounds. In contrast, Great Danes can grow up to 32 inches tall and weigh about 110 to 175 pounds.
That said, keep in mind that the actual size of this designer breed relies on its genes, gender, and the breeder’s expertise. Hence, your Doberdane may fall beyond these size ranges.
If you’re raising a Great Dane and Doberman mix puppy, I’d recommend taking it to the vet regularly. This way, you’ll get professional insight regarding your pup’s growth.
Doberman Great Dane Mix Temperament and Personality
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Even though the Doberman Pinscher and the Great Dane share a history of being war canines and police dogs, Doberdanes are excellent family pets.
Besides being protective, they have a friendly disposition, making them great companions for households with older kids and other animals.
Although it’s a typical misconception that huge canines are dangerous, the Dober Dane is actually sweet, devoted, and easy to train. But as with any breed, safety must be observed when small children are around.
However, the pleasant qualities I mentioned should go hand in hand with early training and socialization. After all, early training is the best way to prevent your pet from developing behavioral problems.
On a related note, prospective owners of this mix should be ready to deal with a wide range of personality types. A Doberdane’s demeanor will vary depending on its age, environment, and whether it’s a male or female.
Doberman Great Dane Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
If you purchase a Great Dane Doberman mix from a reputable breeder, you can be sure that the healthy pup will live between 7 and 12 years. In fact, it can even live beyond that range if it is well-cared for.
However, it’s hard to say that your furry friend will be free from any medical condition as it grows.
To gain a better understanding of this matter, here are some common health problems encountered by Doberman Great Dane mixes:
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the bones of big dogs, including the Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Doberman, and Great Dane. As such, Doberdanes are particularly vulnerable to this condition. Dogs with bone cancer usually experience swelling in the affected area, limping, and even seizures.
Canine Hip Dysplasia: Another common disease among giant breeds is hip dysplasia. This condition, which affects the hips and joints of a Doberman Great Dane mix, can lead to inflammation and osteoarthritis if left untreated. While there are treatments to reduce the severity of its symptoms, they can be quite pricey.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Similar to its Great Dane lineage, the Great Dane Doberman mix is susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy. Since this is a life-threatening disease, fur parents should familiarize themselves with the warning signs of DCM. This includes fainting, weakness, coughing, and lethargy.
Wobbler Syndrome: Also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy, wobbler syndrome is a medical condition that affects Great Dane Doberman mixes. In most cases, canines suffering from this syndrome show signs of an unstable gait and neck pain. If not treated early on, this can result in paralysis, incontinence, and other serious problems.
Whether it’s due to their genetics or environment, pooches tend to get sick and injured as they age — just like humans. That’s why regular vet check-ups are necessary, as they can help you detect and prevent any problems early on.
Additionally, you may want to invest in pet insurance as well. Most treatments and surgeries cost thousands of dollars, so having some financial help can come in handy.
How to Take Care of Your Doberdane
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By simply looking at the enormous size of a Great Dane Doberman Pinscher mix, you can tell that this designer dog is going to require a lot of care.
That said, I’m here to assure you that it’s not as difficult as it seems. In this section, we’ll discuss the dietary and grooming needs of Doberdanes, as well as what kind of training and exercise works well for them.
Read the following tips to learn how you can effectively care for your Doberman Pinscher Great Dane mix.
Food and Diet
Generally speaking, your Doberdane’s day-to-day feeding requirement depends on its age and lifestyle.
If you currently own a puppy, it’s recommended to feed it high-quality dog food that is rich in animal protein and fats.
For owners of adult Doberman Great Dane mixes, 4 to 10 cups divided into three meals is required. However, it’s best to ask your vet how many calories your canine needs to consume daily.
But if you have a senior Great Dane Doberman mix, fewer servings and moderate caloric intake are suggested. Also, if you want to ensure that your pooch gets all the essential nutrients, you may want to invest in supplements.
Although it’s tempting to give your furry companion one big meal each day, splitting its meals is the best way to prevent bloat and other digestive issues.
Cleaning and Grooming
Because the Great Dane Doberman Pinscher mix has a low-maintenance coat, it requires minimal grooming. However, regular brushing is necessary to keep its fur looking smooth and shiny.
On another note, the bathing frequency of a canine will vary depending on its daily activities.
If your Doberdane is a more laid-back pup, you can bathe it once every two months. But if your dog lives an active lifestyle, then once every month will suffice.
Also, give your dog’s mouth thorough cleaning at least twice a day. Brush its teeth with pet-friendly toothpaste and a quality brush.
Furthermore, if you want to save money on trips to the groomer, consider cutting your pooch’s nails and cleaning its ears yourself. There are many tutorials available on the internet that can show you how to do these tasks.
Training and Exercise
Fortunately, the Doberdane’s parents are highly trainable. As a result, you can expect that training sessions with this designer breed will go relatively smoothly.
On the other hand, teaching basic cues can be easier if you use treats and praises as rewards. In fact, Doberdanes have a natural desire to please their owners — a trait that goes well with positive reinforcement methods.
Aside from training your Doberman Great Dane mix, early socialization is also necessary. Moreover, exposure to many stimuli can help your fur baby become less anxious and more friendly as it grows.
Since the Doberdane’s Doberman parent is an active breed, one to two hours of exercise per day is recommended. You can bring your furry companion for walks, runs, and playtime at the dog park.
Watch this video to get an idea of what it’s like to train a Doberman Pinscher Great Dane mix:
Duke my doberdane and his new training session<a href="https://youtu.be/KBBO2UKVg6Q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FKBBO2UKVg6Q%2F0.jpg" alt="Duke my doberdane and his new training session" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does a Doberman Great Dane Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Most breeders charge between $1,000 and $3,000 for a Doberman Great Dane mix puppy. However, the final price tag will vary depending on your chosen breeder, location, and the pup’s bloodline.
Apart from the puppy price, you need to set aside cash for your Doberdane’s essential needs. This includes healthy food, tasty dog treats, interactive toys, a high-quality bed, and even a winter coat.
Here’s a rundown of the estimated initial expenses involved in owning a Doberdane puppy:
Besides the initial costs listed above, you’ll also need to set a portion of your budget for recurring and potential expenses, including puppy school, professional grooming services, and vet bills.
Places to Find Doberman Great Dane Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Now that you know how much a Doberdane puppy costs, let’s talk about the kennels and rescues where you can find one.
As mentioned earlier, the Doberman Great Dane mix is commonly known as the Warlock Doberman. Due to its popularity, many backyard breeders and puppy mills falsely advertise this as a purebred giant Dobie.
They use this as a marketing scheme to sell their illegally produced pups at an unreasonable fee. That’s why it’s critical to do your analysis before buying one.
To make it easier, here’s a list of places where you can look for Doberdane puppies for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – As a trusted puppy advertising website, Greenfield Puppies is the best place to start your search. They have an extensive selection of canines, so you should be able to find a Great Dane Doberman mix puppy here.
Lancaster Puppies – Another advertising website you can use to find a Great Dane Doberman mix puppy is Lancaster Puppies. This site allows users to search and filter by location, breed, and price range.
AKC Marketplace – Though we’ve already discussed that the AKC only recognizes purebred puppies, you can try and contact reputable breeders listed on their marketplace. You can ask some of them for recommendations about where to buy a healthy Doberdane puppy.
If you can’t find a pup from the websites above, consider contacting any of our suggested Doberman and Great Dane breeders. Also, read our puppy buying guide to find out how to validate your selected breeder.
Instead of buying a Great Dane Doberman Pinscher mix puppy, why not consider adopting one? You’ll probably have a better chance of finding your preferred crossbreed in a rescue or shelter.
To help you with your search, here are some reliable sources where you can find a Doberman Great Dane mix available for adoption:
Petfinder – If you want to see all the Doberdanes that are up for adoption in the United States, you should check out Petfinder. You might be lucky enough to find one near you!
Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love (GDFRL) – Founded in 2009, GDFRL is a rescue organization that saves abandoned purebred and hybrid Great Danes. You can visit their website and ask about the Great Dane Doberman mix.
United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota (UDR) – Another organization that you can check out is UDR. They offer pure and mixed Dobermans that are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and appropriately trained. You may be able to find a Doberdane mix here.
In addition to the places listed above, you can check out our directory of the best Great Dane and Doberman rescues across the country.
But if you’re unfamiliar with this process, you can read our ultimate adoption guide first. While you’re at it, you can also learn how to find free puppies in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Doberman Great Dane Mix
Of course, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Doberman Great Dane mix is a must. While we can’t deny that this gentle giant is quite charming, there are some things to consider before bringing one home.
To begin with, here are the pros of owning a Doberdane mix:
Intelligent and receptive: As with their parents, Great Dane Doberman mixes are quick learners. If you’re patient and consistent in your training methods, this designer breed will be able to execute tricks in no time.
Can be a reliable watchdog: The Doberdane will likely inherit the watchful nature of its Great Dane and Doberman ancestors. So if you’re searching for a dedicated watchdog that can protect you from intruders, this hybrid is probably a good choice.
A head-turning canine: Due to the intimidating size and striking face of the Doberman Great Dane mix, owners can expect to receive plenty of attention from passersby.
On the flip side, here are some of the cons of owning a Great Dane Doberman Pinscher mix:
High maintenance costs: With the Doberdane’s large physique, you can expect to spend a lot of money on dog food, grooming services, and veterinary care.
Takes up a lot of space: Another negative aspect of owning the Great Dane Doberman mix is their need for space. If you live in a house with limited space and no yard, you might want to go for a smaller pooch.
Can inherit genetic diseases: Usually, Doberdane mixes produced by backyard breeders and puppy mills are prone to inherit health issues. This includes hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart complications.
All in all, a Doberman Great Dane mix is an outstanding companion that you should consider getting. Even so, ensure that you have considered all aspects before making your final decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Dobermans and Great Danes Related?
Despite their similar appearances, Dobermans and Great Danes are not related.
Moreover, Dobies and Great Danes have different personalities. The former is noted for its energetic nature, while the latter tends to be more laid-back.
Are Great Dane Doberman Mixes Aggressive?
Even though their parent breeds are known for their protective disposition, Great Dane Doberman Pinscher mixes are not usually aggressive. They can be trained to be as gentle and friendly as any other breed.
Do Doberman Great Dane Mixes Shed a Lot?
Because of their large size, Doberman Great Dane mixes tend to shed moderate amounts of fur.
Nevertheless, this is not a problem if you know how to maintain your dog’s coat. Lucky for you, this article also tackled how to groom a Doberdane.
Are Doberman Great Dane Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Doberman Pinscher Great Dane mixes are not hypoallergenic. This indicates that if you have an allergy to dog hair or dander, the Doberdane may not be the right pet for you.
Final Thoughts: Is a Doberdane the Right Dog for You?
To sum up, owning a Doberman Great Dane mix is not for everyone. If you want to buy or adopt such a unique crossbreed, you should consider your finances and lifestyle first.
Of course, you must be prepared to care for a gigantic dog that requires lots of time, attention, and energy. Aside from that, it may not be suitable for people who live in apartments or small houses.
But if you have enough space and resources to raise a Doberdane, you will be rewarded with an immensely protective companion!
Have you ever seen a Doberdane up close, or perhaps you already own one? Tell us your experience with the Doberman Great Dane mix in the comments below!
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