Bloodhound Great Dane Mix: Pictures, Temperament & Traits
By Grant Piper
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Sometimes you come across a dog breed mix that causes you to raise an eyebrow. Bloodhound Great Danes sound like an oddity, and in some ways, they are. What does a Bloodhound Great Dane mix look like? How big do they get? Do they have any health problems or personality issues? This quick guide will go over all of the answers to these questions and more. Here is everything you need to know about Bloodhound Great Dane Mixes.
| Height: | 28–34 inches |
| Weight: | 95–150 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7–10 years |
| Colors: | Brown, Brindle, Liver, Liver and Tan, Blue, Black and Tan, Black and White |
| Suitable for: | Active people with a lot of space who are looking for a unique large dog |
| Temperament: | Gentle, loving, and curious, with a great sense of smell |
Bloodhound Great Dane mixes combine two of the most recognizable dogs in the animal kingdom, the Great Dane and the Bloodhound. These dogs are also called Great Hounds. That name is very apt. These dogs are huge and make very great hounds. The result is a unique mixture that takes the size and docile nature of the Great Dane and combines it with the sense of smell and determination of the Bloodhound.
Bloodhound Great Dane Mix Breed Characteristics
Bloodhound Great Dane Mix Breed Puppies
Bloodhound Great Dane mixes are adorable puppies. They are stout and droopy. They have long, floppy ears and a very sweet face. These puppies instantly draw people in with their appearance.
It is not easy to find a Bloodhound Great Dane puppy. This is not a common mixture. You will likely need to find one that comes through a shelter or find a very niche breeder. Locating a Great Hound will not be an easy task.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bloodhound Great Dane Mix 🧠
The Bloodhound Great Dane is a very docile dog. Some would even call them lazy. Their even-mannered temperament makes them excellent in most situations. They are not easily excitable. Despite their calm demeanor, these dogs can be very stubborn. When they feel particularly lazy or have a scent in their nose, they can be very hard to convince to behave or do something they don’t want to do.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes. These dogs have the potential to be amazing family dogs. Great Hounds are large, loving, cuddly, and sweet. They are good with children and are very loyal. Once these dogs settle into a home that they feel comfortable in, they will become loving lazy lumps that any family can love.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Bloodhound Great Dane mixes mostly get along with other pets. These dogs are very docile and friendly most of the time. However, since this breed is a mixture of two hunting breeds, they could have a strong prey drive that will flare up unexpectedly. When these dogs get on a scent or decide that an animal is prey, they can be hard to handle. This is rare, but it is something to consider before bringing one into a house with small animals. They will get along with other dogs with few issues.
Things to Know When Owning a Bloodhound Great Dane Mix:
Great Hounds are unique dog breeds that come with a slew of things that you should know before potentially investing in one. These dogs are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their size, food requirements, and potential difficulty with training. Here are the basics of what you need to know before getting a Bloodhound Great Dane mix.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Since Bloodhound Great Dane mixes are such large dogs, they are going to eat a lot of food. It is suggested that you invest in high-quality food to help boost their long-term health. A food that bolsters skin health or a food that bolsters joint health can have a myriad of positive effects for your dog. You will have to budget a decent amount of money ($50–$150 per month) for dog food with this breed.
Exercise 🐕
Great Hounds require a large amount of low-intensity exercise. These dogs do not need to run around like psychos. Instead, they will require long walks that cover a lot of ground. Both of these dogs are known for their stamina. Long periods of low-intensity exercise, like walking or hiking, can also help them with joint problems, which they are prone to developing as they age due to their size and genetics. Make sure you can set out time from your day to take your dog on multiple long steady walks.
Training 🎾
Bloodhound Great Dane mixes are open to training. However, they can be stubborn and easily distracted. These dogs have amazing noses and that can make them prone to being distracted by an interesting scent. Their size can also make them hard to handle when they are on the trail of a good smell. When they are focused, they are eager to please, but getting them focused can be difficult, especially for inexperienced dog owners.
Grooming ✂️
Bloodhound Great Dane mixes require minimal grooming. They have a short double coat that will largely maintain itself. Despite their short coats, these dogs can still shed a considerable amount, especially because of their immense size. Bloodhounds are very heavy shedders, and that can translate to the Bloodhound Great Dane mix.
- Also see: Best Dog Shampoos – Reviews & Top Picks
Health and Conditions ❤️
Bloodhound Great Dane mixes are prone to some serious health issues. One of the most serious health issues to be aware of is bloat. According to the AKC, bloat is the number one killer of Great Danes. While Great Hounds mitigate some of this risk by being a crossbreed, they still have many of the traits that make a dog susceptible to this disease. Consult your veterinarian about the warning signs of bloat so you know what to look out for.
Other serious health issues that these dogs can encounter include heart issues like cardiomyopathy and joint dysplasia. Both of these problems can progress and become problematic as the dog ages. Prevention and timely treatment are key to keeping your Great Hound healthy as it ages.
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin issues
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Joint dysplasia (Hip and/or elbow)
Male vs. Female
Male Great Hounds are much larger than their female counterparts. The largest male Bloodhound Great Dane mixes can grow to be nearly 150 pounds, while the females might only weigh 100 pounds. If you do not plan on neutering your male Great Hound, you have to be aware that their innate sexual drive and exceptional nose could cause them to roam around looking for a female. That can make the males prone to trying to escape during mating season, which is something to be aware of.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bloodhound Great Dane Mix
1. A Combination of Two Hunters
The Great Dane was originally bred as a hunting dog that was meant to be able to retrieve large kills, such as hogs. Bloodhounds were bred as hunting dogs that could track prey for miles over multiple hours. Together, they create the Great Hound, which is great in both terms of size and in terms of hunting pedigree.
2. A Medieval Legacy
Both the Great Dane and the Bloodhound can trace their ancestry to the Medieval Period. The early Medieval Ages saw both of these dogs burst onto the scene as hunting dogs. The Great Dane originated in Germany, while the Bloodhound likely originated in France. There is speculation that the precursor to the Great Dane can trace its legacy back as far as ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago.
3. A Gentle Giant
Both Bloodhounds and Great Danes are known for being large and sweet dogs. Together they create a gentle giant that is one of the most docile and loving mixtures available. The Great Hound is known for being one of the best large dog crossbreeds and is the perfect dog for anyone who loves large and cuddly canine companions.
Final Thoughts
Great Hounds are incredibly unique dogs that can make for amazing family dogs. These dogs are gentle giants that are incredibly loving. They have a very rich history and an amazing hunting pedigree. Due to their size, potential health issues, and proclivity for stubbornness, these dogs are not the best for first-time dog owners. However, if you are brave, experienced, or want a giant teddy bear dog of your own, these dogs are incredible and worth the time investment.
Featured Image Credit: Page Light Studios, Shutterstock
