Great Dane Husky Mix: Dog Breed Info & Pictures

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. It’s a relatively new combination that has yet to receive formal recognition by any of the major hybrid associations. Both parent breeds differ considerably, so it’s a wild card about what you may see in an adult.

Both parents contribute several desirable traits. 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. While the Great Dane is an older breed, the Siberian Husky’s formal history starts at the beginning of the 20th century. Both breeds are popular with the American Kennel Club (AKC), with each one in the top 20.

Their personalities are driving factors. Both are lovable and loyal dogs. The Great Dane brings his patience to the mix. Although he’s energetic, he still stays on an even keel. The Siberian Husky is all energy. You could say that it’s an instinct with him. No one needs to teach him what to do when harnessed in front of a sled.

Great Dane Husky Mix Puppies

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 he is the dominant breed. That can play a role in everything from feeding to training. Despite his size, he isn’t an aggressive dog. His stature speaks for itself.

The Siberian Husky is all about running. That fuels his strong wanderlust potential and independence. The mix is not a dog to let off-leash without supervision. Both parent breeds have a higher tendency to bark. It makes sense 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 his training.

Both the Great Dane and Siberian Husky are sensitive to stern reprimands. As stubborn as the Husky can be, he still wants to please you and will be disappointed if he fails. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train these pups. An occasional treat won’t hurt, either. Both parent breeds are loyal dogs. The more time you can spend with him, the stronger the bonds between you.

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 pooch is content to be a loyal companion.

2. One Brave Siberian Husky 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 in the legendary Serum Run. A diphtheria pandemic fueled the urgency to deliver medicine during blizzard conditions to the town of Nome. Thanks to the heroics of the dogs and their musher, many 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.

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. He is quite responsive. On the other hand, the Husky is a handful because of his independent streak. He is sometimes stubborn and mischievous. Considering his 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. He’ll do best in households with older children, particularly if he’s a large dog. This pup is friendly with just about everyone he meets, especially if you socialize him early. Introduce him to new people on his walks. We’d also suggest enrolling him 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 his team. He still has that same dog-friendly nature in his DNA. Just be sure to give him opportunities to meet other canines. Both parent breeds have a moderate prey drive. Your pup may chase the family cat, which is a problem if he takes after the Great Dane in size. He’ll probably do best in a home without cats or small animals.

Things 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 breed is the overriding factor in many aspects of pet care, especially given the size differences between them.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Seeing the mother of your pup can give you a handle about your 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 he’s more like a Husky, then 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 his diet if necessary. You should be able to feel his ribs, even if he has the thick coat of a Husky. Keep treats to 10% or less of your pup’s total caloric intake to ensure that he’s getting the proper nutrition to keep him 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 him physically and mentally fit. His size may keep him out of the doggie park unless you socialize him 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 him a poor candidate for crate training. It could end up encouraging those bad habits, such as barking or howling. Spending time with him is a better option, given his 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, he still wants to please you.  Building trust is a critical part of the process. It’ll spur his loyalty and increase his 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 he will blow seasonally. Like other Spitz-like breeds, he is surprisingly clean, taking on this maintenance task himself. Nevertheless, running a slicker brush through his fur is an excellent way to keep him looking his best.

You should also check his nails and ears regularly to give them attention as needed. If your pup runs on the pavement a lot, it’ll likely wear down his toenails for you. Take a look at his 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 (GDV). 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.

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 why 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.

Final Thoughts

A Great Dane Husky mix might not be your first choice for a new pet in your home. However, this pup is an energy-filled bundle of love that is worth a look if you have the time and experience to devote to this pooch. He has 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. He needs attention and discipline.

While he isn’t a beginner dog, the Great Dane Husky mix is an excellent choice because of his 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.

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Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock