Great Dane Pit Bull

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
Also known as the Great Danebull, the Great Dane Pit Bull is a cross between an American Pit Bull and a Great Dane. They are large, powerful, strong dogs with generally good health. Any health issues these big pups have come directly from their parent breeds. Many Great Dane Pit Bulls are commonly healthier than their parent breeds, but some health problems do make themselves known around 4-5 years old.

Allergies

Thanks to the American Pit Bull, the Great Dane Pit Bull is prone to allergies that make their skin itchy, red, blotchy, and uncomfortable. You can get your pup tested for allergies at the vet. If your dog is allergic to everyday things, like grass, pollen, or dust, the vet can prescribe medication to help them deal with the allergies. Or, if your pup has unique allergies, like peanut butter, the vet will ask you to change his diet and eliminate those foods.

Bloat

This dangerous condition most commonly affects Great Danes. The ailment can be deadly in some cases if left untreated. Symptoms include stomach distension and visible swelling, loss of appetite, a grouchy disposition, lack of energy, restlessness, and lack of coordination. If your Great Dane Pit Bull is experiencing any of these symptoms, get him to a vet immediately. This could be a life or death situation. The vet needs to relieve the pressure and gas from within his stomach. Emergency surgical procedures are commonly used for this condition.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the hip joint is malformed and pops in and out of the socket. This can cause rubbing of bones, deterioration of cartilage, and painful arthritis. Common side effects include limping, whimpering when walking, and an odd, uneven gait. Surgery is required to fix hip dysplasia. Medications can be prescribed to manage pain from arthritis or bone rubs.

Some other health issues that might affect your Great Dane Pit Bull are tail injuries, heart disease, and cataracts. These pups are relatively healthy crossbreed dogs. They boast an average lifespan of 10-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Great Dane Pit Bull looks fierce and intimidating, but these giant crossbreeds are usually sweet, affectionate, and loyal. He loves being around people he is familiar with, but he might be wary of strangers. Especially if they act nervous, anxious, or scared of his appearance. It is important for the Great Dane Pit Bull to be introduced to new people. After a friendly introduction, these big pups are usually affectionate and nice towards their new friends.

Despite their massive size, Great Dane Pit Bulls are cuddly and sweet-hearted. They want constant love and care, but they have an independent streak that comes from their American Pit Bull genetics. You have to raise these large dogs with strict behavioral training from a young age. If you have yet to establish yourself as the alpha of your pack, your Great Dane Pit Bull will have a hard time taking you seriously. This could lead to aggression, disobedience, destruction, and negative behavior.

Socialize your Great Dane Pit Bull from puppy age. Take him to a dog park to play with other pups. Take him on long walks through the neighborhood to meet people and make new friends. Be affectionate, loving, and kind to your big dog. But never, ever inflict physical harm or respond to him in a negative, harsh way. This breaks trust, and you definitely need a strong sense trust with a dog of this size.

If your Great Dane Pit Bull loves and respects you, then you will have his undivided attention for training sessions. He might take a few tries to understand and comply with your commands. But don’t get frustrated. Instead, reward him for obedience with meaty treats, praise, and encouragement. Never give up and leave your Great Dane Pit Bull untrained.

Grooming

Both the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull are renowned for their short, silky, manageable coats. This is an easy-to-groom trait that is, thankfully, passed down to the Great Dane Pit Bull. Brush your pup once a day to establish a special bond and affectionate connection. Most dogs are used to grooming from their mothers, so this ritual will help you and your crossbreed canine build a stronger trust and friendship.

Due to their size, Great Dane Pit Bulls are difficult to bathe in ordinary tubs. If the weather is hot outside, consider using a hose and dog shampoo to give your pup a quick outdoor bath. If this isn’t an option, go to a professional groomer for a wash, dry, and brush. While there, you can get his ears cleaned and toenails trimmed.

Diet

The Great Dane Pit Bull has quite an appetite to match his giant size. Feed him a healthy, wholesome diet of 5-6 cups of dry kibble per day, spread into 2-3 meals. Eating that much dry kibble all at once could exacerbate or cause health issues. Plus, feeding him 2-3 times a day will cut down on begging and whining for more food.

Meaty treats, while great indulgences and rewards, should be kept to a minimum. These dogs have excellent metabolisms, but they can overeat and make themselves sick.
 

Find A Great Dane Pit Bull Breeder

Great Dane Pit Bull Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Great Dane Pit Bull

Cost

Great Dane Pit Bulls are rare, but you can check your local shelters for any leads – you never know, you might get lucky. The adoption fees would be in the ballpark of $250-400, depending on the inclusions, temperament, and past of the dog.

If you opt for a breeder, expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a Great Dane Pit Bull puppy. You also have to think about the cost of food, toys, vaccines, vet visits, and professional groomers.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Great Dane Pit Bull would be a 3.5 rank on the Paws ‘N’ Pups scale. If left untrained, these dogs can be aggressive and disobedient. So you have to have the patience, determination, and confidence required to establish a connection and instil obedience. They are also considered a giant breed, which makes them difficult to keep in small areas, like starter homes or apartments.

 

Great Dane

American Pit Bull Terrier

Great Pyrenees

Mastiff