How long does a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 7–10 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Great Dane (7–10 years).

Is a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

A German Shepherd Great Dane mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Great Dane. Most grow into giant dogs of 80–130 lb and live 7–10 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Great Dane, a purebred dog — Great DanePhoto: Markovade.pero, CC BY-SA 3.0 rs, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight80–130 lbcan be 50–175 lb

Height25–29 inat the shoulder

Lifespan7–10 years

SizeGiant

How big does a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix80–130 lb

Great Dane110–175 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Great Dane Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 25–29 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 28–32 in for the Great Dane.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

High

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Great Dane moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Great Dane as friendly, patient, dependable. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Great Dane vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Great Dane Mix	Great Dane
Weight	50–90 lb	80–130 lb	110–175 lb
Height	22–26 in	25–29 in	28–32 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	7–10 yr	7–10 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Working

Questions about the German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix get?: Most grow to 80–130 pounds and 25–29 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 50–175 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 7–10 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Great Dane (7–10 years).
Does a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Great Dane Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Great Dane mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.