Great Dane Rottweiler mixes are large-bodied, intelligent, and affectionate. They are the offspring of a Rottweiler and a Great Dane. Monthly grooming, regular check-ups, and proper exercise help Rottweiler Great Dane mixes remain fit.
The parents of this breed are calm and affectionate. They love sleeping and spending time with their owners.
Great Danes can have different coat colors and patterns, while Rottweilers have a black coat with tan saddle markings.
Their giant bone structure makes them prone to numerous health complications, making them short-lived. These traits pass down to Rottweiler Great Dane mixes. They have good and bad characteristics that owners need to know before getting one.
In this article, we will discuss their personality, appearance, diet, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and more.
Rottweiler Great Dane Mix Characteristics
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are smart, loving, and intelligent with a large physique. Their appearance depends on their parents’ appearance, while their upbringing and genes determine their personality.
Both Rottweilers and Great Danes are frequent contestants in dog contests. They have a history of working as protectors and hunters. Their coat allows them to withstand cold and warm environments.
Breeders mate Rottweilers and Great Danes produce a dog with the best of both breeds.
Appearance
Height
26–30 Inches
Weight
100–140 lbs
Lifespan
8–10 years
Dog Breed Group
Mixed Breed
Coat Type
Double
Coat length
Short
Coat color
Black, blue, white, chocolate, fawn, gray
Eyes
Dark Brown
Nose
Black
Ears
Floppy or Stiff
Hypoallergenic
No
Shedding
Grooming Difficulty
Adaptability
Apartment living
Good for beginners
Can be alone
Cold weather tolerance
Hot weather tolerance
Friendliness & Temper
Temperament
Affectionate
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Friendly to Strangers
Playfulness
Trainability & Needs
Easy to train
Intelligence
Hunting Instinct
Barking
Energy Level
3 Reasons to Get a Rottweiler Great Dane Mix
Great Dane Rottweiler mixes are playful and protective dogs that make excellent companions, especially first-time dog owners.
1. Great Dane Rottweiler Mixes Are Playful
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes like playing with their owners, despite their calm personalities. Playing fetch and tug of war are some of the games they want to play.
Their parents developed vigorous traits to become efficient hunters and protectors, resulting in the Rottweiler Great Dane mix’s strength and endurance. Expect this crossbreed to have enough energy to play with you for hours.
Kids will enjoy playing with Rottweiler Great Dane mixes due to their energy levels.
2. They’re Outstanding Companions
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are affectionate and sociable dogs. Even though they are natural hunters, these dogs are some of the best dogs to have when you have other pets. They do not see small animals as prey and only show friendly behavior.
Exercise, such as long walks and hiking, is not a problem. Despite their laid-back attitude, these dogs will accompany you on your trips. They are mild-mannered, so it is not a problem to have them as apartment pets, as long as you consider their size.
Teaching them tricks and how to behave is an easy task. They are intelligent and eager to please you, which makes them manageable pets. These dogs are wonderful companions for inexperienced owners.
3. Rottweiler Great Dane Mixes Keep Your Family Safe
Since they have their parents’ traits, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are outstanding watchdogs. They always look out for their owners. These crossbreeds will lunge at potential threats to protect their owners.
You can also train your dog to pick up scents from dangerous items (e.g., firearms and concealed blades). They are excellent tracking dogs, like their Great Dane parent.
If you have a Rottweiler Great Dane mix, best believe that your family is safe.
3 Reasons Not to Get a Rottweiler Great Dane Mix
Keep in mind that Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are short-lived heavy droolers whose living expenses are costly.
1. Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are heavy droolers
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes have droopy jowls. Saliva accumulates in the folds of their jowls, making them heavy droolers.
While the saliva itself is not smelly, several reasons make your dog’s saliva smell bad[1]:
- Tooth and Gum disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Oral Tumors
- Live disease
- Dietary deficiencies
If your dog’s drool sticks to its fur, it can make the fur smell pungent. Regular grooming removes the strong smell, and brushing its teeth regularly helps avoid bad breath. If it continues to have bad breath, get your dog checked because it can signify that it is sick.
Proper grooming, exercise, and diet prevent bad breath.
2. They are short-lived
Both parents are prone to inheritable diseases, especially bone- and joint-related problems because they have large bodies[2]. These health complications appear during their adolescent phase where their body experiences hormonal changes.
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are prone to their parents’ health complications for the same reason.
Providing your dog with appropriate care, exercise, and diet helps improve their quality of life.
3. Rottweiler Great Dane mixes have costly living expenses
Being a large dog, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes make it hard for owners to provide for their needs.
Although excellent apartment pets, they do not fit in small spaces like studio apartments. They’re also prone to numerous diseases, so you need pet insurance that covers a wide range of medical procedures.
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes find it hard to thrive in small spaces, so make sure that your house is large enough for them.
Origins Of The Rottweiler Great Dane Mix
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are German dogs. Although their origin is unknown, both parents have German roots, so the first Rottweiler Great Dane mix likely came from Germany.
Great Danes originated somewhere in Germany. They do not have Danish origins as their name otherwise suggests.
These dogs evolved from English mastiffs and Irish wolfhounds[3]. Nobles used and bred these dogs for security purposes – they served European nobles as guards and hunters.
Rottweilers arose in Rottweil, Germany. Romans bred ancient dogs called Molosser with large dogs such as Italian mastiff and Asian mastiff. The Roman Empire used these dogs as watchdogs, drovers, and war dogs.
After the empire fell, farmers took these dogs and made them herders and guards[4]. These canines developed qualities to make efficient workers, turning into the Rottweilers we know today.
Related: Rottweiler Mix Breeds
Rottweiler Great Dane Mix Appearance
A typical Rottweiler Great Dane mix is a large dog with a black coat and tan or cream saddle markings. They have floppy ears, droopy jowls, dark brown or chestnut eyes, and a black nose.
Genes determine your Rottweiler Great Dane mix’s appearance. Since Great Danes have different color patterns, the offspring can have various looks.
| Coat color or pattern | Appearance |
| Fawn | Black coat with fawn-colored saddle markings |
| Brindle | Brindle Dark brown coat with black streaks |
| Harlequin | Black coat with faint harlequin markings with a white patch on limbs and chests |
| Black | Blak coat with rust or cream saddle markings |
| Blue | Darkblue coat with tan saddle markings |
| Merle | Gray black with dark patches all over the body |
| Piebald | Piebald coat with tan-colored patches. |
| White | Black coat with white saddle marking |
| Chocolate | Dark Brown coat with cream or tan saddle marking |
Rottweiler Great Dane Mix Grooming
Although Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are moderate shedders, their short coats make it easy for owners to remove dirt and liquids. They only need monthly grooming and regular brushing to prevent health complications.
When it comes to grooming, a Rottweiler Great Dane mix is low-maintenance. Their thick hairs make it easy for owners to remove dirt and old hair. They only need monthly grooming, such as nail clipping, hair trimming, and baths. Brush them regularly to remove old and damaged hair.
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is ideal. Plaque and bacteria build-up are common occurrences in Rottweiler Great Dane mix’s mouth. Brushing their teeth helps remove bad breath and maintain their tooth and gum health.
Wipe drool off your dog’s face after every meal to avoid a foul smell from developing.
Despite their large size, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are mild-mannered dogs, so it is not difficult to bathe them.
Grooming Products for Your Rottweiler Great Dane Mix
- Dog toothbrush
- Vet-recommended toothpaste
- Nail Clippers
- Bristle brush
- Madre de Cacao Soap
- Aloe Vera shampoo
- Dog moisturizer
- Antifungal soap (Sulfate-free)
Diet & Food Requirements
Great Dane Rottweiler mixes need a healthy balanced diet of meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains that amount to 2% – 3% of their body weight per day. Provide them with various vitamins and minerals as it helps improve their health.
Since they are prone to joint complications, especially during adolescence, Great Dane Rottweiler mixes need dry dog food with 22-32% protein content to ensure optimal growth. Instead of rapid growth, your dog will grow at a stable pace – lessening its risk of bone- and joint-related injuries[5].
Avoid feeding them foods high in cholesterol, sugar, and salt because Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are prone to various health complications, like obesity and heart disease.
You can serve the following healthy foods to your Rottweiler Great Dane mix:
- Chicken
- Turnips
- Swiss Chard
- Black beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Lamb
- Pollock
- Blueberries
- Apple
- Cod
- Shrimp
- Egg (Boiled)
- Beef
- Broccoli
- Squash
Great Dane Rottweiler Mix Exercise Needs
Exercise improves your dog’s quality of life. Great Dane Rottweiler mix needs at least 2 hours of daily physical and mental activities. It also helps strengthen your bond with your dog.
Lack of exercise weakens their immune system and worsens their quality of life[6]. Joint and Bone problems are common complications to these dogs. Meeting their exercise requirements helps strengthen their bones and joints.
Activities like play fetch and tug of war help stimulate your Great Dane Rottweiler, which helps prevent the following behaviors:
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety
- Nipping on furniture
- Continuous barking
- Peeing and defecating on wrong areas
You can meet their exercise requirements by teaching them new tricks, especially ways to entertain themselves:
- Dog puzzles
- Scavenger hunt
- Using the automatic fetch machine
You can do the following exercises to meet their needs:
- Short walk (15-minute walk)
- Play fetch
- Tug of War
- Scent hunting
- Hide and seek
- Long walk (30+ minute walk)
- Brisk walk
- Jogging
- Swimming (Great for old Rottweiler Great Dane mixes)
Training a Rottweiler Great Dane Mix
Training a Rottweiler Great Dane mix is easy to do. They are smart dogs and can learn complex tricks and commands quickly.
Their parents are familiar contenders in dog shows, such as obstacle courses and mental tests, making Rottweiler Great Dane mixes excellent dog sport competitors.
Scent tracking, livestock herding, and critter hunting are activities where Rottweiler Great Dane mixes shine the most.
Common Rottweiler Great Dane Mix Health Problems
Bone, joint, heart, eye, and ear problems are common in Great Dane Rottweiler mixes. They need proper care, exercise, and diet to avoid health complications.
Meeting this mix’s grooming, exercise, and food requirements help lessen their risk of congenital and inheritable diseases.
Based on the common health problems of Great Danes and Rottweilers[7], their offspring are prone to several health issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hygroma
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Addison’s disease
- Entropion
- Mitral Valve defects
- Osteosarcoma
- von Willebrand disease
Checking your dog’s medical background, including its parents, helps identify which diseases your dog is prone to. Regular check-ups help prevent fatal health complications because vets can cure early signs of diseases.
How Long Do Rottweiler Great Dane Mixes Live?
Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are short-lived – only living for 8–10 years. Giving them the appropriate diet, care, and exercise help extend their lives and improve their quality of life.
Great Dane Rottweiler Mix Size
Great Dane Rottweiler mixes are large dogs, standing at 26–30 inches tall and weighing 100–140 lbs. Even as puppies, these crossbreeds tower over other dogs.
Puppies
A Rottweiler Great Dane mix puppy, at three months, weighs 25–45 lbs and grows up to 23 inches, which is larger than most small dogs. Feed your dog high-protein foods to ensure optimal growth and avoid bone complications during this age.
Full-grown
They grow up to 30 inches and weigh 100–140 lbs. There are cases where they exceed these measurements, especially if they meet their food requirements.
Conclusion
The Great Dane Rottweiler mix is the product of a Great Dane and a Rottweiler. It’s an affectionate, intelligent, and protective dog that makes wonderful companions, drovers, hunters, and dog show contenders.
Although it is low-maintenance in terms of grooming, a Rottweiler Great Dane mix needs the appropriate diet and exercise to remain healthy. Despite its large physique, its gentle nature and laid-back attitude make it an excellent apartment pet.
