The first time I saw a photo of a great dane dachshund mix, I genuinely thought someone had used AI to mash two dogs together. A towering Great Dane and a low-riding Dachshund? It sounds like a punchline but this hybrid is very real, surprisingly lovable, and one of the most talked-about novelty breeds in the dog community today.
Whether you stumbled onto this breed through a viral video or you’re seriously considering adoption, this guide covers everything you need to know about the great dane dachshund mix from its unpredictable size and temperament to its health quirks and daily care needs.
What Exactly Is a Great Dane Dachshund Mix?
The great dane dachshund mix affectionately nicknamed the “Great Wiener” or “Doxie Dane” is a hybrid dog bred from two dogs that could not be more different in stature. The Great Dane stands as one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, often reaching 28–32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110–175 pounds. The Dachshund, on the other hand, typically tops out at just 8–9 inches and 16–32 pounds.
When these two breeds are crossed, the result is a dog that could realistically look like almost anything. That unpredictability is both the charm and the challenge of owning a great dane dachshund mix.
According to the AKC, the Great Dane ranks among the top 20 most popular dog breeds in the United States, while the Dachshund consistently lands in the top 10. Their offspring, however, remains one of the rarest hybrids you’ll encounter.
The History Behind This Unusual Hybrid
Neither the Great Dane nor the Dachshund were originally bred as lap dogs. Great Danes were developed in Germany as powerful hunting dogs used to track boar and bear, while Dachshunds were scent hounds designed to flush badgers from burrows. Their personalities, energy levels, and physical builds reflect those very different origins.
The this crossbreed doesn’t have a formal breed history. Most examples of this hybrid are either accidental litters or products of small-scale breeders catering to novelty seekers. In some cases, sadly, they originate from puppy mills which is why rescue adoption is strongly encouraged if you’re set on owning one.
As a niche within the growing designer dog market which, according to Statista, has seen a 30%+ rise in searches for mixed breeds since 2019 the this unique hybrid sits in a category all its own.
Size and Appearance: What Will Your Dog Look Like?
This is the million-dollar question for anyone curious about the great dane dachshund mix. The honest answer? Nobody knows for certain.
Depending on which parent genes dominate, a this mix could be:
- Small to medium-sized, resembling an elongated Dachshund with longer legs
- Medium to large, with a stockier frame and Great Dane facial structure
- Anywhere in between, with unpredictable coat color and body proportions
Most owners report their this Doxie Dane lands somewhere in the 30–80 pound range, though outliers exist on both ends. Coat type varies too it could be short and glossy like a Great Dane’s or slightly longer and wiry like a standard or wire-haired Dachshund.
Common Physical Traits
| Feature | Great Dane Parent | Dachshund Parent | Likely Mix Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 28–32 inches | 5–9 inches | 12–22 inches (variable) |
| Weight | 110–175 lbs | 8–32 lbs | 30–80 lbs (variable) |
| Coat | Short, smooth | Short/long/wire | Usually short to medium |
| Ears | Naturally floppy | Long and floppy | Floppy |
| Body Shape | Long and lean | Long and low | Elongated, variable |
The table above reflects general expectations, but every this one-of-a-kind pup is genuinely one of a kind.
Temperament: What Kind of Personality Can You Expect?
One of the most exciting aspects of the great dane dachshund mix is its personality. Both parent breeds are known for being affectionate and people-oriented and that trait almost always carries through.
Great Danes are famously described as “gentle giants.” They’re calm, patient, and deeply loyal. Dachshunds, by contrast, are bold, curious, and can be stubborn. When you blend these two, you often get a dog that is:
- Playful and energetic without being hyperactive
- Loyal and protective of its family
- Friendly with children and other pets, especially when socialized early
- Occasionally stubborn, particularly during training
From personal experience reading dozens of owner accounts, the temperament of a great dane dachshund mix leans toward the friendlier, more docile side making them surprisingly good family dogs despite their exotic status.
“Mixed breeds often display what’s known as hybrid vigor they tend to be healthier, more adaptable, and more balanced in temperament than either parent breed alone.” Dr. Stanley Coren, canine psychologist and author
For a deeper dive into Dachshund personality traits and care, check out our full Dachshund Guides resource library.
Health Considerations for the Great Dane Dachshund Mix
Health is where things get genuinely interesting and a little complicated for the this crossbreed.
Inherited Health Risks
Both parent breeds bring their own set of known health issues:
From the Great Dane side:
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV) the leading killer of Great Danes
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Hip dysplasia
- Shorter lifespan (a 2024 UK study found the average Great Dane lifespan to be just 10.6 years)
From the Dachshund side:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), especially if the mix inherits the low-slung body
- Obesity-related issues
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Dental problems
The great dane dachshund mix may inherit any combination of these vulnerabilities. However, crossbreeds often benefit from genetic diversity reducing the likelihood of some inherited conditions compared to purebreds.
Lifespan Estimate
Given the shorter lifespan of Great Danes and the longer lifespan of Dachshunds (12–16 years), the great dane dachshund mix typically lives 10–14 years, depending on size, diet, and healthcare.
Exercise and Activity Needs
The energy level of your your Doxie Dane will depend heavily on which parent it takes after. Here’s what most owners experience:
- Daily walks: 30–60 minutes of moderate exercise is usually sufficient
- Playtime: Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or fetch keeps them engaged
- Avoid overexertion: If they inherit the Dachshund’s long spine, high-impact jumping should be limited
This hybrid is not a couch potato by default, but it’s also not a working dog that demands hours of daily exercise. It occupies a comfortable middle ground making it a solid fit for active individuals and moderately active families alike.
Training the Great Dane Dachshund Mix
Training a this hybrid requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor. The Dachshund’s famously independent streak can show up in this hybrid but the Great Dane’s eager-to-please nature often balances it out.
Training Tips That Work
- Start early — begin socialization and basic commands at 8–12 weeks
- Use positive reinforcement — treat-based rewards work especially well
- Keep sessions short — 10–15 minutes maximum to maintain focus
- Be consistent — mixed signals confuse this breed quickly
- Enroll in puppy classes — group settings accelerate socialization
One thing I’ve noticed in virtually every owner story I’ve read: the this unusual hybrid responds beautifully to praise. They genuinely want your approval it just may take a few extra repetitions to lock in the behavior.
Diet and Nutrition
Feeding a great dane dachshund mix correctly depends on adult size, which as we’ve established is somewhat of a mystery until they’re fully grown.
General guidelines:
- Puppies: High-quality puppy formula, 3–4 small meals daily
- Adults: 1.5–3 cups of premium kibble per day, split into two meals
- Avoid free-feeding: Both parent breeds are prone to obesity if overfed
- Watch for bloat: If your dog leans Great Dane, avoid exercise for 60 minutes after eating
Your vet is the best resource for tailoring a feeding plan specific to your individual your pup.
Grooming Requirements
Good news: the this crossbreed is generally low-maintenance on the grooming front.
- Short-coated mixes: Weekly brushing and monthly baths
- Longer-coated mixes: Brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting
- Ears: Check and clean weekly to prevent infections (floppy ears trap moisture)
- Nails: Trim every 3–4 weeks
- Teeth: Brush 2–3 times weekly Dachshunds are prone to dental disease
Is the Great Dane Dachshund Mix Right for You?
Let me be straightforward: the this hybrid is not a breed for everyone. The unpredictability in size, temperament, and health outcomes makes it a dog best suited for flexible, experienced, and patient owners.
You might be a great match if:
- You’re open to surprises and adaptable in your lifestyle
- You have space (or can accommodate a medium-to-large dog)
- You’re committed to regular vet visits and proactive health monitoring
- You want a loyal, loving companion with genuine personality
You might want to reconsider if:
- You need a predictable breed with known characteristics
- You live in a very small space with no outdoor access
- You have limited time for training and socialization
The great dane dachshund mix is genuinely one of the most unique dogs you’ll ever encounter. If you go in with realistic expectations and an open heart, this hybrid will reward you tenfold.
Where to Find a Great Dane Dachshund Mix
Given how rare this hybrid is, finding a this Doxie Dane responsibly takes effort.
- Rescue shelters: Many Doxie Danes end up in shelters after owners underestimate the commitment check local rescues and Petfinder
- Breed-specific rescues: Dachshund and Great Dane rescue organizations occasionally have mixes
- Reputable breeders: If buying from a breeder, always request health clearances for both parents and visit the facility in person
Avoid pet stores and online sellers offering great dane dachshund mix puppies at suspiciously low prices these are often connected to puppy mills where parent dogs are mistreated.
FAQ: Great Dane Dachshund Mix
1. How big does a Great Dane Dachshund Mix get?
A Great Dane Dachshund Mix can vary greatly in size due to the significant difference between its parent breeds. Most adults weigh 30–80 pounds and stand 12–22 inches tall, depending on which parent’s genetics are more dominant.
2. Is the Great Dane Dachshund Mix good with kids?
Yes. A Great Dane Dachshund Mix is generally friendly, affectionate, and patient with children when properly socialized from an early age. As with any breed, interactions between dogs and young children should always be supervised.
3. How long does a Great Dane Dachshund Mix live?
The average lifespan of a Great Dane Dachshund Mix is 10–14 years. Dogs that inherit more Dachshund traits may live longer than those that take after the Great Dane parent.
4. Are Great Dane Dachshund Mix dogs hard to train?
They can be somewhat stubborn because of their Dachshund heritage, but they usually respond well to positive reinforcement, consistency, and early socialization. Beginning training during puppyhood produces the best results.
5. Where can I adopt a Great Dane Dachshund Mix?
You can start your search at local animal shelters, breed-specific rescue organizations, and reputable adoption websites such as Petfinder. Since this is a rare mixed breed, finding one may take time, so adoption is often the best option.
Are you ready to open your home to the wonderfully weird, endlessly lovable great dane dachshund mix or does the unpredictability still give you pause?
