This majestic breed is a perfect combination of the gentle giant Great Dane and the regal Irish Wolfhound. The Great Dane Irish Wolfhound Mix is known for its towering height, with males reaching up to 35 inches tall and weighing between 120-180 pounds.
They are a loyal breed that thrives on human interaction and attention. With proper training and socialization, they can make excellent family pets.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners. The Great Dane Irish Wolfhound Mix is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
Physical Characteristics
The Irish Dane is a massive dog, with enormous size potential. They can grow up to a significant height and weight.
Their imposing size is a result of their parent breeds, two of the largest dog breeds in the world. They are truly majestic creatures.
The Irish Dane's enormous size is matched by their gentle and friendly nature. They are surprisingly gentle and sensitive, despite their massive build.
They are a great companion for families, and get along well with children and other pets.
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Care and Health
The great Dane Irish Wolfhound mix is a unique and wonderful breed, but like any dog, it requires regular care and attention to stay healthy and happy.
Irish Wolfhounds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be sensitive to anesthesia, so it's essential to find a veterinarian who is aware of this issue.
Regular grooming is crucial for this breed, with thick double coats that shed moderately throughout the year. Using a pin brush and comb once a week will help keep your dog's coat looking its best.
Bathing should be done only when necessary, and it's essential to keep your dog's nails trimmed and teeth cleaned regularly. Their floppy ears are also prone to infections if not kept clean and dry.
Irish Danes, which are part of this mix, can be susceptible to hip and joint problems, but responsible breeding has helped minimize this issue. However, they can still suffer from other health problems, including myotonia congenita, cataracts, ear infections, hip dysplasia, entropion, gastric torsion, and cardiomyopathy.
Regular veterinary examinations are crucial to detect and treat any potential health problems early on. This is especially important for large breed dogs like the Irish Dane Irish Wolfhound mix.
Here's a quick rundown of the health issues to be aware of:
- Myotonia congenita
- Cataracts
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion
- Gastric torsion
- Cardiomyopathy
Training and Behavior
The Irish Dane is a loyal companion that requires early socialization to ensure they get along well with other dogs and people. This is especially important for large canines that show aggression towards others.
Irish Danes are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, making training a breeze. They'll have no problem learning basic obedience if rewarded for doing the right thing.
However, it's essential to be cautious with agility training, as it can teach them to climb over things, which can lead to unwanted escape attempts.
Great Danes, on the other hand, are mild-mannered giants that are easy to train due to their eagerness to please their owners. They're attentive and will listen to commands well.
One of the most important training aspects to tackle with Great Danes is controlling their bark. Helping them learn how to stop barking on command can save your family's eardrums.
Great Danes aren't big on exercise, but they do need at least 45 minutes of physical activity per day to stay healthy. This can be achieved by taking them for walks or letting them play in the backyard.
Additional reading: Great Dane Ear Cropping
Joint issues are a concern for large breeds like the Irish Dane and Great Dane, so it's essential to be mindful of strenuous activities that can put a strain on their joints.
Irish Danes have minimal grooming needs, but they do require regular brushing to keep their coats clean and nice.
Food & Diet
Feeding your Great Dane Irish Wolfhound mix requires a premium dry dog food specifically formulated for large or giant dogs.
This type of food will provide the necessary nutrients for a happy and healthy life.
You should expect to go through a great deal of dog food due to the size of your dog.
Consult your vet if your dog has any special dietary needs or you have questions or concerns about their diet.
Great with Children
The Irish Dane is a wonderful companion for families with kids. They are incredibly gentle and patient, making them a great match for households with little ones.
Despite their large size, Irish Danes are happy to spend time with children and will even tolerate a bit of rough play. They're not easily intimidated by a child's energetic antics.
One of the best things about the Irish Dane is their ability to know when to walk away from a situation if things get too rough. They'll calmly leave the area without getting snappy or aggressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will a Great Dane Hound mix get?
A Great Dane Hound mix typically weighs between 60-150 pounds and stands tall with a muscular build. Regular exercise and outdoor playtime are essential to help them reach their full size and stay healthy.
Can you breed an Irish Wolfhound with a Great Dane?
Yes, Irish Danes are a recognized mixed breed resulting from crossing an Irish Wolfhound with a Great Dane. This unique combination creates a massive and gentle giant that requires careful training and attention.
How big is an Irish dane?
An Irish Dane typically grows to be 30-35 inches tall and weighs up to 150 pounds.
Sources
- Great Dane Mixes: 20 Very Large And Popular Crossbreeds (caninejournal.com)
- Irish Wolfhound vs Great Dane: Key Differences (With ... (dogster.com)
- Irish Dane (Irish Wolfhound & Great Dane Mix) (hepper.com)
- Irish Wolfhound vs Great Dane: The Differences (With ... (hepper.com)
- Great Dane + Irish Wolfhound - Dog Breed Pictures (dogbible.com)
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