Great Danoodle

Quick Take

• Their giant size comes with a surprising personality quirk that makes Great Danoodles uniquely self-aware, and this quality directly shapes how they behave around your family. Explore their personality →
• There's a common dog food ingredient that could silently threaten your Great Danoodle's heart, and most owners never think to check the label for it. Check the food label →
• Great Danoodles look like high-maintenance Doodles, but their grooming routine defies what most people expect from a curly-coated breed. See grooming needs →
• These dogs are sweet with kids, but there's one subtle body language signal owners miss that means it's time to intervene immediately. Watch for stress signs →

Great Danes are incredibly popular dogs, and so are poodles. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that the Great Danoodle is such a popular and well-loved Doodle dog. Great Danoodles have all of the polite and endearing personality traits that typically belong to their Great Dane parents. They also have the poodle’s curly coat, intelligent mind, and slightly smaller frame. Overall, these dogs are attractive, attentive, and incredibly affectionate towards their families.

If you rescue a Great Danoodle, you’ll immediately notice that they’re some of the friendliest and most self-aware dogs available. Whether you brought them home because of their sweet eyes or their daring harlequin coat, you and your Great Danoodle will be best friends for life.

Owning a Great Danoodle: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

Great Danoodles are large, tall dogs with square heads and lanky frames. These dogs can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including the famous harlequin and mantle coat designs. The average Great Danoodle weighs between 75 and 100 pounds and stands between 22 and 27 inches tall, though some may reach up to 110 pounds. Female Great Danoodles are often significantly smaller than their male counterparts; on average, you can expect them to weigh between 75 and 100 pounds, with some females being on the lower end of this range.

Common Health Issues

Great Danoodles are very large dogs, which means that they are susceptible to many of the same health concerns as their Great Dane parents. Heart issues are the biggest concern, but Great Danoodles can also suffer from stomach problems, skin conditions, and adrenal disorders. Your vet will be able to check your pup for all of these conditions; all you need to do is make sure that your Great Danoodle makes it in for their annual visit.

Temperament

These dogs are sweet, loving, polite, loyal, and intelligent. Like their Great Dane parents, these dogs tend to have quiet and calm personalities despite their incredibly large size. Expect your dog to be a little shy, especially in new situations. If you have guests or children over, be prepared to remove your Great Danoodle from the situation whenever energy levels get too high.

Luckily, these gentle giants rarely cause trouble — especially if they get enough exercise. Your Great Danoodle will love to go for long walks and run around the backyard, but these dogs are still more relaxed than most other Doodle breeds. Overall, the Great Danoodle is known for its beautiful appearance and balanced temperament, making it a popular designer dog breed. Prices are comparable to other large Doodle breeds, ranging from $1,500 to over $2,500.

How to Take Care of a Great Danoodle

Great Danoodles are large dogs that need a little extra attention throughout their lives. Plan to take your dog in for regular vet visits. You’ll also need to watch their diet and spend plenty of time with them during the day.

The Best Dog Food

Great Danoodles are large dogs that need a lot of calories to stay healthy. Because they’re also prone to heart and stomach issues, you probably don’t want to buy a standard kibble for one of these designer dogs. Many breeders have diet recommendations for their Great Danoodle puppies. If you aren’t sure, look for high-quality food with an emphasis on protein and healthy fats.

This breed is susceptible to multiple heart conditions. At regular vet appointments, keep an eye on your dog’s heart health. Also, be aware of the risks of dog food containing legumes, including heart failure, and make sure the ingredients in your dog’s food are legume-free.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs are some of the lowest-maintenance Doodle dogs available. You only need to brush your Great Danoodle once or twice a week, especially if they have a shorter coat. Pay attention to the length of the hair between their toes, as it tends to clump and prevent your dog from walking easily. Like other Doodle dogs, Great Danoodles have sensitive skin and may need to use a special shampoo.

Training

Great Danoodles are shy and attentive dogs that love to get guidance from their owners. Start training early while your dog is still young. As they get older, continue the training sessions to help ensure that your dog learns to manage their growing size.

Exercise

These dogs need plenty of exercise to stay healthy, especially when they are younger. Expect to take your dog on one or two hour-long walks every day, and try to give them access to a yard. Be aware that as your dog ages, their mobility may decrease. Because of this, it’s important to have playtime while the dog is young and to take slow walks when they start to age.

Puppies

Great Danoodle puppies are small and don’t yet realize how big they’re going to grow. Take advantage of your pup’s small size to give them plenty of positive experiences, such as being held on your lap or carried through a store. As your puppy gets older, you’ll need to hold daily training sessions to help them get used to using their new long legs and big paws.

Great Danoodles and Children

These dogs are sweet and loving, and they do fairly well in a family environment. Because they are shy, it can be difficult to tell whether or not they’re having a good time. In general, you should avoid leaving your Great Danoodle alone with young children. Pay attention to your dog’s body language; if they seem tired or overwhelmed, step in to give them a break.

Dogs Similar to Great Danoodles

These dogs are known for being large, affectionate, and protective. Dogs with similar traits include the purebred Great Dane, the mastiff, and the Saint Berdoodle.

• Great Dane: The Great Dane is a classically polite and charming breed. These dogs are loyal and have big hearts that make their owners immediately fall in love.
• Mastiff: Mastiffs are big, cuddly, and protective pets that make a great addition to many households. Mastiffs are significantly larger than Great Danoodles, so be ready to take care of a dog that weighs as much as a grown man.
• Saint Berdoodle: The Saint Berdoodle is one of the largest Doodle breeds. These dogs are playful and fun, and they have incredibly soft and luxurious coats.