Last Updated on April 25, 2023
An animal of many names, the Great Danoodle dog breed is often called a Great Danedoodle, Great Danepoo, Danedoodle, or Danepoo.
They’re a large cross with an intimidating stature, but they’re affectionate family pets.
A characteristic that highlights why people love them, but it’s only scratching the suffering on what makes these dogs unique.

So what makes this rare breed special? Let’s get into it!
Quick Navigation
- 1 Origin: What is a Danoodle dog?
- 2 What Does a Great Danoodle Look Like?
- 3 Temperament: Are Great Danoodles Good Family Dogs?
- 4 Caring for Your Great Danoodle Companion
- 5 Big Needs for Great Breeds: Health Awareness
- 6 What’s the Price of Great Danoodle Puppies?
- 7 Is the Great Danoodle the Doodle For Me?
- 8 Further reading: Similarly sized breeds to the Great Danoodle
Origin: What is a Danoodle dog?
The Great Danoodle has been around for a while, with breeding stemming back to the early 1900s. However, its origins are not known.
A cross between the Great Dane and the Standard Poodle, the Great Danoodle quickly found its name. Like most crossbreeds, it still struggles to find recognition, it’s safe to say that it’s far from a mutt.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the Great Danoodle, and they’re not alone. Luckily, the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) came through when no one else recognized these doodles.
The best way to understand these dogs is to start with their parent breeds. They both have long histories that can shed light on the Danedoodle.
The Gregarious Great Dane
The history of the Great Dane stretches as far back as 3000 B.C. Various Egyptian artifacts and monuments featured images that resembled them, so the Great Dane dog breed information is plentiful.

The breed as we know it today started to take shape in 16th century Germany. Hunters there bred the “Deutsche Dogge.”
These boarhounds descended from Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs to become the Great Dane.
Aside from their hunting skills, these large dogs were revered by German nobility. Great Danes of the time often found themselves living a luxurious life with gilded collars and a place to sleep in the master’s chambers.
Great Danes are a giant breed that will be taller than you when standing on its hind legs. They can also be longer than they are tall, similar to dogs like the Great Pyrenees.
Their bodies have sleek, narrow features from their long muzzles to their even longer tails. Their ears can be floppy, but some have pointed erect ears.
Great Danes also have shiny, short coats that can vary in color. Black, blue, tan, brindle, harlequin, chocolate, and merle are all possibilities.
Thanks to the likes of Scooby-Doo, you may have a general sense of these gentle giants, but they have some impressive stats.
Great Danes: | Male | Female |
Height: | 30-32 inches | 28-30 inches |
Weight: | 140-175 pounds | 110-140 pounds |
Life Expectancy: | 7-10 years |
Just to get a sense of how big Great Danes can get, check out Rocko on Dogtime. If that weren’t enough, Petguide even has them at #1 on their list of Top 10 Extra Large Dog Breeds.
Playful, family dogs come in all shapes and sizes. The Great Dane shows the world that big dogs can be excellent cuddle buddies if you have the room.
The Standard Poodle: A Prestigious Parent
Poodles got their start in Germany as duck hunters. They were skilled swimmers that were happy to retrieve birds from the water. “Pudel” or “pudelin” means “to splash in water” in German, so the name stuck.

French nobles found Poodles to be wonderful companions and entertainers, which was the beginning of a meteoric rise in popularity.
After Europe, Poodles took the world by storm and is still one of the most popular breeds.
The American Kennel Club recognizes three types of Poodles in the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, and the Toy Poodle.
The Federation Cynologique International recognizes two additional types of Poodles in the Medium Poodle and the Teacup Poodle.
So there are plenty of Poodle varieties from which to choose. For the Great Danoodle, though, we’re going to focus on just the Standard Poodle. The Standard is used for the Great Dane Poodle mix.
Standard Poodle: | Male | Female |
Height: | 15-21 inches | |
Weight: | 60-70 pounds | 40-50 pounds |
Life Expectancy: | 10-18 years |
These purebred dogs have curly, dense coats that are notorious for allowing ornate shapes and styles. This tradition started during their hunting days.
The Hunters would trim the Poodles coats into these decorative fashions out of practicality. These styles were meant to allow for better mobility while still keeping certain areas of the body warm.
The coat is also unique in that it can come in any color. Black, blue, white, brown, gray, sable, red, and cream are all possibilities. These beautiful coats can have extensive grooming needs, but they don’t shed.
No matter the coat color, the Poodle has a vast history, and it can be a smart, energetic pet for the right dog owner.
What Does a Great Danoodle Look Like?

Great Danoodles are a large presence with a unique look. They tend to favor the Poodle with their coat and floppy ears, but they retain several Great Dane features.
They have the Great Dane’s large head shape, but their muzzle, while still long, is short for their size.
They have sleek, athletic bodies reminiscent of both parent breeds with long tails that favor their Great Dane side. These dogs also have long, sturdy legs to support their large frames.
Size: How big does a Great Danoodle dog get?
While the Great Danoodle is smaller than its Great Dane parent, it’s still a large breed dog with some impressive numbers all its own.
Great Danoodle: | Male | Female |
Height: | 25-27 inches | 22-25 inches |
Weight: | 85-100 pounds | 70-85 pounds |
These pups will grow big fast, but it’s hard to say the exact age they’ll reach maturity.
The Great Dane doesn’t reach maturity until it’s three years old, while the Poodle can reach maturity after a year. The Great Danoodle will reach maturity in that timeframe.
Given the size of these hybrid dogs, they will need space. With proper exercise each day, they can handle most living spaces, but they’ll do better with larger areas.
Boundless Possibilities: The Great Danoodles Coat
The Great Danoodles coat is one of plethoric variety. These designer dogs can have a coat that takes after either parent.
If their coat favors their Great Dane side, it’ll be short and dense while possibly silky or wiry. If the coat takes after their Poodle side, it’ll be medium and thick with curls.
Those coats are just a baseline for these cute dogs as the final appearance can have infinite variations.
The color of the coat offers abundant varieties. You’ll find black, white, blue, fawn, cream, gray, red, silver, and brown among the multitude. These dogs can also have multicolored variations.
When it comes to the Great Danoodles coat, you’ll often see brindle or harlequin patterns. Another in a long line of characteristics that make this designer dog so distinctive.
Temperament: Are Great Danoodles Good Family Dogs?
The Great Dane Poodle mix is an affectionate, loving dog. Despite the impression their size can give, they are excellent family dogs. They’ll act as stellar guard dogs just as well as a cuddle buddy.
Danedoodle’s do well with kids, friends, and other pets. They’ll do best with socialization and training when they’re young, but they are naturally goodhearted companion dogs.
Spaying or neutering your pet will also keep them from being overly aggressive, especially toward other animals.
Check out the video below if you want to see just how friendly they can be.
They are intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. Though, those active minds can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. That anxiety can cause them to tear up things around the house too.
Great Danedoodle’s can pack a boisterous bark, but it’s generally just to keep you informed or if they aren’t getting enough stimulation.
Danedoodles have notable variances from Male to Female that can go beyond size.
Females may be more prone to separation anxiety as they form stronger bonds with their humans.
Females also mature faster than males, so they take to training at a younger age. They can also experience bouts of irritable behavior too, but they can be more independent than males.
Males tend to have a more even-keeled temperament throughout their lives, but they can be harder to train. Males can also be more social than females.
Though, no matter the sex of the dog, they’ll love keeping you happy.
Caring for Your Great Danoodle Companion

Taking care of a Danepoo comes with its own unique set of challenges. The plethora of variations in the crossbreed means there can be equal diversity in their care needs. They can be a high-maintenance breed.
You’re also going to want to avoid extreme heat or cold. Danepoos can thrive in just about any weather, but they’ll be happiest in a moderate environment.
Big Dogs Need Big Jogs
A Great Danoodle is going to need 45-60 minutes of exercise every day. You’re going to want to take them on long walks, maybe a nice hike, a nice run, or some time at the dog park.
These big dogs will need to regularly stretch those long legs, and playing at home may not be enough. Though playing fetch can be useful for their energy level, it may work better as mental stimulation.
Training should be essential with these big dogs. They have the power to pull you off your feet, so you’ll want to make sure your dog is trained to know better. Luckily, these obedient dogs can be easily trained.
Grooming: Do Great Danoodles shed?
With the infinite variations in their coats, grooming these dogs can take many forms. Thanks to the Poodle background, a lot of Doodles, like the Goldendoodle, can be hypoallergenic.
The Great Danoodle, unfortunately, is not a hypoallergenic doodle.
If they take after their Poodle parent, their coat can be low shedding. If the coat favors their Great Dane side, they will be moderate shedders.
You’re going to want to brush your Danepoo at least once a week. It will keep short coats looking shiny, and it will keep the tangles out of curly, longer coats.
A bath once a month is best, and you’ll want to check under those floppy ears to ensure no contaminants are building up that could harm them.
Using high-quality clippers once a month, you’ll want to keep their nails trimmed too. They will also require regular dental upkeep. A daily tooth brushing is recommended.
As long as you keep up with their grooming, these gentle giants shouldn’t be too tough on your sense of smell.
Feeding Your Friend: The Great Danoodles Diet
A big dog equals a big appetite. A Great Danoodle can require as much as four cups of food or more a day. You’ll want to monitor their intake carefully as they can overeat, which can lead to obesity.
High-quality dry dog food is a good start for their diet, but they will require more.
A Danedoodle is going to need a steady supply of protein. Dogs cannot store protein, but it will help these big pups keep their energy up while being beneficial to their overall health needs.
Protein can build healthy muscle and bone while keeping their coats and skin healthy.
Don’t skimp on the water either. These big dogs will need plenty of clean water throughout the day.
This crossbreed, given its size and energy requirements, could require 3,000 or more calories a day. Keep in mind that these levels of consumption can have a high financial cost.
Big Needs for Great Breeds: Health Awareness

While the Great Danoodle may not have any breed-specific health concerns of its own, it’s essential to understand that they can inherit common health problems associated with their parent breeds.
In big dogs like the purebred Great Dane, muscle and joint problems can be common. Danepoo’s can suffer these same issues.
Joint/hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer, patellar luxation, bloating/gastric torsion, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cushing’s Disease, Addison’s Disease, Myotonia, and developmental problems can occur.
Sebaceous Adenitis, a skin condition, is possible. There are also heart conditions such as Cardiomyopathy and Mitral Valve Disease that can be prevalent.
Other conditions can affect the eyes, like Entropion and Corneal Dystrophy.
That may seem like a lot of health concerns, but none of those are guaranteed. The benefit of the crossbreed is that it offers up genetic diversity, making these problems less common.
However, you should observe regular visits with your veterinarian.
Possible Vet Tests:
- Electrocardiogram
- Blood and urine analysis/tests
- Skin and muscle biopsies
- Ocular exams
- Cardiac tests
- Electromyography
- Internal imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s
With proper care, your Great Danoodle’s lifespan, on average, can be 8-13 years.
What’s the Price of Great Danoodle Puppies?

The Great Danoodle can bring high costs. They are a rare crossbreed, which can make for an expensive pup. A single pup can run you between $700-$1500, but they can also be more expensive depending on the parent dogs.
Like any new dog, there will also be initial costs. Having your pet spayed or neutered, a leash, a bowl, obedience training, and microchipping can be as much as $500 or more.
This large breed is also going to have a staggering food cost. You could easily spend $100 or more a month feeding these pups.
Your annual costs, such as vet visits and dental cleanings, should not be forgotten. They can quickly drain hundreds of dollars from your budget every year.
If you’re looking for a Great Danoodle puppy, your best bet is to find a reputable breeder who adheres to quality practices.
Pet Stores and puppy farms may be cheaper, but you should avoid them. They don’t focus on the health and well-being of the animals like a trustworthy breeder does.
Breeding Behemoths
Given that the Great Danoodle is a rare breed, finding a reputable breeder can be challenging.
Calloweace Doodles bred Great Danoodles, Labradoodles, and Standard Poodles before they retired their animals and closed up shop.
Not to worry, I’ve found a few good places to start.
Breeders to check out:
- Danes & Doodles LLC
- Brewer’s Danes and Doodles
Rescuing Greatness: Adopting A Great Danoodle
Giving a pup in need a forever home can be a rewarding experience for you and a life-changing one for them. Crossbreeds can often be prevalent in shelters, so it’s always worth a look.
Rescues to look into:
- Great Dane Friends
- The Great Dane Rescue
- Big Dogs Huge Paws
Is the Great Danoodle the Doodle For Me?

With their imposing stature and care needs, a Great Danoodle may not be the best first pet for anyone who can’t meet those needs.
Their diet can be costly, and you’ll want to make sure you have enough room to accommodate their build. You will also need time to exercise them every day.
If you were to bring a Great Danoodle home, you’d find a best friend who aims to please. They’ll enjoy spending time with you, and they’ll double as a spectacular guard dog. They’ll be social, fun-loving, and loyal.
Further reading: Similarly sized breeds to the Great Danoodle
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Old Deerhound Sheepdog
- Labrador Corso
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.