The Great Dane Pointer Mix is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Great Dane and the Pointer. These are two very different breeds but should make for a good mix. These are both rather friendly dogs. Don’t be surprised if they don’t point out everything that moves. This could a be German Shorthaired or German Wirehaired Pointer. Check out the videos on the site to see this dog in action. Is it more like the Great Dane or the Pointer? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Great Dane Pointer Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the brindle or other iterations.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Great Dane Pointer Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Great Dane Pointer Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Great Dane History:
As early as the 14th–13th centuries BC, large boarhounds resembling the Pointer appear in ancient Greece in frescoes from Tiryns. For many subsequent centuries these large boarhounds continue to appear throughout ancient Greece. The Molossian hound, Suliot dog, and specific imports from Greece were used in the 18th century to increase the stature of the boarhounds in Austria and Germany and the wolfhounds in Ireland. Bigger dogs are depicted on numerous runestones in Scandinavia, on coinage in Denmark from the fifth century AD, and in the collection of Old Norse poems. The University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum holds at least seven skeletons of very large hunting dogs, dating from the fifth century BC to 1000 AD. Obviously very large dogs were a part of our history even thousands of years ago. In the mid of the 1500’s, central European nobility imported strong, long-legged dogs from England. These English dogs had descended from crossbreeds between English Pointers and Pointers. Since the beginning of the 1600’s, these dogs were bred in the courts of German nobility, completely outside of England.
The purpose of these extremely large dogs were to hunt bear, boar, and deer. The favorite dogs got to stay the night at the bedchambers of their lords. These so called chamber dogs were there to protect the princes while they slept from assassins.
Pointer History:
There are many different varieties of Pointers. There is the German ShortHaired Pointer, German WireHaired Pointer, English Setter, among others. For a while Pointer was used in references to any dog breed used in hunting who's job was to point the way. Pointer type dogs have a very old history, primarily coming from different parts of Western Europe in the 1600’s. The soul intent was always to create a better working and hunting dog. They are primarily used to hunt different types of birds, “pointing” to where the bird is. This isn’t always the most common family dog, but it is rather common in the hunting community. They can be very independent but strive to work alongside their owners. They are extremely intelligent and train easily. They will absolutely walk around your yard and “point” at every bird in sight.
Great Dane
Height: 28 - 34 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 100 - 200 lb.
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Pointer
Height: 21 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very large mix. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack."
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Dalmatian mixed with the Pointer might be prone to: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Arthritis, Wobbler syndrome, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Hypothyroidism, Bloat.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
This will probably be a more moderate shedder. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
This is a more moderate energy dog that will need that from an owner. Depending on which parent breed they take after, they might have higher energy. Plan on exercising them daily to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
Though intelligent, it might be stubborn and demanding. It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.