Beagle Great Dane Mix: What to Expect From This Unusual Mix

Designer dogs come in their shapes and sizes these days.

A few decades ago, the idea of creating a mix between the massive Great Dane (100-200 lb.) and the medium-sized Beagle (18-30 lb.) would have sounded absurd.

The sheer size difference between the two breeds would make breeding a challenge.

However, breeders have found a way around it. Breeders now sell Beagle Great Dane (BeDane) mixes albeit not as common as other mixes.

If you want a Beagle Great Dane mix, you can get yourself one.

Before you do though, it would be a great idea to know what to expect from this mix.

In this detailed guide, we break down everything for you.

History

BeDane’s popularity has risen over the last two or three decades. Both parents have a long history that dates back to thousands of years ago.

The Beagle finds its roots in 500 BC during Ancient Greece times. Both Edward II and Henry VII are the two names in history to own Glove Beagles.

Queen Elizabeth I also had the famous Pocket Beagle which she brought along the hunt.

The Beagle was a hunting dog for small game. It still makes a great hunting breed to date.

On the other hand, the Great Dane goes back to the 14th century BC.

Literature shows large boarhounds that looked like the Great Dane showing up in Ancient Greece before making their way to Germany and Austria.

This powerful long-legged canine is a descendant of the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff. His main job was to hunt boar, bear, and deer.

At night, he would comfortably hang out beside his Lord to protect him from assassins.

The Beagle Great Dane mix (or BeDane) is not a very common dog. Very few breeders want anything to do with it.

Breeding often happens via artificial insemination for obvious reasons. Mating a giant and a small dog is a recipe for a horrid physical injury.

Often, the sperm of the Beagle is implanted in a female Great Dane.

Going vice versa can cause problems as the tiny female Beagle’s uterus may not be able to handle a massive baby without tearing it apart.

Appearances

Like most hybrid dogs, the BeDane’s looks rely heavily on which genes play out the most.

Typically, the Beagle stands at a height of 13-15 inches and weighs 18-30 lb. while the Great Dane stands at a height of 28-34 inches and weighs 100-200 lb.

On average, the Beagle Great Dane mix is a huge canine of 25-35 inches in height.

He may have straight or floppy ears depending on which parent genes are more in control.

Similarly, the coat color can be one block like the Great Dane or feature patches and color spotting like that of the Beagle.

Personality

The BeDane is one of the sweetest and gentle members of the dog kingdom.

Both parents are kind, friendly, and fun-loving dogs. The mix will definitely have these traits.

He will love to spend quality time outdoors, playing with kids, and just hanging out with his owners.

Thanks to his gentle nature, he makes a wonderful pet for kids. Loyalty, charm, and affection precede him in many ways than one.

In the event that the BeDane takes more after the Great Dane, he may be strong and stubborn.

As a result, he will need a strong pack leader and pet parent with some experience in handling headstrong dogs.

Even if the mix is tiny, the headstrong character might play out. Positive reinforcements work like charm with him.

If exposed early, the BeDane should be able to co-exist with kids and other animals peacefully.

Once in a while, you will notice your pup looking for some independence when the house is full but not for too long.

He loves human company way too much. As a matter of fact, don’t leave him alone for too long.

He is a stay-with-the-park kind of dog. Basically, this is an affectionate, playful, and charming dog that doesn’t mind spending time with you.

He truly cares about his owners and loves to please them.

Exercise Needs

Both the Beagle and the Great Dane are super-active dogs. Their infant is no different.

Pet owners looking for a laid-back breed aren’t a good match for a BeDane. This dog needs plenty of physical activity to stay in shape and be happy.

You will be required to take him for long walks two times a day, at the very least—the more, the better.

In addition to the daily exercise routine, be sure to include hardcore exercises such as running and agility sports.

Without sufficient physical stimulation, destructive habits are inevitable.

Training Expectations

The Great Dane Beagle mix is a highly intelligent dog. This means he picks up new tricks relatively fast—perhaps faster than most breeds.

However, training him can be a challenge, especially if he decides to be stubborn and uncooperative.

This mostly happens if he takes after the Great Dane’s stubborn and strong personality.

During training, it would be in your best interest to break the sessions apart. Have short daily sessions rather than long ones. That way, you will keep his focus higher.

Don’t be alarmed if his prey drive comes out of the shadows. If handled properly, the habit can be managed.

As mentioned before, this mix responds very well to positive reinforcements.

When he learns a trick, be sure to praise him or offer treats. Part of training him is socializing him early enough.

Don’t forget to bring him to the dog park to interact with other dogs and people.

Grooming Requirements

The Great Dane is a moderate shedder while the Beagle is a heavy shedder.

With that in mind, this is going to be a moderate to intense shedder. If he leans on the Great Dane side, you are lucky as he will shed during the shedding season only.

However, if he tends to be like the Beagle, be prepared to vacuum your floors and surfaces all year long. Bathing should be done a couple of times a month. 

Finally, trim his nails fortnightly.

Feeding

Diet majorly depends on the dog in question. Therefore, the amount of nutrition you accord your BeDane will depend on his age, activity level, size, health status, and a number of other factors.

Essentially, you want to feed your pup a well-balanced meal.

Portions matter here as the Great Dane and the Beagle are susceptible to obesity.

Consult your vet if you notice signs of being overweight.

In addition, the Great Dane is prone to developing hip/elbow dysplasia.

You want to ensure that he takes chondroitin, glucosamine, and fish oil supplements to avert the problem.

Health

BeDanes are healthy for the most part. However, there are certain issues that the parents are susceptible to.

For one, the Beagles are at risk for obesity, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.

The Great Dane, on the other hand, suffers from obesity, bloat, cardiomyopathy, Triscupid valve disease, and hip dysplasia.

The mix can develop any of the following issues throughout his life (or not).

Other health complications a BeDane might develop include Beagle Dwarfism, epilepsy, eye issues, hypothyroidism, ear infections, and patella luxation.

As usual, buying a puppy from the right breeder helps a great deal. This is because you get a detailed health report of the puppy including the issue of the parents so you can prepare for any eventuality.

If your breeder is not willing to offer this report, take a walk. The report is enough proof that the puppy has indeed been tested and cleared of any disease.

In addition, be sure to talk to your vet when anything is amiss with your Great Dane Beagle mix.

Final Thoughts

There it is – what to expect with the Great Dane Beagle mix.

In short, this designer dog is a beautiful, charming, large-sized pet that enjoys playing and being loving to all.

The only downsides are his high energy and grooming requirements.

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