Big dog, tiny legs. That’s basically what you’re looking at with a Great Dane Basset mix. It’s one of those designer crosses that feels like a glitch in the simulation. You’ve got the massive, regal head of a Great Dane sitting on top of the long, low-slung body of a Basset Hound.
People often call them "Dwarf Danes" or "Great Bassets." Honestly, they look a bit like a cartoon character that didn't quite finish rendering. But if you can get past the initial "what is that?" factor, you'll find a dog that is surprisingly soulful, incredibly stubborn, and deeply loyal.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Build
You might think mixing a 150-pound giant with a 50-pound hound would result in a medium-sized, proportional dog. Physics doesn't usually work like that with this mix. Thanks to the Basset parent, many of these dogs inherit chondrodysplasia—the genetic trait for short, thick limbs.
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The result? A dog that has the "heft" and bone density of a giant breed but stands significantly closer to the ground. They are heavy. I’m talking 60 to 90 pounds of dense muscle and bone.
If you live in a walk-up apartment, think twice. Carrying a 80-pound Great Dane Basset mix up three flights of stairs because they’ve decided their "stubborn hound" mode is activated is a workout you didn't sign up for. Their backs are long, and their joints carry a lot of weight, so stairs aren't great for them anyway.
The Face and the "Hound" Factor
Expect droop. Both parent breeds are known for loose skin, but when they combine, the "sad puppy eyes" reach a whole new level. Their ears are usually a highlight—longer than a Dane's but perhaps not quite the floor-dragging length of a pure Basset.
And let’s talk about the smell. Bassets have an oily, "houndy" coat that can be quite pungent. While the Great Dane side might thin that out a bit, most owners report that the Great Dane Basset mix still carries that distinct musk. You're going to need a good vacuum and a tolerance for slobber.
Temperament: The Gentle Procrastinator
This isn't a dog that’s going to fetch a ball for two hours. The Great Dane Basset mix is the king of the "low-energy lifestyle." They are generally chill, bordering on lazy.
They love their people, but they aren't necessarily "velcro dogs" in the way a pure Dane is. The Basset influence adds a layer of independent streak. If they catch a scent in the backyard, they might suddenly develop "selective hearing."
- Training difficulty: High. Not because they aren't smart, but because they simply don't care about your agenda.
- Socialization: Usually very friendly. They tend to get along with other dogs and kids, though their sheer bulk can accidentally knock over a toddler.
- Vocalization: They don't bark; they bay. It’s a deep, chesty howl that can carry for blocks.
The Health Reality Nobody Talks About
We need to be real here. Mixing these two breeds can create some specific health hurdles. Great Danes are notorious for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or bloat. It’s a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists.
Because the Basset also has a deep chest, this mix is a high-risk candidate for bloat. Many owners opt for a "gastropexy"—a surgery where the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall—to prevent twisting. It's an expense, but it saves lives.
Joint and Back Concerns
The "long and low" structure is a recipe for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Their spine is under a lot of pressure because of the Great Dane's weight and the Basset's length.
You also have to watch for:
- Hip Dysplasia: Common in both parents.
- Ear Infections: Those heavy, floppy ears trap moisture and bacteria.
- Obesity: These dogs love food more than life itself. A few extra pounds on this specific frame is disastrous for their joints.
Living With a Great Dane Basset Mix
If you’re looking for a hiking partner, keep looking. This dog is a "sniffer," not a "runner." A 20-minute walk where they get to smell every single blade of grass is more exhausting for them than a two-mile jog.
Diet is everything. You cannot free-feed a Great Dane Basset mix. They will eat until they pop. Most vets recommend high-quality large-breed kibble with added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Grooming Tips:
Don't over-bathe them. It ruins their natural skin oils. Instead, use a rubber curry brush once a week to manage the shedding. And please, for the love of your furniture, keep a "slobber rag" in every room. When they shake their heads, that saliva has enough velocity to reach the ceiling.
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Is This the Right Dog for You?
The Great Dane Basset mix is a niche choice. It's for the person who loves the presence of a giant dog but doesn't have the vertical space for a 34-inch tall Dane. It’s for the person who finds stubbornness charming and thinks a dog that sounds like a foghorn is "vocal."
They are goofy. They are awkward. They will take up the entire couch and then look at you like you're the one in the way.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Rescues First: Because this is a rare "designer" mix, they often end up in shelters when people realize how big (and stubborn) they get. Look at Great Dane or Basset-specific rescues.
- Budget for Joints: Start a pet insurance policy early. The orthopedic issues associated with this specific body type can get expensive fast.
- Invest in Ramps: If you have a high SUV or a tall bed, get a ramp. Jumping down puts immense strain on their front legs and spine.
- Ear Maintenance: Get a vet-approved ear cleaner and make "Ear Sunday" a weekly tradition. Wipe them out to prevent those nasty yeast infections.
Ultimately, owning a Great Dane Basset mix is a lesson in patience and humor. You'll spend half your time laughing at their proportions and the other half trying to convince them to move off your spot on the rug. If you can handle the drool and the "I'll do it later" attitude, they are one of the most unique companions you'll ever have.