Facts & Origin
Origin and history
The Plush Danois, also known as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Great Dane Mix, is a mixed breed created by combining an Anatolian Shepherd Dog and a Great Dane. Both breeds have a long history.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originated in Turkey, where it was used to guard herds. The Great Dane, on the other hand, a very old breed, was originally bred in Germany for hunting wild boar.
Suitability and use
This mix is especially suited for active family adventures, as both breeds are known for their energy and stamina. They need regular exercise and plenty of space, so they are not suitable for apartment living. The Plush Danois has a strong protective instinct that comes from the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Therefore, this mix is also suitable as a guard dog.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Turkey - Germany |
| Life expectancy | 8 - 11 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance - low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average - average to high |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Anatolian Shepherd Dog mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character traits and nature
Judging by the character traits and nature of the Plush Danois, he is a loyal, brave and intelligent dog. He inherits these traits from his parent breeds. He is very affectionate and tends to develop strong bonds with his family, making him an excellent companion dog.
The Plush Danois shows a natural alertness that he inherits from his Anatolian Shepherd Dog parent. He is always ready to defend his home and family, which makes him an excellent guard dog. At the same time, he has a calm and gentle character, which he inherits from the Great Dane, and tends to get along well with children and other pets.
- Intelligence: Plush Danois are very smart dogs that can learn and be trained quickly. They love mental challenges and like to stay active.
- Playfulness: despite their size, these dogs are quite playful and enjoy spending time outdoors and playing with their owners.
- Alertness: Plush Danois are excellent watchdogs, being both brave and alert. They are always alert and ready to defend their homes.
- Affinity for Children: Due to the gentle nature of the Great Dane, Plush Danois have an innate friendliness towards children and can get along well with them.
This mix is an exceptional choice for active families and those who have a large yard and are looking for a loyal, protective companion. It is important to note that this mix requires proper socialization and training from a young age to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and happy pets.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Care and health
As a hardy and resilient dog breed, the Plush Danois requires proper care to maintain its health and well-being. This includes regular coat care, a healthy diet, adequate exercise and sensitive handling.
- Coat Care: Their dense and smooth coat should be brushed regularly to remove debris and prevent skin problems.
- Nutrition: Due to their size, Plush Danois require a high-protein diet with balanced fat, vitamin and mineral levels.
- Exercise: As an active dog breed, the Plush Danois needs daily exercise through walking and playtime.
- Attitude: They should be treated with love and respect. They are very loyal and love their family very much.
Health-wise, most Plush Danois are robust. However, due to their size, they are prone to orthopedic problems, such as arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, regular veterinary examinations are essential to detect and treat potential health problems early.
Breeding the Plush Danois
Breeding Plush Danois requires knowledge and experience. Only healthy and breed-typical dogs should be used for breeding to ensure the standard of the dog breed and to minimize possible health problems.
Puppies should be well socialized and vaccinated before being placed in their new homes.
What does this mixed breed look like?
Plush Danois is an impressive appearance. This mix belongs to the large dog breeds. Its massive stature with muscular, athletic lines does not deny its origin from two robust dog breeds.
Combining the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Great Dane, the Plush Danois has an attractive appearance. He is characterized by a powerful face with a large, broad muzzle and high, pendulous ears. His short, glossy coat can come in a variety of colors, including Fawn, Brindle, Blue, Black, Harlequin and more.
Known Diseases
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Gastric torsion
Gastric torsion is a disease in which the stomach rotates around its own longitudinal axis. The cause of the disease is not known.
Cancer
May be common in older dogs.
Bone Cancer
May occur with age.
Ataxia
Ataxia (from Greek ἀταξία ataxia 'disorder' 'irregularity') is a generic term in medicine for various disorders of movement coordination. Ataxia can occur even when there is no paralysis (paresis), that is, when there is normal muscle strength.
dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle in which it becomes enlarged (dilated) and shows poor contraction (poor pumping ability).
Joint problems
Especially due to overweight, joint problems can occur in dogs.
FAQ
-
Plush Danois have similar needs as pets as other dogs. They need regular exercise, training, love and attention, a species-appropriate diet and regular vet visits.
-
Yes, these dogs have a strong hunting instinct. They should be sufficiently trained and cared for to keep this drive under control.
-
A Plush Danois needs at least an hour of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
-
The Plush Danois can come in different colors and patterns. The most common colors are white, black, and brown.
