Weiler Dane: Your Complete Guide
The Rottweiler and Great Dane mix, better known as the Weiler Dane, is a noble guardian with undying loyalty. These dogs are characterized by the tall frame of the Great Dane and the muscular, bulky body of the Rottweiler that gives them an intimidating look.
While the appearance of this hybrid breed is enough to deter intruders, they have an affectionate personality around their family members. These dogs can make ideal companions for families looking for a large guardian who’s as loving as their size.
As with any other breed, especially mixed ones like the Weiler Dane, there’s much more to cover than these. Our article will guide you through everything to know about these dogs.
Quick Look at the Weiler Dane
Below is a quick look at the Weiler Dane. You’ll learn more about each point in the later parts of the article.
| Weight/Height | 130-155 pounds/28-30 inches |
| Coat Type | Short coat with dense undercoat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Protective, affectionate, loyal, laid-back |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
What Is the History of Weiler Danes?
Rottweiler and Great Dane mixes were possibly common in Germany, as both breeds originate from the same country. However, unlike purebred dogs, pinpointing when Great Danes and Rottweilers were first crossbred to create the Weiler Dane is impossible.
Nonetheless, the Rottweiler was bred for herding aggressive livestock and as protection dogs. Great Danes were also bred for similar purposes – to hunt wild boar and protect farms in Germany.
The history of both parents protecting livestock and guarding their homes makes the Weiler Dane a natural for these tasks. As companions, these traits make the Weiler Dane an incredibly loyal dog that won’t hesitate to go between you and any danger.
What Do Weiler Danes Look Like?
Weiler Danes have the tall body of the Great Dane and the muscular frame of the Rottweiler. Most Weiler Danes are black, brown, or a mixture of these two colors. They typically have a black mask contrasting with tan markings on parts of the face like the Rottweiler.
Although Rottweilers don’t have the floppiest ears, the ear of the Weiler Dane tends to be rather floppy like the Great Dane. The ears are set high on the head and drop close to the cheek. This gives the Weiler Dane a distinguished look, where some may think the ears are too big for the head.
What Size Is a Weiler Dane?
Both Rottweiler and the Great Dane are large dog breeds. As you can expect, Weiler Danes are big dogs. These dogs can grow between 28 and 30 inches tall and weigh 130 to 155 pounds.
This makes the Weiler Dane a little bigger than the Rottweiler but not quite as big as the Great Dane, which can stand up to 32 inches and weigh 175 pounds.
What Is a Weiler Dane’s Coat Type and Length?
Like both parents, the Weiler Dane has a short coat with straight hair. Depending on which parent’s gene is dominant, the coat can be smooth to the touch like the Great Dane or coarse like the Rottweiler. Either way, the coat is short with a dense undercoat that sheds moderately year-round.
What Is a Weiler Dane’s Temperament?
Weiler Danes are generally easy-going dogs with a big heart, accepting of every member of their family. They bond strongly with their owners and see both humans and other pets in their pack as their own.
Although not quite a gentle giant like the Great Dane with the high working drive of the Rottweiler, Weiler Danes are typically laid-back dogs with a calm demeanor. However, they are also very alert and always ready for action at a moment’s notice.
These qualities make the Weiler Dane an ideal companion for families with children and existing pets, but some of their traits don’t make them the right match. Here’s more to the Weiler Dane’s temperament to help you determine if this breed is the right choice for you and your family.
Are Weiler Danes Good With Kids?
Children have a special place in the Weiler Dane’s heart. They are gentle around kids and tolerant of the typical behavior of children. With proper socialization and teaching kids how to behave around dogs, Weiler Danes will get along well with both active and quiet children.
However, the high drive of this breed may make them act rambunctious around children when aroused and excited. If a Weiler Dane bumps into a young child during play, it can cause injuries due to their big frame. Even though they get along well with children, an adult’s supervision is essential when Weiler Danes and children spend time together.
Are Weiler Danes Good With Other Animals?
Weiler Danes can get along well with all kinds of animals, especially if raised together. If you have large dogs, they will make a fitting addition. As for families with small pets, whether a dog or not, supervision is recommended as their size can make them dangerous for smaller animals.
Also, Weiler Danes have a high prey drive coming from both parents. Those with prey animals like rabbits and Guinea pigs may want to consider keeping them away from a Weiler Dane or only allow interactions with oversight.
Are Weiler Danes Aggressive?
Weiler Danes have an intimidating look with their frame and focused eyes that lock onto what gets their attention. At first glance, this may make you think they are aggressive dogs. However, their aggression is less than that of livestock guardians or breeds like the Chihuahua.
Still, Weiler Danes are brave dogs with a high drive to protect their owners and are wary of strangers quite a bit. With proper socialization and basic obedience training while they’re young, you can keep these instincts in check and help them channel their drive in a healthy way.
Otherwise, a Weiler Dane can quickly get out of control and develop behavioral issues that are difficult to manage. The most common behavior problems in Weiler Danes due to a lack of socialization are being overly territorial, dog aggression, and resource guarding. Luckily, you won’t need to worry about any of these by investing time in socialization and training.
Do Weiler Danes Bark?
Weiler Danes aren’t known to be vocal. They are intelligent dogs that can differentiate a threat from something silly, like birds chirping or people talking at a distance. Therefore, when a Weiler Dane barks, it’s not for nothing – they’re trying to tell you something.
However, when they bark, your whole neighborhood will be aware of their existence. They have a powerful bark sure to make an intruder second guess what they’re about to do.
While this is an excellent trait for those looking for a large dog to guard their property, it doesn’t make the Weiler Dane an ideal dog breed for apartment living. Besides, Weiler Danes are large dogs that require a spacious living area to feel comfortable. They can quickly develop anxiety if their living space is too cramped.
Are Weiler Danes Affectionate?
Weiler Danes are affectionate dogs that love getting attention from their family. They tend to be goofy and not aware of their large size. As you’re sitting on the couch minding your own business, a Weiler Dane may jump up on your lap to demand pets and affection.
When Weiler Danes don’t get enough attention from their owner, they may start following their owner around the house – and if they still don’t get any awareness, it wouldn’t be uncommon for a Weiler Dane to get a bit temperamental to make their presence heard.
With all these discussed, we can conclude that Weiler Danes may be too affectionate than what you’d expect from a protective breed.
Are Weiler Danes Intelligent?
As both parents are working dogs, Weiler Danes are incredibly intelligent dogs. They keep an alert eye on everything and are natural problem solvers who love taking on new challenges.
Many dogs with protective instincts are happy to look after your property and roam around to look for potential dangers, but Weiler Danes require a good amount of playtime on top of it.
An excellent way to satisfy their natural curiosity while benefiting their health is getting into dog sports. Weight pull, flyball, scent work, and obedience are great sports for Weiler Danes. Any of these dog sports can give a Weiler dane purpose and help them meet their exercise needs.
Are Weiler Danes Energetic?
Weiler Danes may love lazing around too often, but these dogs require a great deal of exercise to stay healthy. Daily walks of at least an hour to an hour and a half are recommended to keep a Weiler Dane in top shape.
Also, Weiler Danes are an incredibly intelligent breed with a very athletic body. They can quickly get bored of experiencing the same sights and smells every day. These dogs crave variety in their lives.
As mentioned above, dog sports are a great way to keep them satisfied. Getting involved in such activities will help you meet their exercise needs while providing them with the crucial mental stimulation the Weiler Dane demands.
Are Weiler Danes Easy to Train?
Weiler Danes are eager to please, which makes them highly trainable with the intelligence of these dogs. You can teach them various tricks and get into advanced training quickly, such as off-leash training.
However, Weiler Danes can have a mind of their own to get what they want. Due to this, positive reinforcement techniques work the best way to sort of have a deal with a Weiler Dane. Knowing they will receive a reward for doing what you ask them goes a long way in training these dogs.
Nonetheless, Weiler Danes aren’t as stubborn as the Siberian husky or some of the terrier-type dogs. By starting training at an early age, preferably from the day you bring a Weiler Dane home, you won’t find yourself thinking your dog is difficult to train.
Are Weiler Danes Good Watchdogs?
The protective temperament and intelligence of the Wailer Dane make them excellent watchdogs – let alone a good one. Weiler Danes are quick to let their owners know of something suspicious and aren’t afraid to act independently.
Weiler Danes even take the duties of a watchdog a step further by being a natural guard dog. If they spot an intruder, whether human or animal, they won’t hesitate to give them a challenge. With these traits, you can count on Weiler Danes to protect your property and family.
Are Weiler Danes Good Service Dogs?
Weiler Danes are highly trainable and hardworking dogs that can make good service dogs. Although they can help individuals with different disabilities, Weiler Danes make excelling mobility assistance dogs with their tall and muscular frame. They can pull wheelchairs, provide balance and stability, retrieve objects from the floor, and give momentum up the stairs.
However, service dog training must start very early with Weiler Danes. Also, teaching an adult Weiler Dane service animal tasks is much more difficult than raising one to become a service dog. They must learn when to act protectively and when to let strangers enter the handler’s space, which can take time with dogs as wary of strangers as the Weiler Dane.
How to Care for a Weiler Dane?
Taking care of a Weiler Dane may seem demanding at first, considering their size. However, their coat is pretty straightforward to groom and doesn’t require much upkeep to maintain a good appearance. The most important need of a Weiler Dane is exercise and mental stimulation. For puppies, it’s socialization and training.
Overall, you can consider the Weiler Dane a medium-maintenance breed. Here’s more on this hybrid breed’s care needs.
Do You Need to Groom a Weiler Dane?
The coat of the Weiler Dane only requires brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hair. They don’t need to be taken to a groomer for haircuts, though you can do so for other grooming needs, like nail trimming, bathing, ear cleaning, and dental care. This makes the Weiler Dane easy to groom, though brushing can take time due to their size.
Do Weiler Danes Shed?
Weiler Danes shed moderately year-round. During seasonal changes, they shed a little more than usual. Around this time, you might need to start brushing them twice a week – to keep shedding under control.
What Health Problems Do Weiler Danes Have?
Weiler Danes are fairly healthy dogs, but like any other breed, they are prone to developing a few canine diseases. Due to their size, elbow and hip dysplasia is common among Weiler Danes, especially as they age. They are also at risk of bloat, but you can prevent it by portioning their meals and avoiding exercise right after a big meal.
While these are typical health problems to expect from any large dog, arthritis and hypothyroidism are other known health problems in Weiler Danes. The best way to take action against these to ensure the well-being of a Weiler Dane is by taking them for regular vet visits.
How Long Do Weiler Danes Live?
Weiler Danes have an average life expectancy of between 8 and 10 years. Since they are large dogs, they don’t have the lengthiest lifespan. Also, Weiler Danes can take up to 18 months to reach their adult height and weight.
What Should a Weiler Dane Eat?
Weiler Danes require a lot of food. Once adults, they should eat about seven to eight cups of dog food per day. Most Weiler Danes thrive eating high-quality commercial dog food.
However, it’s always wise to ask your veterinarian for food recommendations. After checking their health, your vet can tell you what’s the best diet for your Weiler Dane.
Is a Weiler Dane the Right Dog for Me?
The Weiler Dane is a mix between the Rottweiler and Great Dane. These dogs go by many names. You might’ve also heard them as Great Rottie, Great Rottweiler, or Rottie Dane.
Regardless of what people may call these dogs, Weiler Danes make excellent family pets with their affectionate yet protective and brave temperament. They are considerably laid-back dogs that get along well with kids and other pets in the family.
Future Weiler Dane owners should consider their exercise and mental stimulation needs. Since both parents are working dogs with a strong work ethic, they require an active owner to take them out for long walks.
Another must with these dogs is early socialization and training. Their big size will undoubtedly make them difficult to manage if skipped, especially at an early age. If you’re up for these, a Weiler Dane will make an excellent addition to your family.