german shepherd/great dane mix

[leansnslobbers]

Great danes are typically fearful/unconfident dogs ----

I disagree that it's a typical breed characteristic. The fearful/unconfident danes are the ones who are never socialized properly, or came from a very poorly planned out breeding where temperament was not assessed in the breeding stock.
The GDCA standard for temperament is such:
The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive.

But I do agree the two temperaments are vastly unique of one another.

[wolfsoul]

I can only base my opinion on what I've seen -- every show I've been at, more great danes have backed off the judge than anything else. Every great dane that comes into the shop is a wreck of nerves. The few I've met who have been confident, friendly dogs have ironically been from the SPCA. Not saying it's a bad thing, I breed Belgians and still admit that as a breed they are shy, aggressive freaks.