Great Dane vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Great Dane and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Great Dane
Gentle, loyal, and impressively large, this breed brings a calm presence to any home. Known for loving companionship and patience with children, it thrives as a devoted family member.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Large
54–90 kg
Short, smooth
7–10 years
45–59 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Great Dane
Gentle and affectionate with family and strangers
Learns commands quickly and responds well
Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular walks
Enjoys games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to various home environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Great Dane
Hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Great Dane
Challenging for beginners
Their size and needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Space limitations
Large size makes small apartments uncomfortable for them
Moderately suitable
They enjoy activity but require moderate, not intense, exercise
Good family fit
Gentle and patient with children when properly supervised
Generally compatible
Usually tolerant but require careful introductions to other pets
Not recommended
Prone to anxiety and destructive behavior when left alone long hours
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Great Dane
- Gentle with children and families
- Loyal and protective with owners
- Generally calm and easygoing indoors
- Minimal grooming needs for short coat
- Responds well to positive training methods
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Great Dane
- Short lifespan compared to other breeds
- Prone to hip dysplasia and heart issues
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Requires large living space and exercise
- High food and veterinary care costs
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience