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Great Dane vs English Bulldog

Discover the differences between Great Dane and English Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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Great Dane
Germany

Great Dane

Working Group
Large

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.

English Bulldog
England

English Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Stocky, courageous, and affectionate, this breed charms with its wrinkled face and calm nature. Loyal and gentle, it thrives as a loving family companion.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

54–90 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

7–10 years

Female:

45–59 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Medium

Male:

23–25 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

8–10 years

Female:

18–23 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Great Dane

Friendliness
5/5

Gentle and affectionate with family and strangers

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands quickly and responds well

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various home environments

English Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and gentle with family and children

Intelligence
3/5

Learns basic commands with some patience

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers lounging over vigorous physical activity

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys play but tires fairly quickly

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to most living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Great Dane

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Moderate shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy

English Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–40 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin fold infections

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Great Dane

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Their size and needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners

Apartment Living
2/5

Space limitations

Large size makes small apartments uncomfortable for them

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

They enjoy activity but require moderate, not intense, exercise

Kids
4/5

Good family fit

Gentle and patient with children when properly supervised

Multiple Pets
4/5

Generally compatible

Usually tolerant but require careful introductions to other pets

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Prone to anxiety and destructive behavior when left alone long hours

English Bulldog

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Easygoing, low-maintenance nature suits owners with limited dog experience

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

Moderate exercise needs and calm demeanor work well in small living spaces

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

Low stamina and breathing issues make them unsuited for high-activity lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Very suitable

Gentle, patient, and tolerant with young children when properly socialized

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Generally sociable but may need guidance with other pets, especially dogs

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

They struggle with long periods alone and are prone to separation anxiety

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

English Bulldog

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Generally good with children
  • Low exercise requirements
  • Minimal grooming needs
  • Adaptable to apartment living

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

English Bulldog

  • Prone to respiratory problems
  • High risk of overheating
  • Susceptible to skin infections
  • Can be stubborn during training
  • Tends to drool frequently

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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