Great Dane vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Great Dane and Poodle 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.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Large
54–90 kg
Short, smooth
7–10 years
45–59 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Great Dane
Hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
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
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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