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
A gentle giant with a commanding presence and affectionate heart, the Great Dane thrives as a loyal family companion. Calm, patient, and friendly, this breed bonds closely with loved ones.
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
63–80 kg
Short, smooth
7–10 years
50–63 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 sociable with people and children
Learns commands quickly and understands routines
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
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 large size and needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Not ideal
Great Danes need space and may struggle in small apartments
Moderately suitable
They enjoy moderate activity but aren’t extremely energetic
Gentle giant
Usually patient and gentle with young children
Generally compatible
Can adapt to other pets with proper introductions
Prone to distress
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop anxiety
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 and affectionate with family
- Loyal and protective instincts
- Generally good with children
- Calm and laid-back indoors
- Low grooming requirements due to short coat
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
- Prone to hip and joint issues
- Shorter average lifespan than many breeds
- Requires significant space due to size
- Can be costly to feed and care for
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone
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
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