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
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.
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
63–80 kg
Short, smooth
7–10 years
50–63 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 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
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 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
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 and affectionate with family
- Loyal and protective instincts
- Generally good with children
- Calm and laid-back indoors
- Low grooming requirements due to short coat
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
- 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
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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