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Great Dane vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Apollo of Dogs or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Great Dane vs German Shepherd" Compare Great Dane and German Shepherd. Which is better: Great Dane or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Great Dane German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank142
Reviews319
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Great Dane vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Great Dane or German Shepherd? Is the Great Dane bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Great Dane smaller than a German Shepherd?
Giant Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Great Dane or German Shepherd? Great Dane vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Great Dane or German Shepherd? Is a Great Dane taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Great Dane and German Shepherd?
$800-$1200 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Great Dane or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Great Dane vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Great Dane vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Great Dane or German Shepherd? Great Dane vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Great Dane vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Great Dane vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Great Dane dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Great Dane vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Great Dane or German Shepherd?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Great Dane more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Great Dane vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Great Dane vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Great Dane vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Dane vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Great Dane vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Great Dane and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Great Dane and German Shepherd?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Great Dane or German Shepherd? Great Dane vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Great Dane vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Great Dane or German Shepherd? Does the Great Dane breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Great Dane vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Great Dane vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Great Dane and German Shepherd color? Great Dane vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Great Dane or German Shepherd? Great Dane vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Great Dane or German Shepherd? Do Great Dane dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Great Dane or German Shepherd?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Great Dane vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Great Dane or German Shepherd?

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Great Dane dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Great Dane or German Shepherd?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Great Dane or German Shepherd? Can a Great Dane and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Great Dane dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Great Dane dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Great Dane is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Great Dane or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Great Dane vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Great Dane and German Shepherd have? Great Dane vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
10-15 puppies 6-10 puppies

Great Dane vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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