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Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or Apollo of Dogs or Old English Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff" Compare Golden Retriever and Great Dane. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Great Dane Mastiff
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany England flagEngland
Group Gun Dog Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank31428
Reviews16143
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff breeds.
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff? Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $800-$1200 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is easiest to train?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is most alert?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is most protective?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever 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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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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Their prey drive is low.
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Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
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Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is most playful?
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
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 Mastiff indoors.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is most flexible?
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which uses mouth most during play?
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has fewer health issues?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which breed is most active?
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. What colors are available?
Golden
Light
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which drools least?
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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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 Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Great Dane or Mastiff? Golden Retriever or Great Dane or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Good With Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

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

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

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

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

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 10-15 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane vs Mastiff Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Golden Retriever, Great Dane, and Mastiff. Which has most recognition?
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
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

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