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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane" Compare Labrador Retriever and Mastiff. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Mastiff or Great Dane?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Mastiff Great Dane
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Group Gun Dog Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank12814
Reviews1138
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Mastiff or Great Dane? Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Price and Availability Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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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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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is easiest to train?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is most alert?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is most protective?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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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Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Mastiff 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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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Their prey drive is low.
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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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Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is most flexible?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Mastiff 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Mastiff or Great Dane?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has fewer health issues?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Mastiff 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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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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Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. What colors are available?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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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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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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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 Labrador Retriever or Mastiff or Great Dane? Labrador Retriever or Mastiff or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

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

Not really

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Reproducibility Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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
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
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

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