Dog breed comparison
Great Dane vs Mastiff
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Mastiff is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Great Dane | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder | 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 130 to 220 pounds |
| Life span | 7 to 10 years | 6 to 10 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Great Dane gets on better with other dogs than the Mastiff.
Friendly with strangers
The Great Dane is friendlier with strangers than the Mastiff.
Energy
The Great Dane has more energy than the Mastiff.
Easy to train
The Great Dane is easier to train than the Mastiff.
Shedding
The Great Dane sheds more than the Mastiff.
Easy to groom
The Great Dane is easier to groom than the Mastiff.
Which to choose
Great Dane or Mastiff?
Choose the Great Dane if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Choose the Mastiff if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
Questions.
Is the Great Dane or the Mastiff bigger, and which lives longer?
The Mastiff is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Great Dane or the Mastiff?
The Great Dane is generally easier to train than the Mastiff. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Great Dane or the Mastiff?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Mastiff sheds less than the Great Dane. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
