English Mastiff vs Great Dane: full comparison
| Trait | English Mastiff | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Energy level | Low | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | High | Low |
| Adaptability | Low | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 8 years | 8 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The English Mastiff has noticeably higher protectiveness than the Great Dane.
Size and living space
The English Mastiff is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Great Dane is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The English Mastiff needs light but regular activity to stay content. The Great Dane thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.
Grooming and shedding
The English Mastiff asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Great Dane takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The English Mastiff trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Great Dane trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, English Mastiff is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Great Dane shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or flat living, English Mastiff has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Great Dane has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Great Dane has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, English Mastiff has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, English Mastiff and Great Dane are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the English Mastiff if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.
Choose the Great Dane if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the English Mastiff or the Great Dane better for families with children?
- Both the English Mastiff and the Great Dane are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the English Mastiff or the Great Dane?
- The English Mastiff and Great Dane shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the English Mastiff or the Great Dane?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is English Mastiff or Great Dane bigger?
- English Mastiff and Great Dane are a similar size (Giant).
- Which barks more, English Mastiff or Great Dane?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, English Mastiff or Great Dane?
- For apartment or flat living, English Mastiff has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.