Is the Great Dane or the Old Danish Pointer better for families with children?

Both the Great Dane and the Old Danish Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Great Dane or the Old Danish Pointer?

The Great Dane and Old Danish Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Great Dane or the Old Danish Pointer?

The Old Danish Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Great Dane or Old Danish Pointer bigger?

Great Dane is the larger breed; Old Danish Pointer is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Great Dane or Old Danish Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Great Dane or Old Danish Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Great Dane vs Old Danish Pointer: Easier to Groom?

Great Dane vs Old Danish Pointer: full comparison

Trait	Great Dane	Old Danish Pointer
Size	Giant	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	8 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Great Dane is a larger dog than the Old Danish Pointer, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Great Dane is a giant breed that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Old Danish Pointer is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Great Dane wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Old Danish Pointer wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Great Dane takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Old Danish Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Great Dane picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Old Danish Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Great Dane is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Old Danish Pointer is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Old Danish Pointer 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, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Great Dane and Old Danish Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Great Dane and Old Danish Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Great Dane if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Old Danish Pointer if you want a longer-lived breed, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Great Dane or the Old Danish Pointer better for families with children?: Both the Great Dane and the Old Danish Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Great Dane or the Old Danish Pointer?: The Great Dane and Old Danish Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Great Dane or the Old Danish Pointer?: The Old Danish Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Great Dane or Old Danish Pointer bigger?: Great Dane is the larger breed; Old Danish Pointer is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Great Dane or Old Danish Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Great Dane or Old Danish Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Great Dane vs Old Danish Pointer