Great Dane vs Mastiff
Compare the Great Dane to the Mastiff. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Great Danes and Mastiffs.
Quick Summary
- Owner Experience - Both the Great Dane and Mastiff are not recommended for new or inexperienced owners.
- Children - Both the Great Dane and Mastiff are great with children.
- Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Great Dane is easier to groom.
- Barking - The Great Dane bark/howls frequently. The Mastiff has an average level of barking.
 |  | |
| Breed Name | Great Dane | Mastiff |
| General Details | ||
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Is Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Lifespan | 7-10 yrs. | 6-10 yrs. |
| Height | 28-38 in. | 27-32 in. |
| Weight | 100-200 lb | 120-220 lb |
| Intelligence | Average | Below Average |
| History | ||
| Origin Country | Not Specified | China (Tibet) |
| Origin Year | 1400 BC | 700 BC |
| Temperament | ||
| Overall Friendliness | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Kid Friendly | ||
| Pet Friendly | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Personality | ||
|
| |
| Living Environment | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor | Yes | Yes |
| Small Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Medium Yard | No | Yes |
| Large Yard | No | Yes |
| Temperature Tolerance ¹ | 55°F to 85°F | 30°F to 80°F |
| Barks/Howls | ||
| Exercise Needs | ||
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Exercise Required | Medium | Medium |
| Top Running Speed | 30 mph | 24 mph |
| Strength | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Coat Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Dander | Medium | Medium |
| Drool Amount | Medium-High | High |
¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
| Breed Name | Great Dane | Mastiff |
| Breed Mentality | ||
| Dominant/Alpha | No | No |
| Family/Pack | Yes | Yes |
| Independent | No | No |
| Breed Focus | ||
| Distracted Easily | No | No |
| Average | No | Yes |
| Focused & Patient | Yes | No |
| Breed Instincts | ||
| Aggression | Below Average | Below Average |
| Burrow/Digging | Below Average | Below Average |
| Chasing | Average | Below Average |
| Follow Commands | Below Average | Below Average |
| Fighting | Below Average | Average |
| Guarding | Below Average | Average |
| Herding | Below Average | Below Average |
| Hunting | Average | Below Average |
| Protection | Below Average | High |
| Remove Vermin | Below Average | Very Low |
| Sledding | Below Average | Average |
| Watch | Average | Average |
| Breed Name | Great Dane | Mastiff |
| Lifespan | ||
| Lifespan | 7-10 yrs. | 6-10 yrs. |
| Common Health Issues | ||
| Bloat | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes | Yes |
| Cystinuria | No | Yes |
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy | Yes | No |
| Hip Dysplasia | Yes | Yes |
| Mitral Valve Disease | Yes | No |
| Patent Ductus Arteriosis | Yes | No |
| Persistent Right Aortic Arch | Yes | No |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | No | Yes |
| Seizures | No | Yes |
| Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis | Yes | No |
| Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia | Yes | No |
| Breed Name | Great Dane | Mastiff |
| Coat | ||
| Fur | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Type | ||
| Double Coat | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Texture | ||
| Straight | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Length(s) | ||
| Short | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Color(s) | ||
| Black | Yes | No |
| Black & White | Yes | No |
| Blue | Yes | No |
| Blue & White | Yes | No |
| Blue Brindle | Yes | No |
| Brindle | Yes | Yes |
| Chocolate | Yes | No |
| Chocolate & White | Yes | No |
| Chocolate Brindle | Yes | No |
| Fawn | Yes | Yes |
| Harlequin | Yes | No |
| Mantle | Yes | No |
| Mantle Merle | Yes | No |
| Merle | Yes | No |
| Merlequin | Yes | No |
| Silver | Yes | No |
| White | Yes | No |
| Apricot | No | Yes |