Great Dane vs Mastiff: side by side
| Great Dane | Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | XLarge | XLarge |
| Weight | 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) | 54–104 kg (120–230 lb) |
| Height | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) | 27.5–30 in (70–76 cm) |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years | 6-10 years |
| Exercise | 60–90 per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperament | AKC temperament summary: friendly / patient / dependable. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, opennes | AKC temperament summary: dignified / good-natured / courageous. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, o |
The differences that actually matter
- Mastiff is the bigger dog. Adults run 54–104 kg (120–230 lb) against 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) for the Great Dane.
- Great Dane needs more exercise. Great Danes are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Mastiff.
- Shedding: Great Dane is rated moderate, Mastiff moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Great Dane 7-10 years vs Mastiff 6-10 years.
- Trainability: Great Dane — Moderate — learns well with consistency Mastiff — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Great Dane — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Mastiff — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Great Dane if you want: Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Pick the Mastiff if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Great Dane: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually; Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended; Bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening emergency; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating
Mastiff: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually; Epilepsy / seizure disorders in some lines
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Great Dane and a Mastiff?
Mastiff is the bigger dog. Adults run 54–104 kg (120–230 lb) against 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) for the Great Dane. Great Dane needs more exercise. Great Danes are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Mastiff. Shedding: Great Dane is rated moderate, Mastiff moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Great Dane is akc temperament summary: friendly / patient / dependable. adaptability 4/5, affection with, while the Mastiff is akc temperament summary: dignified / good-natured / courageous. adaptability 4/5, affectio
Which is bigger, a Great Dane or a Mastiff?
Mastiff is the bigger dog. Adults run 54–104 kg (120–230 lb) against 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) for the Great Dane.
Is a Great Dane or a Mastiff better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Great Dane — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Mastiff — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Great Dane or a Mastiff?
Shedding: Great Dane is rated moderate, Mastiff moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.