Newfoundland vs Great Dane: side by side
| Newfoundland | Great Dane | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | XLarge | XLarge |
| Weight | 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) | 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) |
| Height | 26–28 in (66–71 cm) | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) |
| Lifespan | 9-10 years | 7-10 years |
| Exercise | 45–60 per day | 60–90 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperament | AKC temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to s | AKC temperament summary: friendly / patient / dependable. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, opennes |
The differences that actually matter
- Great Dane is the bigger dog. Adults run 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) against 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) for the Newfoundland.
- Great Dane needs more exercise. Great Danes are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Newfoundland.
- Shedding: Newfoundland is rated moderate, Great Dane moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Newfoundland 9-10 years vs Great Dane 7-10 years.
- Trainability: Newfoundland — Moderate — learns well with consistency Great Dane — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Great Dane — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Newfoundland if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Pick the Great Dane if you want: Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise; 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
Newfoundland: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended
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
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 Newfoundland and a Great Dane?
Great Dane is the bigger dog. Adults run 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) against 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) for the Newfoundland. Great Dane needs more exercise. Great Danes are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Newfoundland. Shedding: Newfoundland is rated moderate, Great Dane moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Newfoundland is akc temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. adaptability 4/5, affection with famil, while the Great Dane is akc temperament summary: friendly / patient / dependable. adaptability 4/5, affection with
Which is bigger, a Newfoundland or a Great Dane?
Great Dane is the bigger dog. Adults run 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) against 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) for the Newfoundland.
Is a Newfoundland or a Great Dane better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Great Dane — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Newfoundland or a Great Dane?
Shedding: Newfoundland is rated moderate, Great Dane moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.