Great Dane vs Mastiff
Two gentle giants who think they're lap dogs. The Dane is the taller, more elegant one; the Mastiff is the heavier, droolier, quieter couch.
Side by side
| Great Dane | Mastiff | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Energy | 2/5 | 1/5 | The Great Dane has more energy |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 4/5 | The Mastiff sheds more |
| Barking | 4/5 | 2/5 | The Great Dane barks more |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 | Tie |
| Kid-friendliness | 5/5 | 4/5 | The Great Dane is better with kids |
| Drooling | 4/5 | 5/5 | The Mastiff drools more |
| Life expectancy | 7–10 years | 6–10 years | The Great Dane lives longer |
Vet costs
Age 1, U.S.-average prices, $2,000 emergency savings.
Great Dane
- First-year expected vet cost: $933
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $69/mo
- Top cost drivers: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) · Wobbler syndrome
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $10,314
Mastiff
- First-year expected vet cost: $952
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $50/mo
- Top cost drivers: Bloat (GDV) · Bone cancer
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $8,269
Lifetime totals include lifespan: the Great Dane is expected to live 7–10 years, the Mastiff 6–10 years.
About the same.
Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Choose the Great Dane if…
- You want the tall, elegant giant
- You want a bit more energy for walks
- You have kids and a big enough sofa
Choose the Mastiff if…
- You want the ultimate low-energy giant
- You prefer a quieter dog
- You keep drool towels in every room
FAQ
Which is cheaper to insure?
About the same. Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: Great Dane $69, Mastiff $50. Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Which sheds more?
The Mastiff sheds more. Shedding: Great Dane 3/5, Mastiff 4/5.
Which lives longer?
The Great Dane lives longer. Great Dane: 7–10 years; Mastiff: 6–10 years.
Which is better with kids?
The Great Dane is better with kids. Kid-friendliness: Great Dane 5/5, Mastiff 4/5.
Test-drive the Great Dane · Test-drive the Mastiff · Great Dane profile · Mastiff profile