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Great Dane vs Mastiff

Both are giant, gentle breeds with big costs and short lives; the Great Dane is taller and lighter, the Mastiff heavier, calmer and more heat-sensitive.

Great Dane profileMastiff profile

Verdict

The Great Dane and the Mastiff are giant, gentle dogs that need space, a large food and veterinary budget, and an owner able to lift and control a very large animal. Both are listed with short lifespans and bloat concerns, and both need only modest exercise compared with most large breeds.

The Dane is the taller and lighter of the two, friendly and patient, a little more active, and its profile rates it better with children. The Mastiff is heavier, up to roughly 230 pounds, calm, dignified and protective, and it is more sensitive to heat. Its profile adds drool and snoring to the list of things to accept, while the Dane's tail is said to clear coffee tables.

Choose the Great Dane if

  • You want a gentle, friendly giant that suits family life
  • You prefer a taller, somewhat more active dog
  • Your home is spacious and you can lift and manage a large dog
  • You are ready for large-dog costs and a short lifespan

Choose the Mastiff if

  • You want a heavier, steadier, calmer dog
  • You prefer a dignified, protective manner
  • Your climate is cool or your home has cooling
  • You accept drool, snoring and a very large grocery bill

Side by side

Great Dane Mastiff
AKC group Working Group Working Group
Size class Large Large
Typical weight 110 to 175 lb 120 to 230 lb
Height 28 to 32 in at the shoulder 27.5 to 30 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 7 to 10 years 6 to 10 years
AKC popularity, 2025 22 of 202 40 of 202
Shedding Moderate Moderate
Grooming needs Minimal Minimal
Energy Moderate Low to moderate
Trainability Average Average
Barking Seldom barks Rarely barks
With children Very good Good with supervision
Apartment living Moderate Fair
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Below average Poor
Cold tolerance Below average Average
Temperament
  • gentle
  • friendly
  • patient
  • dependable
  • gentle
  • dignified
  • calm
  • protective
Health concerns to know about
  • bloat
  • dilated cardiomyopathy
  • hip dysplasia
  • wobbler syndrome
  • bone cancer
  • hip and elbow dysplasia
  • bloat
  • heart disease
  • cancers
  • eye and eyelid conditions
Suits
  • people with spacious homes
  • owners who want a gentle giant
  • households prepared for large-dog costs
  • people with space
  • owners who want a calm giant
  • households ready for large-dog costs

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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