Great Dane vs Mastiff

A Great Dane
Photo: Arabsalam
A Mastiff
Photo: ocean yamaha

Side by side

Great Dane
Mastiff
Adult weight
Males 64–79 kg (140–175 lb); females 50–64 kg (110–140 lb) (breed club figure)1
Males 73–104 kg (160–230 lb); females 54–77 kg (120–170 lb) (breed club figure)2
Height
Males 80–90 cm; females 72–84 cm (breed club figure)1
Males 70–77 cm; females 70–77 cm3
Lifespan
Median 10.6 years4
Median 9 years4
Fully grown
12 months, both sexes5
15 months, both sexes5
Group
Pinschers & molossoids6
Pinschers & molossoids7
Coat
Short coat6
Short coat7
Shedding
Sheds through the year
Grooming
A brush once a week
Exercise
A moderate amount
Health
Bone cancer (far more likely); Inward-rolling eyelid (far more likely)8,9
Bone cancer (far more likely); Blood-vessel cancer of the skin (far more likely)10
Class
Companion
Watchdog

Which suits you

Size
The Mastiff is a little larger on average: about 77 kg (170 lb) as an adult, against 64 kg (141 lb) for the Great Dane.
Lifespan
In UK vet records the Great Dane lives longer: a median of 10.6 years, against 9 for the Mastiff.
Temperament
They differ most on affection (Great Dane: a lap or leaning dog; Mastiff: affectionate on its own terms) and on loyalty (Great Dane: bonded to its family; Mastiff: sticks close to its people).
Alike
Both are rated the same on intelligence: easy-going, simple routines.
Neither is the better dog in general. Which suits you depends on your home, your days and the care you can give.
Take the breed matcher

What they're like

Great Dane
Pinschers & molossoids · Giant

In temperament the Great Dane is friendly, patient and dependable. It is affectionate with its household and usually calm indoors, but watchful with strangers.

Mastiff
Pinschers & molossoids · Giant

By nature it is calm, dignified and good-natured with its household, while staying watchful and reserved with strangers. It tends to guard by its presence rather than by aggression.

The Great Dane page →The Mastiff page →

Breed traits

Day to day
Great Dane
Mastiff
Activity
Happy with modest walks
Happy with modest walks
Intelligence
Easy-going, simple routines
Easy-going, simple routines
Handler demand
Needs steady training
Needs steady training
With people
Great Dane
Mastiff
Affection
Differs
A lap or leaning dog
Affectionate on its own terms
Loyalty
Differs
Bonded to its family
Sticks close to its people
Independence
Cooperative, with its own ideas
Cooperative, with its own ideas
Around the home
Great Dane
Mastiff
Sensitivity
Differs
Average
Hardy, takes a busy home in its stride
Voice
Quiet
Quiet
Prey drive
Differs
Chases; needs managing
Usually fine with small pets
Breed explains only about 9% of how individual dogs differ in behaviour11. Meet the dog. A good breeder breeds for temperament as well as health, and matches each puppy's personality to the right home12,13.

Puppy growth

Reference curves · both sexes
The Mastiff grows to the heavier adult, about 79 kg against the Great Dane's 65 kg.
Great Dane
Mastiff
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More comparisons

Compare the Great Dane with
Great Dane vs Irish WolfhoundDoberman Pinscher vs Great DaneGreat Dane vs Saint BernardMastiff vs Saint BernardBullmastiff vs MastiffCane Corso vs MastiffAll breed comparisons →

Sources

Parts of this page were written by AI ·