Great DaneVSEnglish Mastiff
The Great Dane and English Mastiff are two of the world's largest dog breeds, both known for gentle, loving temperaments despite their imposing size. They differ in build, energy level, and drool factor — details that matter in day-to-day life.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Great Dane | English Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 100–200 lbs, 28–32 in | 120–230 lbs, 27–30 in |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Low |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Trainability | ✓Good | Moderate |
| Good With Kids | Very Good | Very Good |
| Apartment Friendly | Poor | Poor |
| Average Lifespan | ✓7–10 years | 6–10 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | $200–$400 | $200–$400 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Great Dane if…
Owners who want an elegant, graceful giant that is slightly more trainable and active indoors.
Choose a English Mastiff if…
Those who want a massive, calm, guardian-type dog and can manage heavy drool and a very large frame.
Grooming & Shedding: Great Dane vs English Mastiff
Both the Great Dane and English Mastiff have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain but shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt removes loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Bathing every 4–6 weeks is typically sufficient for both breeds. The main grooming challenges for both are related to facial wrinkles and skin folds rather than coat length — cleaning between skin folds helps prevent infections. English Mastiffs generally have more pronounced facial wrinkles and heavier jowls that require regular wiping to prevent bacteria buildup. Neither breed requires professional grooming for coat maintenance. Despite their short coats, their large body size means the total volume of shed hair can be significant.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Great Danes are gentle, affectionate dogs that bond warmly with their families despite their imposing size. They are playful, sociable, and generally friendly with strangers — sometimes called 'the friendly giant.' They respond well to positive training and are moderately trainable. English Mastiffs are calmer, more stoic, and have a stronger natural guardian instinct. They are devoted to their families but can be more reserved with strangers. Their massive size makes early obedience training critical — an untrained adult Mastiff is genuinely difficult to manage. Both breeds are gentle with children but their size requires supervision around small kids. The Great Dane's moderate trainability and somewhat higher energy make it slightly more interactive as a family companion.
Compare pet insurance for Great Dane and English Mastiff
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger — Great Dane or Mastiff?
Great Danes are taller — they are the world's tallest dog breed, often standing over 30 inches at the shoulder. Mastiffs are heavier and more massive, with males sometimes exceeding 200 pounds. Both are enormous and require significant space.
Do Mastiffs drool more than Great Danes?
Yes. English Mastiffs are heavy droolers due to their loose jowls. Great Danes drool too but generally less. If drool is a dealbreaker, the Great Dane is the slightly better option.
Which is easier to train?
Great Danes tend to be more responsive to training. They are eager to please and do well with consistent positive reinforcement. Mastiffs are more independent-minded and can be stubborn, though they respond well to calm, firm guidance.
Find the perfect name for your Great Dane or English Mastiff
Our name finder quiz considers your dog's breed, personality, coat color, and vibe to give you a personalized top-3 recommendation — with explanations and audio.
Find the Perfect Name — Free🐾
Track your Great Dane or English Mastiff's health for free
Care log, vaccination tracker, weight trends, and health journal — all in one place. Works in your browser.
Create free account →No credit card required · Works in your browser