Bichon Frise vs Great Dane
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bichon Frise
Non-Sporting Group
Great Dane
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bichon Frise Overview
Graceful and compact, the Bichon Frise showcases a white powder-puff appearance with a soft, dense coat that forms a rounded silhouette. Their dark, inquisitive eyes and black nose create an endearing expression, while their plumed tail curves gracefully over their back. Naturally cheerful and gentle-natured, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with a merry, playful disposition.
Great Dane Overview
Majestic and noble, Great Danes stand tall with a powerful yet elegant build. Their smooth coat comes in various colors including fawn, brindle, and harlequin. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and well-defined muscular body, these giants possess a graceful gait despite their imposing size. Their balanced temperament combines dignity with friendliness, making them both impressive guardians and affectionate companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bichon Frises are less energetic than Great Danes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bichon Frises require more grooming attention compared to Great Danes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bichon Frises tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Great Danes.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bichon Frises adapt better to apartment living, while Great Danes typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bichon Frise and Great Dane, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 24-29 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Curious, Peppy | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bichon Frise | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bichon Frise Temperament
The Bichon Frise is known for being playful, curious, peppy, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is characterized by being friendly, patient, dependable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bichon Frise and Great Dane, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bichon Frise
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bichon Frise
Rating: 2/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bichon Frise Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bichon Frises require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bichon Frises require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Danes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bichon Frise Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Bladder stones
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
Pros & Cons
Bichon Frise
Pros
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Long lifespan
- Cheerful personality
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be expensive to maintain
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Regular professional grooming required
- May be difficult to housebreak
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bichon Frise and Great Dane, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.