Estrela Mountain Dog 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.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Great Dane
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Estrela Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Estrela Mountain Dog boasts a robust build with a thick double coat that can be either long or short. Standing up to 29 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a proud bearing and strong muscular structure. Their distinctive features include a black mask, dark eyes, and a confident expression that reflects their guardian heritage. The breed's weatherproof coat comes in solid colors including fawn, wolf gray, or yellow, often with brindling.
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: Estrela Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Great Danes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Estrela Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Great Danes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Estrela Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved 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: Great Danes adapt better to apartment living, while Estrela Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog and Great Dane, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-29 inches 62-74 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 77-132 lbs 35-60 kg | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Intelligent, Brave | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Estrela Mountain Dog Temperament
The Estrela Mountain Dog is known for being alert, intelligent, brave, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Estrela Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Estrela Mountain Dogs 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, Estrela Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Estrela Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
Pros & Cons
Estrela Mountain Dog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Loyal to family
- Weather-resistant coat
- Independent nature
- Good with livestock
Cons
- Requires extensive space
- Strong-willed personality
- Heavy shedding
- Not suitable for apartments
- Needs experienced owner
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 Estrela Mountain Dog and Great Dane, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.