Great Dane vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Great Dane
Working Group
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Danes are less energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Danes require less grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Danes tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Foxhounds 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 Great Dane and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Dane | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Dane | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Dane | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Dane | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Great Dane and American Foxhound, 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
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Danes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds 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, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Dane and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.