Great Dane vs German Wirehaired Pointer
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
German Wirehaired Pointer
Sporting 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.
German Wirehaired Pointer Overview
German Wirehaired Pointers feature a distinctive weather-resistant double coat with a wiry outer layer and dense undercoat. Their athletic build combines strength with agility, sporting a noble head, strong muzzle, and intelligent expression. Standing proudly with a muscular frame, these versatile hunters display remarkable stamina and enthusiasm in the field while maintaining an affectionate, eager-to-please demeanor at home.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Danes are less energetic than German Wirehaired Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Danes require less grooming attention compared to German Wirehaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Danes tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Wirehaired Pointers.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Dane | German Wirehaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Dane | German Wirehaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Dane | German Wirehaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable | Affectionate, Eager, Enthusiastic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Dane | German Wirehaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
German Wirehaired Pointer Temperament
The German Wirehaired Pointer is characterized by being affectionate, eager, enthusiastic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Dane and German Wirehaired Pointer, 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
German Wirehaired Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
German Wirehaired Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
German Wirehaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
German Wirehaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
German Wirehaired Pointer
Rating: 3/5
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.
German Wirehaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Wirehaired Pointers 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, German Wirehaired Pointers 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
German Wirehaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Von Willebrand's
- Thyroid Issues
- Entropion
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
German Wirehaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Versatile working ability
- Strong tracking skills
- Loyal family dog
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Dane and German Wirehaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.