Great Dane vs Lakeland Terrier
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
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier 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.
Lakeland Terrier Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Danes are more energetic than Lakeland Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Danes require less grooming attention compared to Lakeland Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Danes tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lakeland Terriers.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Dane | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Dane | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Dane | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable | Friendly, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Dane | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is characterized by being friendly, confident, bold, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Dane and Lakeland Terrier, 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
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Lakeland Terrier
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.
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lakeland Terriers 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
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
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
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Dane and Lakeland Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.