Great Dane vs Lancashire Heeler
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
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Danes are less energetic than Lancashire Heelers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Danes require less grooming attention compared to Lancashire Heelers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Danes tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lancashire Heelers.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Dane | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Dane | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Dane | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Dane | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is characterized by being affectionate, versatile, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Lancashire Heeler, 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
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
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.
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers 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, Lancashire Heelers 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
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
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
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Dane and Lancashire Heeler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.