Great Dane vs Silky 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
Silky Terrier
Toy 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.
Silky Terrier Overview
Silky Terriers possess a striking silky blue and tan coat that flows gracefully to the ground. Their refined appearance belies their tenacious terrier spirit, featuring a wedge-shaped head, almond eyes, and small V-shaped ears. Standing 9-10 inches tall, these compact dogs combine elegant looks with alert, spirited personalities, making them both beautiful companions and capable watchdogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Danes are more energetic than Silky Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Danes require less grooming attention compared to Silky Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Danes tend to be more reserved with strangers than Silky Terriers.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Silky 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 Silky Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Dane | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Dane | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg | 10-10 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Dane | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable | Friendly, Quick, Keenly Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Dane | Silky 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.
Silky Terrier Temperament
The Silky Terrier is characterized by being friendly, quick, keenly alert, 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 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 Silky 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
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Silky Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Silky 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, Silky Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
Silky Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dental 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
Silky Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding coat
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- May chase small animals
- Stubborn streak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Dane and Silky Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.