Newfoundland vs Great Dane
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Newfoundland
Working Group
Great Dane
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Newfoundlands are less energetic than Great Danes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Newfoundlands require more grooming attention compared to Great Danes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Newfoundlands tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Great Danes.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Great Danes adapt better to apartment living, while Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Newfoundland and Great Dane, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Newfoundland | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Newfoundland | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Newfoundland | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Patient, Devoted | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Newfoundland | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is known for being sweet, patient, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is characterized by being friendly, patient, dependable, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Newfoundland and Great Dane, 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
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes 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, Great Danes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
Pros & Cons
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Newfoundland and Great Dane, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.