What is the Difference Between a Great Dane and a Mastiff?
by admin ~ June 4th, 2008
Great Danes and Mastiffs are very similar in many ways, and quite different in others. Both of these giant breeds make great companions but do require a huge committment of time, energy, love and money.
The Similarities Between Great Danes and Mastiffs
The Great Dane was created hundreds of years ago by crossing English Mastiffs with Greyhounds. As a result, great danes and mastiffs share many characteristics. Both breeds are usually outgoing and friendly, yet make great watchdogs. Great danes and mastiffs are typically good with children and are excellent indoor pets as they tend to be calm, relaxed breeds; not hyperactive. They share similar health issues including a high risk of bloat, and nutrition is especially important with both breeds.
Both great danes and mastiffs are in the working class category of dogs. It’s important to keep their minds engaged and take them on daily walks. They do like having jobs – even if the job is to learn tricks like putting away their toys. Great Danes and Mastiffs are intelligent and very easy to train. They should learn a few basic obedience commands and housetraining in a few weeks with consistent training.
Neither breed does well as an outdoor only dog. Great Danes and Mastiffs establish a strong bond with their family and need to be a “part of the pack”. Boredom and loneliness in any dog can lead to destructive behavior, but with giant breeds, destruction happens on a larger scale; like digging up an entire yard full of trees and plants in an afternoon.Â
Many people mistakenly assume these giant dogs are aggressive attack dogs, which is not the case. Though they may playfully tackle you, once pinned down you’ll probably find yourself covered in slobbery kisses.
The Differences Between Great Danes and Mastiffs
Great Danes tend to be lighter, faster and more agile than mastiffs, and many great dane owners successfully compete in agility. Mastiffs are the heaviest (largest) breed of dog, weighing up to 270lbs, but typically average around 200lbs. Mastiffs tend to be more muscular and powerful than great danes, but both breeds can easily overpower their owners on walks so obedience training is a must. In my experience, our great danes are a little more light-hearted, while our mastiff is a bit more intense.
Great Danes were originally bred for hunting, Mastiffs for guarding and accompanying men into battle. Today, both are usually bred to be loyal and loving companions. Some great danes have varying degrees of “prey drive,†and may chase smaller pets and animals, but this is not always the case as many great danes do well with smaller animals. Great Danes tend to be taller than Mastiffs, but Mastiffs can be twice as wide as a Great Dane and as a result will probably eat a few more cups of food each day.
Deciding Which Giant Breed is Right for You
If you’re considering a giant breed dog, start out by reading the AKC breed standards, which should help you narrow it down to two or three breeds. If you’re looking for a great dane or mastiff puppy, the best way to fully understand the differences between the breeds is to visit several breeders and spend some time with their dogs.
Breeding/bloodlines play a huge role in determining the temperament, personality, health and size of these giant breeds, so if you’re looking for a puppy, take your time interviewing breeders and meet several dogs before deciding which is right for you. Most breeders are happy to chat with you about the personalities of their dogs and are willing to help you in making the decision regarding which breed would suit your family best.
If you’re looking to adopt an adult dog, you can check with your local breed clubs for a referral to a local breed rescue. Breed specific rescue organizations should be well versed on their breed, and will want to place dogs in homes that are the best match. They should be able to provide you with information about the history of the dog, the dog’s personality and temperament, whether or not the dog is OK with kids or pets, and other details to aid in your decision making process.
