Dachshund vs Great Dane
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Dachshund
The Dachshund, often known as the \\\"wiener dog\\\" due to its distinctive long body and short legs, is a small hound breed originally developed in Germany for hunting badgers. Known for their playful and courageous nature, Dachshunds are beloved companions with a keen sense of smell and a bold, energetic personality.
Small
Medium
10-12 years yrs
N/A
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a giant dog breed known for its imposing stature and gentle demeanor, often referred to as a \\\"gentle giant.\\\" Originating from Germany, these dogs are admired for their friendly nature, elegance, and loyal companionship.
Extra Large
High
7-10 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | High |
| Grooming | Medium | Low |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Dachshund. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Great Dane. |
Dachshund Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 30-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Great Dane Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Dachshund Social Traits
Moderate
Selective
Great Dane Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Training
Dachshund
- s:** Positive reinforcement with high-value food is the only way. Force-based methods will result in a dog that shuts down or bites.
Great Dane
- **: Great Danes respond best to **positive reinforcement**. They are sensitive dogs; harsh corrections can cause them to shut down or become fearful [cite: 13].
Great Dane Considerations
Great Danes are profoundly social animals, often described as "Velcro dogs." They do not tolerate isolation well. Left alone for long periods, their anxiety can manifest in destructive chewing or digging. Given their size, a panicked Dane can destroy a door frame or a sofa in minutes.
While generally calm indoors, young Danes experience bursts of frenetic energy known as "zoomies." In a small space, a 100lb puppy moving at high speed is a physical hazard to furniture, children, and themselves.
Between 6 and 18 months, Danes are essentially giant puppies. They may not realize their own strength, leading to accidental knocking over of children or elderly family members. Leash manners are critical; a pulling Dane cannot be physically overpowered by most owners.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Challenging |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Dachshund: Dachshund puppies require consistent training and patience.
Great Dane: Great Dane puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Small | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 7–10 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Dachshund Coat
Great Dane Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | badgers and wild boar | The Great Dane, or *Deutsche Dogge*, was developed in Germany (not Denmark) as a boar hound |
| Origin | N/A | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Dachshund Health Issues
Great Dane Health Issues
Dachshund Suggested Tests
- Regular weight checks with vet
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Eye exams for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Genetic testing for merle gene (for breeding dogs)
Great Dane Suggested Tests
- Prophylactic gastropexy
- Regular echocardiogram screening
- Hip evaluations
- Eye evaluations
- Thyroid evaluations
- Cardiac evaluations
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Dachshund Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Great Dane Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Dachshund
medium maintenanceGreat Dane
low maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Dachshund Daily Life
Great Dane Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $80–$160 | $130–$260 |
| Yearly Range | $960–$1,920 | $1,560–$3,120 |
| Food / Month | N/A | $100-200 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | N/A |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | N/A |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | N/A |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Dachshund Lifetime Cost
N/A
Great Dane Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Dachshund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
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