Skip to content

French Bulldog vs Great Dane

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

French Bulldog breed photo

French Bulldog

AKCFCIKC

The French Bulldog is a small, muscular breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate, playful nature. Originating from France, these dogs make excellent companions, thriving in both city and country environments due to their adaptable and sociable temperament.

Size

Medium

Energy

Low

Lifespan

10-12 years yrs

Height

Not specified cm

VS
Great Dane breed photo

Great Dane

AKCFCIKC

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.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

7-10 years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitFrench BulldogGreat 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
DetailFrench BulldogGreat Dane
SizeMediumExtra Large
Energy LevelLowHigh
GroomingHighLow
TrainabilitychallengingModerate
Barking LevelLowMedium
Shedding LevelMediumHigh
HousingApartmentApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Experience LevelExperiencedBeginner
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a French Bulldog.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Great Dane.

French Bulldog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 30-45 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Great Dane Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Surrender Risk

FactorFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Barking LevelLowMedium
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
French Bulldog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Great Dane bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

French Bulldog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Great Dane Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

French Bulldog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
the heat of the day.** They are "free thinkers." They know *what* you want, but they will consider *if* they want to do it. High-value rewards (cheese, meat) are often necessary.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement only (treats/praise). They are sensitive and will become sullen if scolded.

Great Dane

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
forced running until fully mature (18-24 months) [cite: 11].exercise in peak heat [cite: 15].
Tips
  • **: Great Danes respond best to **positive reinforcement**. They are sensitive dogs; harsh corrections can cause them to shut down or become fearful [cite: 13].

French Bulldog Considerations

challengeSevere Separation Anxiety

Frenchies are "Velcro dogs" in the truest sense. They score extremely low on independence. Leaving them alone for standard workdays (8 hours) often results in the "Frenchie Death Scream"—a harrowing vocalization that sounds like a human child in distress—along with destructive chewing and house soiling. They are ill-suited for single owners who work away from home without a budget for daily daycare.

challengeStubbornness & House Training

This breed is notoriously difficult to house train. Their stubborn streak, combined with a small bladder and an aversion to rain/cold, means accidents can persist well into adulthood. They do not respond to harsh correction; they will simply shut down.

dealbreakerPrey Drive

Despite their goofy appearance, they carry terrier blood (from their ratter ancestors). They can be dangerous around small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes cats if not raised with them.

Great Dane Considerations

challengeSeparation Anxiety

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.

challengeThe "Zoomies" Hazard

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.

dealbreakerAdolescent Unruliness

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

SpeciesFrench BulldogGreat Dane
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateChallenging
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

French Bulldog: French Bulldog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Great Dane: Great Dane puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementFrench BulldogGreat Dane
HeightNot specified cmN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryMediumExtra Large
Lifespan10-12 years years7-10 years years
Litter Size4-84-8

French Bulldog Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Great Dane Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Original PurposeThe French Bulldog originated in the 1800s as a toy version of the English Bulldog, bred by lace makThe Great Dane, or *Deutsche Dogge*, was developed in Germany (not Denmark) as a boar hound
Originin the 1800s as a toy version of the English BulldogN/A

Breeding Details

DetailFrench BulldogGreat Dane
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

French Bulldog Health Issues

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway SyndromeBOAS
Intervertebral Disc DiseaseIVDD
Allergic Dermatitis
Hip Dysplasia
DystociaDifficult Birth

Great Dane Health Issues

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat): 42.4% lifetime risk
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): up to 35.6% affected
Hip Dysplasia: Approximately 12% dysplastic
Wobbler Syndrome
OsteosarcomaBone Cancer

French Bulldog Suggested Tests

  • OFA certifications for Hips
  • OFA certifications for Patellas
  • OFA certifications for Eyes
  • OFA certifications for Cardiac health

Great Dane Suggested Tests

  • Prophylactic gastropexy
  • Regular echocardiogram screening
  • Hip evaluations
  • Eye evaluations
  • Thyroid evaluations
  • Cardiac evaluations

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

French Bulldog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Great Dane Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

French Bulldog

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Great Dane

low maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

French Bulldog Daily Life

Exercise Needs30-45 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Great Dane Daily Life

Exercise Needs30-60 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelMedium
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionFrench BulldogGreat Dane
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Monthly Range$150–$300$130–$260
Yearly Range$1,800–$3,600$1,560–$3,120
Food / MonthN/A$100-200
Insurance / Month$100-200N/A
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / YearN/AN/A
Monthly Cost Tier

French Bulldog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Great Dane Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkFrench BulldogGreat Dane
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, French Bulldogs can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
For French Bulldog & Great Dane owners

Turn your dog into a brand deal.

Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a French Bulldog or Great Dane, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.

Apply for free

No followers minimum · Free to join

Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View French Bulldog profile·View Great Dane profile