Let’s guess,
You’re a lover of big dogs but you’re conflicted between Doberman and Great Dane: which will make the best companion for you?
Or maybe that’s a wrong guess.
You’re just curious to know what the similarities and differences are between these two large dogs.
Whichever category you fall under, you’re welcome to this read.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll:
- Know the major differences and similarities between the two breeds.
- Determine which dog best meets your needs.
Ready?
Let’s go!
What are the Similarities Between Doberman and Great Dane?
Size
They’re both large dogs with an intimidating presence. Their huge size places them amongst the largest dogs in the world.
German Heritage
Both Doberman and Great Dane have their roots in Germany. Maybe that’s why they’re on the large side.
Lifespan
Larger dogs generally have a shorter life span than their smaller colleagues. Doberman and Great Dane aren’t excluded. Whilst a Chihuahua can live up to 20 years and more, Doberman and Great Dane struggle to live up to 12 years.
They’re both susceptible to a wide range of ailments, this is a major contributory factor to their short lifespan.
Single Coated
There are two types of dogs: single-coated dogs and double-coated dogs. Single-coated dogs have a single layer of fur, whilst double-coated dogs have two layers of fur.
Doberman and Great Dane are both single coated with short furs.
Loyalty
These dogs are loyal to a fault. Honour them with a family and they’ll grace you with their love and loyalty. They’re also very adorable to have around the house.
Now that we have an understanding of their similarities, it’s time to look at their differences. After all, it’s their differences that determine which dog best suits your needs.
Doberman Vs Great Dane: Things to Know Before Making Your Final Decision on Which Dog Best Suits Your Needs
Weight
Great Danes are generally heavier in weight than Doberman. The average weight of a male Great Dane is between 120-200 pounds and a female Dane is around 100-130 pounds.
The average weight of a male Doberman is between 88-99 pounds and the average weight of a female Doberman is between 71-77pound.
Drooling
Great Danes drool more than Doberman. Great Danes generally drool more than most dogs, they can drool you a river (just joking).
If excessive drooling isn’t something you can stand, then Great Dane isn’t the dog for you.
Temperament
Great Danes are laid-back dogs. They’re great with kids and relatively friendlier.
Dobermans are very energetic dogs that need early socialization to be able to easily accept strangers. They’re not as friendly as Great Danes and can only stay around children who they were raised with.
Barking
Great Danes bark/howl more than Dobermans. Dobermans rarely bark, if they perceive a threat, they attack.
Trainability
Dobermans are easier to train if they’re trained by the right person. They’re very loyal dogs that will do anything to please their owner. Although they need a confident owner.
Dobermans are perceptive dogs that can spot fear easily. You can’t train them and be fearful. They also need to be given respect training if you want them to obey you.
Great Danes are not that easy to train, they need positive reinforcement strategies, such as praise and gifts. If you can do this consistently, you’ll have your way with Great Danes.
Lifespan
Even though they both have short life spans, Great Danes live for an average of 8-10 years whilst Dobermans live an average of 10-12 years.
Shedding
Great Danes are moderate to heavy shedders whilst Dobermans are moderate shedders. This means that Great Danes generally shed more fur than Dobermans. This is expected, given the fact that Great Danes are bigger than Dobermans.
Summary
Similarities
- Both dogs have German roots
- Both are large dogs
- Both are single coated
- They’re both loyal dogs
- They both have short lifespans with health complications
Differences
- Great Danes are generally friendlier than Dobermans.
- The two breeds generally have a short lifespan but Doberman are seen to outlive Great Danes
- Great Danes shed more fur than Doberman
- Great Danes drool more than Duberman
- Great Danes bark more than Dobermans
- Great Danes are heavier than Duberman
- Dobermans are easier to train
This article is not written to influence your decision on which of these dogs you should get, rather, we are only aiming at pointing out the similarities and differences between the Great Dane and the Doberman.
We’ll be glad to hear which among these 2 furry buddies you think you’ll be going for and why?