BrittanyVSGreat Dane

The Brittany is known for being bright, eager, fun-loving, while the Great Dane is typically described as friendly, patient, dependable. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Brittany has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Great Dane's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Brittany is your pick.

The Brittany is a medium breed standing 44–52 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs). In comparison, the Great Dane is a giant breed at 71–86 cm (28–34 in) and 45–90 kg (99–198 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Great Dane is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Brittany's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Brittany has a medium coat available in orange and white, liver and white, roan, while the Great Dane sports a short coat in fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, mantle. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Brittany has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Great Dane has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

The Brittany requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Great Dane is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Great Dane is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Brittany's 1/5. The Brittany generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Great Dane sheds more than the Brittany — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Great Dane.

The Brittany demands more grooming attention with a score of 2/5, while the Great Dane is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The Brittany's medium coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Brittany and $100 for the Great Dane. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Great Dane lives 7–10 years. The Brittany tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Brittany scores 4/5 compared to the Great Dane's 1/5. The Brittany is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Brittany include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, canine discoid lupus. The Great Dane is prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Brittany and $700 for the Great Dane. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Brittany is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Great Dane scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Brittany ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Brittany outranks the Great Dane with a score of 5/5 compared to 3/5. The Brittany tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Brittany leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Great Dane, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

The Brittany's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Brittany ranges from $700–$1,500, while a Great Dane typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Great Dane is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,090 for the Brittany and $2,000 for the Great Dane. The Great Dane costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Brittany and $100 for the Great Dane. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.