DachshundVSGreat Dane

The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, playful, while the Great Dane is typically described as friendly, patient, dependable. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Dachshund is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Great Dane is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Great Dane may be the better choice.

The Dachshund is a small breed standing 20–23 cm (8–9 in) tall and weighing 7–15 kg (15–33 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 Dachshund's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Dachshund has a short coat available in red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, 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 Dachshund has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Great Dane has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Dachshund is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 4/5, compared to the Great Dane's 2/5. The Great Dane generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

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

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

The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years, while the Great Dane lives 7–10 years. The Dachshund tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Dachshund scores 3/5 compared to the Great Dane's 1/5. The Dachshund is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Dachshund include intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues, patellar luxation. 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 $500 for the Dachshund and $700 for the Great Dane. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Great Dane, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Dachshund's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 3/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the Dachshund and Great Dane score 3/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Dachshund leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Great Dane, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

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.

The Great Dane edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 4/5 with children versus the Dachshund's 3/5. The Great Dane's friendly temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Great Dane tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Great Dane is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Great Dane is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Dachshund tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Great Dane's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Dachshund ranges from $500–$2,000, 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 $1,020 for the Dachshund and $2,000 for the Great Dane. The Great Dane costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Dachshund 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.