English Springer SpanielVSGreat Dane

The English Springer Spaniel is known for being friendly, playful, obedient, 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel is your pick.

Noise-wise, the English Springer Spaniel is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Great Dane is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Great Dane may be the better choice.

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium breed standing 46–51 cm (18–20 in) tall and weighing 18–25 kg (40–55 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 English Springer Spaniel's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The English Springer Spaniel has a medium coat available in liver and white, black and white, tricolor, 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (3/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

The English Springer Spaniel demands more grooming attention with a score of 3/5, while the Great Dane is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The English Springer Spaniel's medium coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the English Springer Spaniel and $100 for the Great Dane. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

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

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

Common health issues for the English Springer Spaniel include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, ear infections. 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 $450 for the English Springer Spaniel and $700 for the Great Dane. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel outranks the Great Dane with a score of 5/5 compared to 3/5. The English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel'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.

For families with children, the English Springer Spaniel is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Great Dane's 4/5. The English Springer Spaniel's friendly nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

The initial purchase price for a English Springer Spaniel ranges from $800–$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 $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $2,000 for the Great Dane. The Great Dane costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the English Springer Spaniel 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.