Great DaneVSHavanese

The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Havanese tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Great Dane's 4/5. Expect the Havanese to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Havanese 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 Great Dane is a giant breed standing 71–86 cm (28–34 in) tall and weighing 45–90 kg (99–198 lbs). In comparison, the Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 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 Havanese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Great Dane has a short coat available in fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, mantle, while the Havanese sports a long coat in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Great Dane has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

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

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

When it comes to shedding, the Great Dane drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Havanese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Havanese will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Havanese needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Great Dane (1/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Great Dane and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.

The Havanese is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Great Dane's 1/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Great Dane include bloat, hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma. The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

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

Training comes more naturally with the Havanese, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Great Dane's score of 3/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Havanese ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 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.

The Havanese is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Great Dane's 3/5. This means the Havanese generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Great Dane leans toward working intelligence — excelling at tasks, following complex commands, and performing jobs they were bred for. The Havanese, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The Havanese's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 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.

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

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

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

The initial purchase price for a Great Dane ranges from $1,000–$3,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Great Dane has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $2,000 for the Great Dane and $1,160 for the Havanese. The Great Dane is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $100 for the Great Dane and $30 for the Havanese. 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.