Great Dane
The gentle giant of the dog world, Great Danes combine massive size with a sweet, patient temperament. Despite standing up to 32 inches tall, they are affectionate couch companions at heart.
VS
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Great Dane if you want a great companion. Choose Poodle if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Great Dane
Attribute
Poodle
giant
Size
medium
45–90 kg (99–198 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
71–86 cm (28–34 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
7–10 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
3/5Better
1/5
Health
4/5Better
$1,000–$3,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Poodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Great Dane
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
7–10
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs4/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Poodles live 12–15 years on average, while Great Danes live 7–10 years.
Size & Appearance
Great Dane is the larger breed; Poodle is more compact.
Great Dane
Poodle
Weight (kg)
45–90
vs18–32
Height (cm)
71–86
vs38–61
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Great Dane tips the scales at 45–90 kg (99–198 lbs), dwarfing the Poodle's 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs).
Grooming & Shedding
Great Dane sheds more; Poodle is easier to maintain.
Great Dane
Poodle
Shedding
3/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs5/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Great Dane is a prolific shedder (3/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Training & Intelligence
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Great Dane
Poodle
Trainability
3/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Poodle (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Temperament & Personality
Great Dane is calmer; Poodle is more energetic.
Great Dane
Poodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
The Great Dane and Poodle bring very different personalities to the table. Great Danes are friendly, patient and dependable, while Poodles tend to be intelligent, elegant and athletic.
Exercise & Activity
Poodle needs more exercise; Great Dane is lower-maintenance.
Great Dane
Poodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs3/5Better
The Poodle needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Great Dane (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Poodle.
Cost of Ownership
Poodle is less expensive to own annually.
Great Dane
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$1,200
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$2,000
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$3,000 for a Great Dane versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Great Dane
Poodle
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Poodle has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5), more apartment-friendly (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Poodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Great Dane and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Great Dane sheds considerably more, Poodle is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Poodle by roughly $400/year.
Choose Great Dane if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Great Danes tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Poodle if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Poodles are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Poodles cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Great Dane or Poodle?
The Great Dane scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Poodle at 4/5. The Great Dane is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Great Dane or Poodle easier to train?
The Poodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Great Dane's 3/5. The Poodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Great Dane or Poodle?
A Great Dane puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $2,000 for the Great Dane and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Great Dane is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Great Danes or Poodles live longer?
The Great Dane lives 7–10 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 years. The Poodle tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Great Dane or Poodle live in an apartment?
The Poodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Great Dane (2/5). The Poodle ranks among our best apartment breeds.