The Great Dane has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Great Dane's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.

Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 7–10 years for the Great Dane and 8–10 years for the Rottweiler. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.

You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Great Dane stands 71–86 cm (28–34 in) tall and weighs 45–90 kg (99–198 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Rottweiler at 56–69 cm (22–27 in) and 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs).

The Rottweiler has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Rottweiler tends to catch on a bit faster.

Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$3,000 for a Great Dane versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Rottweiler. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.

If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Great Dane greets the world with a friendly attitude, whereas a Rottweiler leans more toward a loyal approach.

The Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler.

Both breeds shed at the same rate (3/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Expect a moderate amount of loose fur from both.