Great DaneVSShih Tzu

The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable, while the Shih Tzu is typically described as affectionate, outgoing, happy. 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu is a small breed at 20–28 cm (8–11 in) and 4–7 kg (9–15 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 Shih Tzu'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 Shih Tzu sports a long coat in black, white, gold, brindle, liver. 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 Shih Tzu has low energy (2/5) 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 Shih Tzu is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Shih Tzu will be easier to live with.

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

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Great Dane and $500 for the Shih Tzu. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years, while the Shih Tzu lives 10–16 years. The Shih Tzu generally has a longer lifespan.

The Shih Tzu is generally the healthier breed, scoring 3/5 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 Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Great Dane and $450 for the Shih Tzu. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

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

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.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

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

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $2,000 for the Great Dane and $1,310 for the Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu. 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.