Great DaneVSYorkshire Terrier

The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable, while the Yorkshire Terrier is typically described as spirited, bold, affectionate. 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 Yorkshire Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, 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 Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed at 18–23 cm (7–9 in) and 2–3 kg (4–7 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 Yorkshire Terrier'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 Yorkshire Terrier sports a long coat in blue and tan, black and gold. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

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

Grooming-wise, the Yorkshire Terrier needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Great Dane (1/5). The Yorkshire Terrier'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 Yorkshire Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years, while the Yorkshire Terrier lives 13–16 years. The Yorkshire Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

The Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, tracheal collapse, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Great Dane and $450 for the Yorkshire Terrier. 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.

The Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Great Dane's 3/5. This means the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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 Great Dane is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Yorkshire Terrier's 2/5. The Great Dane's friendly nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Great Dane tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Yorkshire Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Great Dane is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Great Dane is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Yorkshire Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Great Dane's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Great Dane ranges from $1,000–$3,000, while a Yorkshire Terrier typically costs $800–$3,000. The Great Dane has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $2,000 for the Great Dane and $1,250 for the Yorkshire Terrier. 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 $25 for the Yorkshire Terrier. 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.