Great Dane vs Scottish Deerhound
Complete side-by-side comparison of Great Dane and Scottish Deerhound. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Great Dane
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
7-10 years
Price
$1,000-$3,000
Scottish Deerhound
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
8-11 years
Price
$1,000-$2,500
Quick Verdict
Great Dane wins this comparison!
Great Dane edges out Scottish Deerhound in our comparison, scoring better in 2 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Great Dane | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) | Giant (100+ lbs) |
| Height | 28-32" | 28-32" |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs | 75-110 lbs |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years | 8-11 years |
| Coat Type | Smooth | Wire |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Great Dane | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Great Dane | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate - Weekly | Moderate - Weekly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 45 min | 60 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Great Dane | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Great Dane | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$3,000 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Annual Cost | $2,000/year | $1,800/year |
Health Considerations
Great Dane
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Scottish Deerhound
Lifespan: 8-11 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Great Dane or Scottish Deerhound better for families?
Great Dane is generally better for families, scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness compared to 4/5 for Scottish Deerhound. However, both breeds can make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
Which costs more to own, a Great Dane or Scottish Deerhound?
A Scottish Deerhound costs approximately $1800/year while a Great Dane costs about $2000/year. Scottish Deerhound is the more affordable option.
Which is easier to train, a Great Dane or Scottish Deerhound?
Great Dane is generally easier to train, scoring 4/5 for trainability compared to 3/5 for Scottish Deerhound.
Do Great Dane or Scottish Deerhound live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
Compare Different Breeds
Learn More About Each Breed
Beyond the breed database, explore our dog nutrition and feeding guides or try our free animal tools and games.