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Dalmatian vs Great Dane: Breed Facts & Key Differences

March 20, 2024July 29, 2022

It is no secret that dogs are among the most popular and endearing pets, and with good reason. They provide companionship, loyalty, and protection. But some breeds genuinely stand out from the crowd.

The Dalmatian and the Great Dane are two examples of these popular breeds. Both are great companions and can be trained to do just about anything. Are you wondering which one is the best dog for you?

Keep your eyeballs glued on the screen for a few minutes to evaluate the two dog breeds. The article, Dalmatian versus Great Dane, aims to help you decide which best suits your lifestyle.

Keep reading!

The Difference Between Dalmatian And the Great Dane

The Dalmatian and the Great Dane are two breeds of dogs that are often confused. Despite their similarities, however, the key differences between these breeds set them apart.

1. Temperament

Generally, the two dogs are friendly and make up a good family dog. However, the temperament of these beautiful dogs depends on the person.

The Dalmatian breed is known for being energetic, playful, and friendly dogs. They are very social and love spending time with their families.

Additionally, they are known for having a high energy level, which can be controlled with proper training and socialization.

However, they tend to be stand-offish and apprehensive in front of strangers and can react aggressively in front of them. The Great Dane’s temperament is amazing.

On the other hand, Great Dane dogs are calm, gentle giants who enjoy spending time with their owners and surrounding pets in the house. They are not very playful, but they love to cuddle with their favorite human and give them lots of kisses!

Great Danes take time to hit maturity and are easily scared of strange faces. In addition, the presence of strangers makes them aloof, and they may use more protective instincts than usual.

2. Intelligence

Both breeds are considered intelligent and competent. Dalmatians’ independent minds and ability to devise different ways to do a specific task make them intelligent breeds.

On the contrary, Great Danes are considered as smart as a three-year-old baby. They can understand different words and gestures and learn new tricks instantly.

3. Housebreaking

You probably want a dog because it can protect your home from intruders or other threats. Dalmatians are known for being good watchdogs because of their higher intelligence and sense of smell. When trained properly, they make up great watchdogs.

Great Danes’ giant size keeps the intruders away from home, but they aren’t as good at this role. They bark at strangers when they come to the door, but they don’t tend to be very aggressive towards strangers unless they feel threatened by them, which isn’t always ideal if you live in a neighborhood where crime happens often.

4. Training

Dalmatian dogs are much easier to train than the Great Dane breed. Dalmatians are highly intelligent and have a strong desire to please their master. Therefore, training a Dalmatian isn’t challenging if you use positive reinforcement methods like praise and treats.

This happy-go-lucky dog breed yearns to make his owner laugh with his silly actions. However, firm training is required because they have a stubborn streak and may not respond to requests if they don’t want to.

Like the Dalmatian breed, Great Dances are intelligent and pick up things easily. In addition, their love for humans and other animals makes them easy to train.

Starting the training as early as possible is recommended to avoid behavioral issues. Regular training sessions and sweet rewards can help the Great Dane overcome their aggressive attitude.

5. Energy Level

Dalmatians are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. If you aren’t able to take them for walks, play games with them every day, or give them enough exercise, they may become destructive or hyperactive, chew furniture, run around like crazy, or get into mischief.

On the contrary, Great Danes are not energetic with moderate exercise needs. They can enjoy boisterous play sessions all day long if they are followed by a rest or nap time.

6. Size and Weight of The Two Dogs

Dalmatians are medium-sized dog breeds. They can grow between 19 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 40 to 60 lbs. Their average lifespan ranges between 10 and 13 years.

Dalmatians are sleek and smart and have a long, muscular body with a deep chest and broad skull. His ears are large and floppy, and he has a long, thin tail.

Great Danes are among the world’s giant dog breeds, reaching heights of 28 inches and weighing up to 175 lbs! Their average lifespan is eight years, but they can live up to 10 years.

Great Danes have a long, muscular body with a deep chest, large head, and long legs. They walk with a proud gait that shows off their athleticism.

7. Coat Type

Dalmatians have short, smooth, shiny coats that are easy to groom. Their short hair is hypoallergenic and sheds little, making the breed ideal for those with allergies or sensitivity to dog fur.

While Great Danes have a short, smooth coat but don’t fall under hypoallergenic dogs, they are moderate to heavy shedders and may not be good for sensitive people.

8. Health Issues

Dalmatians are prone to multiple health issues, and most of them are genetics. The diseases commonly found in Dalmatians include;

Skin allergies
Hip dysplasia
Deafness
Urolithiasis
Cardiomyopathy

The diseases commonly found in the Great Dane breed include;

- Bloat
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Wobbler syndrome
- Cataracts
- Osteosarcoma

Great Dane Dalmation Mix

Loyal, smart, outgoing, watchful, and whatnot! The two purebreds, Great Danes and Dalmatians, are purposely crossbred to create a new breed known as the Great Dane Dalmatian Mix.

The new breed has all the fabulous attributes of the two purebreds. The Dalmatian mixed Great Dane puppy is a unique breed that has adopted the size of a Great Dane parent and the beautiful spot markings of Dal parents.

Despite being large, the cool breed doesn’t require excessive exercise, making them great house dogs.

Pros of Having A Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Pup as a Pet

Dogs are beautiful and majestic, with uncountable perks that make them perfect for the home. Like every other pet breed, Great Danes and Dalmatians have many benefits.

Below are some wow perks encouraging you to get one for yourself.

1. Adequate Amount of Exercise

Unlike purebreds, Great Danes and Dalmatians require moderate exercise daily despite their large size. However, they don’t need intense workouts or exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

This means they can do well in apartments and smaller houses without a big yard or space to run around.

2. No More Daily Maintenance

The Great Dal has a smooth, short coat. It requires moderate grooming and sheds little to none, which makes it ideal for people with allergies.

The pup needs to be brushed once or twice in 7 days and bathe, and your pup is all good-looking.

3. Bundle of Love

This breed gets along with kids, neighbors, pets, and strangers. However, training them early is recommended to prevent destructive attitudes.

4. No More Housebreaking

The Dalmatian mixed with the Great Dane has given birth to the perfect watchdog. The large size and high barking tendency keep the intruders far away from your sweet home.

5. Effortless Training

Please give them a command and see them fulfilling it in the blink of an eye. The Great Dal mixed dog breed is intelligent and smart enough to catch your gestures and commands and make a move accordingly, which makes the training effortless.

Cons of Having A Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Pup As A Pet

No doubt, the perky perks of the Great Dane Dalmatian mix are an ace up the sleeves of many dog owners. However, a few features need to be considered before getting one.

1. Newbie Owner? Not For You!

The unbeatable smartness of the Great Dal can become challenging for first-time dog owners. The regular training sessions and a handful of companionship require patience, for which most newbie owners aren’t mentally prepared.

2. Not Suitable For Small Spaces

Your sweet little apartment may not be feasible for this large dog breed. Because of their giant size, Great Dales require enough space to roam around and relax.

3. Can Turn into the Heart of Stone

The lively breed craves human attention and company. However, they can turn into hearts of stone, welcoming all the aggressive and harsh attitudes when left alone for longer.

So, if your job consumes your extra duty hours and requires frequent traveling, Great Dal isn’t the right option.

Great Dane and Dalmatian Colors

Dalmatians are found in beautiful liver and white and black and white color combinations. The light and dark spot hues make them endearing.

On the other hand, Great Danes are found in various colors, including black, brindle, fawn, mantle, blue, and harlequin. They may also have beautiful black-and-white marks on their bodies, putting cherries on their adorable bodies.

When the two purebreds are combined to make a hybrid dog breed, they adopt the temperament of the two purebreds, physical attributes, and color.

The Great Dane Dalmatian mix has a short, smooth, and shiny coat type, is found in amazing colors like Great Danes, and consists of prominent spots like Dalmatians.

Great Dane Dalmatian Mix Health Conditions

Large dog breeds are expected to have shorter life expectancy than others. The Great Dale has an average life expectancy of 8 to 13 years.

Like every dog breed and its parent breeds, Great Dals are prone to multiple health issues.

1. Diabetes

Continuous or excessive sugar consumption may increase the sugar level in the body, resulting in diabetes. In addition, the higher sugar level increases the chances of organ damage leading to death.

The Great Dal breed is prone to diabetes, which can negatively affect its health. So, keep an eye on your pup and the diet it consumes.

If your pup shows symptoms like excessive thirst, weight loss, increased appetite, and increased urination, consult a vet.

2. Orthopedic Disease

The orthopedic disease may be a cause of aging or increased weight.

If the dog consumes excessive food without adequate exercise, it may gain weight, eventually leading to orthopedic diseases.

Consult a veterinarian if your puppy is lethargic or has sore paws.

3. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia

The elbow and hip dysplasia are common in large dogs. If your dog is reluctant to move, climb stairs, jump, or move slowly, he might be fighting with hip or elbow dysplasia.

Moreover, the clicking sound in joints and continuous pain and shamble symbolize hip and elbow dysplasia.

4. Osteoarthritis

Several reasons, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, trauma, shoulder or knee dislocation, cruciate injury, and others can cause osteoarthritis.

If your dog shows symptoms like swollen joints, restlessness, whining, licking joints, or resistance to walking, jumping, or standing, consult a veterinarian.

Final Words

Choosing between a Dalmatian and a Great Dane comes down to understanding the unique qualities each breed brings to a family. With their high energy levels and wanderlust potential, Dalmatians require a lot of exercise and thrive in environments where they can stay active.

Their intelligence and affectionate nature make them wonderful companions, especially for families with older children or individuals leading an active lifestyle. On the other hand, the Great Dane, known as the “Apollo of dogs” due to its impressive stature and gentle demeanor, demands attention due to its breed’s large size and need for consistent training from an early age.

Despite their intimidating personality, Great Danes are better described as gentle giants. They showcase great intelligence and an easy-going personality that can adapt well to families with young children.
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Both breeds are purebred dogs, which highlights the importance of sourcing from reputable breeders to ensure a healthy and well-tempered new pet. Great Danes, often regarded as one of the best breeds for their affectionate nature towards family members, require a fair amount of space to accommodate their size. However, they are surprisingly good with novice owners due to their lower exercise needs than Dalmatians.

Dalmatians, with a slightly higher wanderlust potential, may serve better as watchdogs. However, both breeds exhibit traits that make them average watchdogs, with Great Danes potentially being the better guard dogs due to their sheer size.

Ultimately, the right breed depends on your lifestyle, the time you can dedicate to exercise and training, and whether you’re looking for a pet to grow with your family. Whether you lean towards the high-spirited Dalmatian or the majestic Great Dane, early socialization and training are crucial to fostering a well-adjusted and happy family member. Both these breeds can bring immense joy and companionship to pet parents, so choosing between them is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle compatibility.

Please note: while I do discuss health, care, and behavioral issues, you should never use this information as a replacement for advice from qualified veterinarians, diagnoses, or recommended treatment regimes. If you have any worries about your Dog’s health, your first contact should be your regular vet or, if you don’t yet have one, a vet that works locally. Never ignore or avoid treatment and advice from your vet because of a piece of information you have read on any website.

Dalmatian vs Great Dane: Breed Facts & Key Differences

What is the Life Expectancy of a Great Dane?

March 20, 2024September 21, 2021

Great Danes are frequently referred to as “gentle giants.” This is because they are huge dogs, but their temperament is very gentle and loving.

In the 1800s, when Great Danes were in fashion, they were a prized pet for the wealthy and royals. However, one sad fact is that the lifespan of a Great Dane is relatively short compared to other dog breeds. We’ll take a look at why a little later in this article.

The Great Dane has a lifespan of 8-10 years on average. One reason why their lifespan is short is that they suffer from health problems such as Cancer, Gastric Dilation (Bloat), and heart disease. Take your dog to the vet for regular health checks, and check it eats and digests its food properly.

Why is a Great Dane’s Lifespan so Short?

A Great Dane’s lifespan is relatively short compared to other dog breeds. The breed suffers from many hereditary diseases that are less common in other smaller breeds.

There are a number of other theories that try to explain why a Great Dane’s life expectancy is so short. Dog experts believe that because Great Danes are so large, their organs grow at a rate that doesn’t match the pace of their body growth. As their organs grow, they can put too much pressure on their heart and other vital organs, causing them to fail sooner than later.

In any case, this dog was bred as a hunting dog, so the focus was not on the Great Dane’s lifespan. Perhaps this original breeding is connected to this shorter lifespan.

Another reason for this shorter lifespan is probably genetic; they have a genetic mutation that affects the cells involved in DNA repair and replication (Fox et al., 2008). This mutation has accumulated in the breed over time, and it is impossible to change it without breeding the trait in all dogs (Lorenz & Georgi, 2017).

What are the Most Common Health Problems That Shorten the Life Expectancy of Great Danes?

An enlarged heart is one of the most common diseases affecting Great Danes. This disease is called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (or DCM), a form of heart failure. As the dog gets older, the heart muscles work less efficiently, and the heart weakens.

Some of the symptoms to look out for include:

coughing after exercise
breathing problems
falling over after exerting themselves

The good news is that if caught early enough by your vet, medicines can be given to the dog to enable it to live longer. So, get your Great Dane checked out if you see any of the symptoms.

Other health problems that may shorten the average life expectancy of a Great Dane include Cancer, particularly bone Cancer, which can be a common problem in these dogs. Look out for swollen joints that give your dog some pain. Chemotherapy may be an option to help extend your dog’s life expectancy if it has Bone Cancer.

Various other types of Cancer can shorten your Great Dane’s happy life. Be sure to check for lumps on your dog and get them checked out by your vet. Here are some symptoms to look out for if you think your dog may have Cancer:

diarrhea
being sick
lumps or growths on the dog’s body
sudden weight loss

Quick action and a checkup can let your vet treat your dog and prolong a Great Dane’s life span.

Another major health problem that affects Great Danes is a cranial cruciate ligament tear. This happens when the dog’s front or hind leg puts too much pressure on the knee, eventually tearing the ligament.

This is often misdiagnosed as an injury to the bone because it will cause inflammation on the joint, which can mimic other injuries to bones. This can limit the exercise that the dog gets and shorten the length of the dog’s lifespan.

Great Danes are much more likely to get certain health problems than other dog breeds. This is because the Great Dane’s size and weight puts much more pressure on their joints and bones, which can cause pain and irritation.

Great Dane Health Issues

The following list includes some of the most common health problems that affect Great Danes:

– Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that can cause inflammation in the ball and socket area of the hip joint. It often affects young dogs as they age, but it may also occur due to injury or obesity.

– Dislocated Joints: Great Danes’ large size causes their joints to dislocate more frequently than smaller dogs. This occurs when they are jumping or twisting due to their weight distribution.

A Great Dane needs a lot of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. They can be prone to stomach torsion, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and deafness.

One point to note about giving your Great Dane exercise is that you shouldn’t take your dog on excessive walks or hikes before it is two years old. You may risk damaging its joints before they fully develop. A dog with bad joints will probably have a shorter lifespan.

Glaucoma is a painful eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated. It is more common in Great Danes than other dog breeds because the breed is predisposed to this condition. Cataracts are another condition that can affect a Great Dane’s eyesight but is less common than glaucoma.

Hip dysplasia causes pain and arthritis in the hip joint, as well as stiffness in the hind legs, which can lead to lameness and difficulty walking. All these disorders can not only make your dog’s life less pleasant, but they can also shorten it.

What do Most Great Danes Die of?

As we have said, it’s not uncommon for Great Danes to have cancer, heart disease, or stomach torsion. What are the most common causes of death among these big dogs?

Bloat is the number one killer, according to the American Kennel Club. This illness is caused by gas in the stomach, which, if not treated, can cause a twisting in the stomach muscles, disturb the dog’s digestion, and restrict blood flow to the heart.

This can lead to multiple complications that can radically shorten your Great Dane’s lifespan. If this occurs, your dog will most likely need medical attention and possibly surgery to help treat the problem. The most common cause of Bloat in Great Danes is eating too fast and swallowing too much gas.

Unfortunately, this health issue is passed from one generation to the next, so an owner needs to be aware of the problem and take action quickly if the dog exhibits any of the common symptoms.

Any number of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, radiation exposure, and chemical exposure can cause cancer. Cancer can also be hereditary, so if your dog’s parents both had cancer or your dog’s parents are closely related to the same dog who has had cancer, then it may be worth seeing a vet about screening for the disease.

What Is The Average Great Dane’s Lifespan?

The Great Dane’s lifespan is only about 8-10 years. This is considerably shorter than other dog breeds, which usually live for 10 to 13 years and, in some cases, even 15 years.

As a former dog owner, I have experienced the death of two dogs, and this is an extremely sad event in anyone’s life. I was lucky enough to own a Cocker Spaniel, who lived for 13 years, and a Labrador Retriever, who lived for 16 years. They both seemed to be relatively short periods because we, as humans, live much longer.

Great Dane Versus Other Dogs’ Life Expectancy

On average, a Great Dane can live 7 to 10 years. But a Dachshund, a Maltese, and a Chihuahua can live more than 20 years, a German Shepherd 15 years, and a Beagle 13 years. Why is there such a difference in average life expectancy for these dog breeds?

Many factors affect the average life expectancy of a dog breed. The most obvious one is the Great Dane’s overall health. Another issue is size. The bigger the dog, the shorter his life expectancy will be. This is generally the rule. Bigger dogs, like the Great Dane, live for a shorter time because larger dogs age faster than many small-breed canines.

Another factor that affects longevity is genetics. Some dog breeds have been bred to have specific qualities, which sometimes creates health problems, while others are more well-known for their vitality and healthiness. There’s nothing that can be done about this.

Because many Great Danes can face problems that can become fatal, it is a good idea to check the medical history and background of the puppy and its parents when purchasing a puppy to ensure that you are buying a healthy and well-bred dog.

This will not remove the risks of the breed but may give you peace of mind and ensure that you will enjoy as many years as possible with your new prized pet.

How Can You Help Your Great Dane Live Longer?

Many factors can determine how long a Great Dane lives. For example, the dog’s gender and diet will influence its lifespan. However, there are several things an owner can do to give their dog a healthy life and a longer life span.

The best thing you can do to keep your Great Dane healthy for as long as possible is to ensure they have a healthy diet. Please pay attention to what they eat and drink, not let them get too cold or hot, and give them lots of daily exercise.

One thing you can do is take them for regular walks. The more exercise they get, the healthier their heart will be, leading to longer life. This is because exercise improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Another thing you can do is feed them healthy food. This means avoiding foods with too much fat since they contribute to weight gain and obesity, which leads to an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. You should also consider giving them a chew bone or other chew toy to keep their jaws strong and reduce the risk of dental problems like periodontal disease, which can also lead to death if not treated in time.

Prevent Your Dog From Developing Bloat

To help prevent Bloat, the best practice is to feed your dog smaller portions and spread them throughout the day rather than give them one or two larger meals they may wolf down. This should reduce any potential problems with gas or digestion and avoid emergency surgery.

Another good idea to slow down the eating of your Great Dane is to use one of the special dog bowls made for this purpose such as a JASGOOD slow feed dog bowl. This is a great way to reduce gas from fast eating.

Great Danes Live Longer With Correct Care

Another important thing to consider if you want to extend your dog’s life expectancy is to try as far as possible to keep your dog happy, and this includes giving it proper care, love, attention, and exercise. Help reduce many issues, treat your Great Dane as one of the family, and take care of your valuable pet, as his years are usually more limited than other dogs.

Did you realize that brushing your dog’s teeth can actually prevent disease and help your Great Dane live a longer and healthier life? According to the Animal Health Center, cleaning your Great Dane’s teeth can prevent dental disease from affecting the liver, kidneys, heart, and joints, all weak points in this breed’s body.

If the disease takes hold in any of these areas, the results can be serious for your dog. So clean your dog’s teeth daily to help it stay healthier and live longer.

About the Great Dane

The Great Dane is believed to have appeared on Egyptian monuments dating back to 3000 B.C. His written description was first found in 1121 B.C. in Chinese literature. His ancestors included the old English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound, which the German people developed to hunt boar. When he wasn’t needed for hunting, he became a good companion and guard dog of family estates.

He’s sometimes called a “gentle giant” or “the king of dogs.” He’s strong and big but has an energetic, friendly personality. His coat colors can be blue, harlequin, black, fawn, brindle, and mantle. He needs to be supervised when he’s around small children. He needs daily walks. His short coat doesn’t require much grooming. He stands at least 30 inches high.

Final Thoughts on the Life Expectancy of a Great Dane

The average lifespan for a Great Dane dog is 8-10 years. However, the life expectancy of this large dog breed varies depending on its health and many other factors, such as the environment and genetics.

Unfortunately, great Danes, one of the largest dog breeds, have shorter lifespans than many other breeds. The average lifespan of a Great Dane underscores the reality that giant dogs often lead shorter lives, a fact that is particularly true for large breeds and purebred dogs.

Despite their majestic appearance and gentle nature, these loving giants are prone to heart diseases and other health issues contributing to their short lifespan. However, owners must focus on the most important things they can offer these dogs: a proper diet, adequate care, and a loving environment.

Owners can significantly impact Great Dane’s quality of life by providing high-quality dog food for large-breed dogs, ensuring regular veterinary check-ups, and creating a strong bond through daily interaction.

Although their time with us may be brief in dog years, the memories and affection shared with these gentle giants can leave a lasting impression on adults and young children, teaching them about love, loss, and the special role pets play in our lives.

Please note: while I do discuss health, care, and behavioral issues, you should never use this information as a replacement for advice from qualified veterinarians, diagnoses, or recommended treatment regimes. If you have any worries about the health of your Pomeranian, your first contact should be your regular vet or, if you don’t yet have one, a vet that works locally. Never ignore or avoid treatment and advice from your vet because of a piece of information you have read on any website.

[1] American Kennel Club, Great Dane Information.