Great Dane vs Portuguese Water Dog
Side-by-side comparison for prospective owners weighing both breeds.
| Trait | Great Dane | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 110–175 lbs | 35–60 lbs |
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 11–13 yrs |
| Est. monthly cost | $150–$280 | $100–$170 |
| Energy level | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Vocalization |
Where Great Dane and Portuguese Water Dog differ most
- Adult weight: Great Dane 110–175 lbs · Portuguese Water Dog 35–60 lbsGreat Dane much heavier
- Daily exercise: Great Dane ~45 min · Portuguese Water Dog ~75 minPortuguese Water Dog much needs more
- Grooming needs: Great Dane 1/5 · Portuguese Water Dog 4/5Portuguese Water Dog much more upkeep
- Lifespan: Great Dane 7–10 yrs · Portuguese Water Dog 11–13 yrsPortuguese Water Dog much longer-lived
- Est. monthly cost: Great Dane $150–280 · Portuguese Water Dog $100–170Great Dane much costlier
- Energy level: Great Dane 3/5 · Portuguese Water Dog 5/5Portuguese Water Dog higher-energy
Full trait-by-trait breakdown
| Trait | Great Dane | Portuguese Water Dog | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 110–175 lbs | 35–60 lbs | Great Dane much heavier |
| Energy level | 3/5 | 5/5 | Portuguese Water Dog higher-energy |
| Daily exercise | ~45 min | ~75 min | Portuguese Water Dog much needs more |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 4/5 | Portuguese Water Dog much more upkeep |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 1/5 | Great Dane sheds more |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 5/5 | Portuguese Water Dog easier to train |
| Good with kids | 4/5 | 4/5 | About the same |
| Good with other pets | 3/5 | 3/5 | About the same |
| Vocalization | 2/5 | 3/5 | Portuguese Water Dog more vocal |
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 11–13 yrs | Portuguese Water Dog much longer-lived |
| Est. monthly cost | $150–280 | $100–170 | Great Dane much costlier |
| Hypoallergenic reality | No | Lower-shedding (not hypoallergenic) | Differs — see profiles |
Which one should you choose?
The size gap here is dramatic — the Great Dane is a true giant while the Portuguese Water Dog stays in the medium range — and so is the energy gap, with the athletic, high-drive Water Dog needing considerably more daily exercise and mental stimulation than the surprisingly laid-back Dane, which is content with a moderate walk despite its size. The Water Dog was bred to work hand-in-hand with fishermen, and that partnership instinct makes it one of the most responsive learners around, while the Dane, though willing, trains at a noticeably gentler pace. Coat care flips the usual expectation too: the curly Water Dog barely sheds but still asks for frequent brushing and the occasional trim, while the Dane gets by on a fraction of that grooming effort thanks to its short, low-maintenance coat. Choose the Water Dog for a smaller, highly trainable, low-shedding athletic companion; choose the Great Dane for a calmer giant-breed presence with far less grooming.
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.