
The English Mastiff and Great Dane are two of the largest breeds of dogs in the world. The English Mastiff is known for its massive size, with some males weighing up to 230 pounds.
Their size difference is one of the most notable distinctions between the two breeds. The English Mastiff is generally taller and heavier than the Great Dane.
English Mastiffs are also known for their short, easy-to-maintain coats, which require less grooming than the Great Dane's short or long coat.
Physical Characteristics
The English Mastiff and Great Dane are two of the largest breeds of dogs in the world. Both breeds can weigh up to 200 pounds or more.
The English Mastiff is significantly taller than the Great Dane, with adults reaching heights of up to 30 inches.
Great Danes, on the other hand, typically stand at around 28-32 inches tall. Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around.
Both breeds have a muscular build and a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming.
Temperament and Personality
The English Mastiff and Great Dane are both known for their gentle giant reputation, but their temperaments are not identical. The English Mastiff is a serious pup that can be wary of strangers, taking time to accept new people into their pack.
On the other hand, the Great Dane is a social breed that loves to play with anyone. They're known to be clumsy, but their playful nature makes them a joy to be around.
Here's a comparison of their temperaments in a table:
Both breeds are excellent family pets, especially with kids, but it's essential to supervise interactions between young children and these large dogs.
Bite Characteristics
When evaluating the temperament and personality of a dog, it's essential to consider their bite characteristics. Both Mastiffs and Great Danes are known for their powerful jaws, but which one is stronger?
A Mastiff's bite force is above 400 PSI, making it one of the strongest bites among dog breeds. In fact, it's stronger than the Great Dane's bite force, which is also above 400 PSI.
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The biting potential of a dog is also an important consideration. A Mastiff has a moderate chance of biting somebody, while a Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.
One thing to note is that both Mastiffs and Great Danes have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. This means that they may require more attention and training to prevent unwanted behavior.
Here's a comparison of the biting potential of Mastiffs and Great Danes:
Personality and Temperament
The Great Dane and English Mastiff are both known for their gentle giant nature, and they're equally happy to lounge around with their family rather than go hunting. Both breeds are very affectionate and loving, but they have some key differences in their temperament.
The English Mastiff is rather protective of its family and can be wary of strangers, taking time to accept them into its pack. On the other hand, the Great Dane is a social butterfly who will play with anyone who will brave its size. This doesn't mean the Great Dane is foolish, however - it will quickly protect its family if it senses they're in danger.
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One of the most notable differences between the two breeds is their sensitivity level. The Great Dane is more sensitive and doesn't like irregular daily routines, noisy households, or frequent guest visits. In contrast, the English Mastiff has an average emotional level and is not the most sensitive dog breed.
Here's a comparison of the two breeds' temperaments:
Both breeds are great with kids, but it's essential to supervise interactions due to their massive size. With early and consistent training, having a Mastiff with kids is very doable since barking and biting aren't common to this breed.
Either Is Tough
Great Danes and mastiffs are both known for their strength and robustness, making them a handful to handle, especially for inexperienced dog owners. They have a tendency to knock people over accidentally due to their clumsiness.
Both breeds are prolific droolers, so be prepared for a lot of slobber. Great Danes are particularly prone to clearing off surfaces with a single sweep of their tail, so you'll need to secure any breakables.
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Mastiffs shed heavily, with some individuals dropping hair year-round. Great Danes, on the other hand, have a heavy shedding period each spring and fall.
Both breeds come with loud barks that aren't suited for apartments with noise regulations. The Great Dane has one of the most far-carrying barks in the dog world, so be aware of your neighbors.
If you're looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, either a Great Dane or a mastiff might be a good fit. However, be prepared for the extra work and attention they require.
Good
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds and are very kid-friendly dogs, making them a great choice for families.
They are also very cat-friendly dogs, which is a plus for households with multiple pets. However, they can be average friendly towards other dogs, so socialization is key.
Great Dane dogs, on the other hand, are generally good with other pets and are kid-friendly dogs, but they can be average friendly towards cats.

Both breeds are easy-going and suitable for novice owners, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds:
Ultimately, both breeds have great temperaments and can make wonderful pets for the right owner.
Health and Nutrition
Both English Mastiffs and Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, with Elbow and Hip Dysplasia being a common problem in both breeds. This can lead to crippling arthritis, so it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or pain.
English Mastiffs are particularly susceptible to Gastric Torsion, where their stomach twists after eating or exercise, causing symptoms like a swollen belly and retching. It's crucial to get your pup to the vet ASAP if you notice any of these signs.
Great Danes, on the other hand, are prone to Wobbler's Syndrome, where they shake and exhibit lack of coordination and lethargy around 1 ½ years old. Early veterinary attention can greatly improve their prognosis.
When it comes to nutrition, English Mastiffs are notorious eaters, consuming around eight cups of food a day, while Great Danes eat half that amount at four cups a day. This makes English Mastiffs a more expensive breed to feed.
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Health and Lifespan

Both Mastiffs and Great Danes are generally healthy breeds, but they do have some common health concerns. They can live up to 10-12 years on average, which is relatively young for canine lifespans.
Hip Dysplasia is a common issue in both breeds, which can lead to crippling arthritis. Bone Cancer, also known as Osteosarcoma, is another concern that affects both breeds. Lumps and lameness are often the first symptoms of this condition.
Gastric Torsion is a life-threatening condition that can occur in both breeds if they eat a meal immediately before or after exercise. Symptoms include a swollen belly, retching but not vomiting, and other distress signs such as panting or restlessness.
The Great Dane is also prone to Wobbler's Syndrome, a condition that causes odd walking, lack of coordination, and lethargy in affected dogs. If you suspect your Great Dane has this condition, it's essential to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Here's a comparison of the health issues affecting Mastiffs and Great Danes:
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the health of both breeds, with a complete physical check-up recommended every 12-18 months.
Daniff Feeding
As a dog owner, you know that feeding your Daniff the right food is crucial for their health and well-being. Daniffs are giant breeds with medium energy, so they require a lot of food to accommodate their large size and fast metabolism.
They're very energetic as puppies, which means they need to eat frequently to keep up with their high energy levels. Bloating is also a concern with Daniffs, so it's essential to monitor their eating habits and prevent them from gobbling their food too quickly.
Eating too quickly can lead to bloat, which can be a serious health issue. To prevent this, make sure to watch your Daniff as they eat and intervene if necessary.
As your Daniff grows into adulthood, their dietary needs will change, and they'll require a different type of food. It's always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as every dog is different and requires a tailored approach to their diet.
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Care and Maintenance
When it comes to grooming, English Mastiffs and Great Danes have similar needs, requiring a brush two to three times a week to keep them looking healthy and remove dead hair.
They can be prone to a stronger dog odor due to excessive coat oil, so English Mastiffs may need a bath every four weeks, while Great Danes can get away with every six weeks.
Both breeds are notorious droolers, so be prepared for a slobbery sidekick if you decide to bring one home.
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Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Great Dane or English Mastiff. Both breeds have dense coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
Brushing should be done 2-3 times a week to keep their coats looking healthy and shiny. This will also help remove any dead hair and reduce shedding.
The English Mastiff produces more coat oil than average, which can lead to a stronger dog odor. They may need a bath every 4 weeks, whereas the Great Dane can get by with a bath every 6 weeks.
Be careful not to overdo it on the bathing, as this can damage their natural coat oils and lead to skin problems.
Here's a quick rundown of the bathing needs for both breeds:
If you do need to bathe your dog more frequently, consider using doggy sprays and perfume to help reduce their natural scent.
Unfortunately, both breeds are prone to drooling, so be prepared for a slobbery sidekick if you bring one of these breeds home!
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is especially important for people who live in areas prone to extreme weather conditions. In fact, a study found that people who exercised regularly had a 25% lower risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Aerobic exercise can also improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and increasing blood flow. This is crucial for people who have a family history of heart disease.

Strength training exercises can help build muscle mass and bone density, which is essential for people over 50. In fact, a study found that people who did strength training exercises had a 45% lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
It's also important to incorporate flexibility exercises into your routine, such as yoga or stretching. This can help improve range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.
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Ownership and Cost
When it comes to owning either an English Mastiff or a Great Dane, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost. English Mastiffs are generally more expensive to purchase, with prices ranging from $1,800 to $3,000.
The cost of owning an English Mastiff is also higher due to their larger size and higher food needs. They require more food to maintain their weight, which can add up to around $100 per month.
In contrast, Great Danes are often less expensive to purchase, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. However, their larger size can also lead to higher veterinary bills and food costs.
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Puppy Price
The Great Dane and English Mastiff are both priced around $1,500 from a reputable breeder, making them similarly affordable options.
Buying from a reputable breeder means you can ask about and check the health of the parents, ensuring you get a healthy pup.
You get a lot of dog for your buck, but beware of puppy mills, as the cost of vet bills will be much higher in the long run.
English Mastiffs have particularly high food bills, so be prepared to spend more on their monthly food costs.
Mastiffs also require bigger dog beds and toys, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Price and Availability
When considering the cost of owning a Mastiff or a Great Dane, one of the key factors to think about is the initial purchase price. The price of a Mastiff can range from $1200 to $1500, while a Great Dane typically costs between $800 and $1200.
Both breeds are relatively easy to get, with frequent availability. In fact, the Mastiff is considered very easy to get, and the Great Dane is also quite easy to get.
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Reproducibility

Reproducibility is a crucial aspect of dog ownership, and it's essential to understand the reproductive habits of the breed you're interested in.
Mastiffs and Great Danes have a relatively similar gestation period, lasting around 60-64 days.
Breeding frequency is also similar for both breeds, with a recommended once-a-year breeding schedule to ensure the health of the mother and the puppies.
If you're considering breeding either of these breeds, it's essential to be aware of the potential litter size, which can range from 3-5 puppies for Mastiffs and 10-15 puppies for Great Danes.
Here's a comparison of the reproductive characteristics of Mastiffs and Great Danes:
Recognition
If you're considering bringing a Mastiff or a Great Dane into your family, you'll want to know about the recognition of these breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Mastiff in 1885 as a Working breed.
Both breeds are recognized by the AKC, with the Great Dane being recognized in 1887 as a Working breed. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes the Great Dane in the Molossian type section.

You can find the Mastiff and Great Dane recognized by a variety of organizations, including the American Canine Registry, American Kennel Club, and Canadian Kennel Club. Some of these organizations include:
The Great Dane is also recognized by the United Kennel Club, Canadian Canine Registry, and some others.
Overview
The English Mastiff and Great Dane are two of the largest dog breeds in the world. They have been bred for centuries to serve as gentle giants and companions.
The English Mastiff can weigh up to 230 pounds, making them one of the heaviest dog breeds. Their massive size requires a lot of space to move around.
Great Danes, on the other hand, can grow up to 32 inches tall and weigh between 120-200 pounds. Despite their size, they are known for being gentle and calm.
English Mastiffs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming. Their short coats also help to keep them cool in warm weather.
Great Danes have a short to medium-length coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is English Mastiff the strongest dog?
English Mastiffs have impressive bite strength, measuring 556 psi, making them a contender for strongest dog breed. Their massive size and powerful jaws make them a force to be reckoned with.
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