Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

Great Dane

Working · Giant

Australian Shepherd vs Great Dane

Side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Great Dane — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Great Dane

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Great Dane

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Great Dane

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Great Dane

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Australian Shepherd

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Great Dane
Size	Medium	Giant
Height	18–23″	28–32″
Weight	40–65 lbs	110–175 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Herding	Working
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Short, thick, smooth

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Great Dane
Energy level	Very High	Moderate
Trainability	Very High	Moderate
Barking level	Moderate	Low

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Great Dane
Good with kids	High	Very High
Good with dogs	High	High
Good with cats	Low	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Great Dane
Shedding	High	Moderate
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	30–60 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	6–10 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$2 000–$3 500

Temperament