Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Great Dane

Working · Giant

Golden Retriever vs Great Dane

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

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Golden Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Great Dane

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Golden Retriever

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Great Dane

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Golden Retriever

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Golden Retriever	Great Dane
Size	Large	Giant
Height	21.5–24″	28–32″
Weight	55–75 lbs	110–175 lbs
Lifespan	10–12 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Sporting	Working
Coat type	Double coat, long and wavy	Short, thick, smooth

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Golden Retriever	Great Dane
Energy level	High	Moderate
Trainability	Very High	Moderate
Barking level	Moderate	Low

Compatibility

Trait	Golden Retriever	Great Dane
Good with kids	Very High	Very High
Good with dogs	Very High	High
Good with cats	High	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Golden Retriever	Great Dane
Shedding	Very High	Moderate
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	30–60 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	6–10 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 800	$2 000–$3 500

Temperament