Great Dane vs Lhasa Apso

Working · Giant vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Great Dane is the larger breed at 140–175 lbs (males) vs 12–18 lbs for the Lhasa Apso.
  • The Lhasa Apso typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Lhasa Apso sheds less.
  • The Great Dane is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGreat DaneLhasa Apso
Group
WorkingNon-Sporting
Size
GiantSmall
Origin
GermanyTibet
Height (male)
30–32"10–11"
Height (female)
28–30"10–11"
Weight (male)
140–175 lbs12–18 lbs
Weight (female)
110–140 lbs12–18 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
7–10 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very High (5/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the Great Dane

The Great Dane is a friendly, patient, dependable giant — the 'Apollo of dogs' is sweet-natured despite imposing size. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 140–175 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, patient, dependable.

About the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside. Originally from Tibet, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, comical.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Great Dane health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

Lhasa Apso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Eye disorders
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Skin issues
  • Kidney disease