Great Dane vs Schipperke
Working · Giant vs Non-Sporting · Small
Great DaneGiant
A friendly, patient, dependable giant — the 'Apollo of dogs' is sweet-natured despite imposing size.
Weight: 140–175 lbsLifespan: 7–10 years
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Great Dane is the larger breed at 140–175 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Schipperke typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Schipperke has higher daily energy needs.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Great Dane | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Non-Sporting |
Size | Giant | Small |
Origin | Germany | Belgium |
Height (male) | 30–32" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 28–30" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 140–175 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 110–140 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | short | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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 Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
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Great Dane health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Cancer
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism