Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Great Dane: Introduction
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane: Overview
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane
- The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane
- Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane
- Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Great Dane
- Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Great Dane
- Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Great Dane
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Great Danes?
- Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane?
- Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Great Dane
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane?
- Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Great Danes?
- How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Great Danes?
- Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Great Dane?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Dane
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Great Dane: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Great Dane. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane: Overview
A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Great Dane is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Great Dane belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Great Dane based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane
| Factor | American Pit Bull Terrier | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 7 to 10 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 100 to 200 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 8.5 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | $1560 |
| Price Range | $400 – $1200 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 87.4 percent | 81.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Great Dane. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Great Dane is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Great Dane. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane
Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane.
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane
The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.
American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Great Danes.
Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Great Dane
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Great Dane.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 81.5 percent, the Great Dane has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 314 Great Danes.
Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Great Dane
The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Great Dane is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Great Dane | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $1560 |
| Price Range | $400 to $1200 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Great Dane. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Great Dane puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Great Dane puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Great Dane
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Great Danes are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Toby that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Toby on pefinder.com.
Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Great Danes are also available for adoption. For example, Mario is a Male Great Dane that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Great Danes like Mario that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Ghost is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Rex is an adorable Male Great Dane on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Great Danes that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Great Danes?
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Great Dane
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane?
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Great Danes?
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Great Danes?
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Great Dane?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Great Danes are very easy to train.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Great Dane?
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Great Dane?
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Dane
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Great Dane:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Great Dane compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Great Dane to other breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Silky Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Morkie American Pit Bull Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kooikerhondje American Pit Bull Terrier versus Border Collie American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mountain Cur American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cairn Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Airedale Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bracco Italiano American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lowchen American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chi-Poo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kai Ken
Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
Great Dane versus Standard Schnauzer Great Dane versus Australian Kelpie Great Dane versus Komondor Great Dane versus Carolina Dog Great Dane versus Papillon Great Dane versus Chinese Shar-Pei Great Dane versus Frenchton Great Dane versus Newfoundland Great Dane versus Shihpoo Great Dane versus Boxerdoodle Great Dane versus Flat-Coated Retriever Great Dane versus Boerboel Great Dane versus Alaskan Malamute Great Dane versus German Shorthaired Pointer Great Dane versus Leonberger Great Dane versus Norfolk Terrier Great Dane versus Dachshund Great Dane versus Havanese Great Dane versus Puli Great Dane versus Yorkshire Terrier Great Dane versus Saint Bernard Great Dane versus Boston Terrier Great Dane versus Valley Bulldog Great Dane versus Cockalier Great Dane versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Great Dane. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane better suits you and your family.