Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better than the Great Dane as a Pet? Answer…

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Appenzeller Sennenhunde Versus Great Dane: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Great Dane.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane: Overview

A very important difference between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a medium-sized dog while the Great Dane is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane

Factor Appenzeller Sennenhunde Great Dane
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Height 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 100 to 200 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 7 to 10 years
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 8.5 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1560
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Great Dane is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a better pet than the Great Dane. So, you should get the Appenzeller Sennenhunde!

    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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane

    Below is a list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are most different:

  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not have the tendency to drool. However, Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Great Danes are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate cold weather. However, Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhundes are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Great Danes are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane

    The Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are most similar:

  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are very easy to train.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are very playful.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are 19 to 22 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane

    The lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is 10.5 years.

    The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes live longer than Great Danes.

    Adopting the Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Adopting the Great Dane

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde named Boss that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Appenzeller Sennenhundes like Boss on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Appenzeller Sennenhundes, Great Danes are also available for adoption. For example, Rex is a Male Great Dane that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Great Danes like Rex that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Mario is an adorable Male Great Dane on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Appenzeller Sennenhundes and Great Danes that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Great Dane

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed more than Great Danes?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Great Dane

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Great Dane?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs. Great Dane

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Great Dane?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Appenzeller Sennenhundes good family dogs? What about Great Danes?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhundes and Great Danes?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Easier to Train than the Great Dane?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better for Apartment Owners than the Great Dane?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Great Dane?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde:

  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Appenzeller Sennenhunde). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • 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:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (70 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and how the Great Dane compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Appenzeller Sennenhunde Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus American Water Spaniel     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Afghan Hound     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Welsh Terrier     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Dogo Argentino     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Cockapoo     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Akita Chow     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus French Spaniel     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Cavachon     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Sealyham Terrier     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Silky Terrier     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Dalmatian     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus English Cocker Spaniel     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Catahoula Bulldog     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Brussels Griffon     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Bulldog     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Stabyhoun     Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Black Russian Terrier          Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Dane versus Puggle     Great Dane versus Mastiff     Great Dane versus Bich Poo     Great Dane versus Norwegian Buhund     Great Dane versus Lhasa Apso     Great Dane versus Havanese     Great Dane versus Plott     Great Dane versus Akita     Great Dane versus Affenpinscher     Great Dane versus Boerboel     Great Dane versus Skye Terrier     Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel     Great Dane versus Cesky Terrier     Great Dane versus Sussex Spaniel     Great Dane versus Westiepoo     Great Dane versus Kooikerhondje     Great Dane versus English Toy Spaniel     Great Dane versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Great Dane versus Spinone Italiano     Great Dane versus Shih Tzu     Great Dane versus Irish Water Spaniel     Great Dane versus Xoloitzcuintli     Great Dane versus Australian Cattle Dog     Great Dane versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Great Dane versus Pug     

    Conclusion: Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Great Dane better suits you and your family.