Differences and Similarities between the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane.

Fila Brasileiro versus Great Dane

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Great Dane: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Great Dane

Fila Brasileiro versus Great Dane: Overview

Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are similar in size. The Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are Working Dogs. This means both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Great Dane: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Factor Fila Brasileiro Great Dane
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 7 to 10 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 100 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 8.5 years
Average Price $1270 $1560
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 81.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Fila Brasileiro 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 a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Great Dane is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Great Danes are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs. However, Great Danes get along well with other dogs.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train. However, Great Danes are very easy to train.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Great Danes are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Great Dane

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Great Dane

    The Great Dane has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 they 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-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 Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 314 Great Danes.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Great Dane

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 a 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Great Dane
    Average Price $1270 $1560
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Fila Brasileiro and Great Dane. For different price points, the charts show how many Fila Brasileiro puppies or how many Great Dane puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Fila Brasileiro 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Great Dane

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

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

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    You can find more Fila Brasileiros and Great Danes that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Great Dane?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Great Dane?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Great Dane?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Great Danes?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Great Dane?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Great Dane

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Great Danes?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Great Danes?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Great Dane

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Great Danes?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Great Dane

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Great Dane?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Dane?

    Fila Brasileiros have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (70 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus English Toy Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus American Hairless Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Newfoundland     Fila Brasileiro versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Norwich Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Bull Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Goldador     Fila Brasileiro versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Chihuahua     

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Dane versus Scottish Terrier     Great Dane versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Great Dane versus Bich Poo     Great Dane versus German Shepherd Dog     Great Dane versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Great Dane versus Biewer Terrier     Great Dane versus Great Pyrenees     Great Dane versus Barbet     Great Dane versus Sheepadoodle     Great Dane versus Pyrenean Shepherd     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Great Dane better suits you and your family.