Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Dane Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction
- Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview
- Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Lifespan of Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Great Dane
- Price of Great Dane versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier
- Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Do Great Danes shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. American Pit Bull Terrier
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Dane Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier? 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 Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Great Dane and for the American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, 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.
Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Dane to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
| Factor | Great Dane | American Pit Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 30 to 85 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 10 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Average Lifespan | 8.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $400 – $1200 |
| Temperament Score | 81.5 percent | 87.4 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Great Dane is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the American Pit Bull Terrier, we still believe that the Great Dane is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
This is because Great Danes are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Great Dane will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Great Dane :-). We are for the Great Dane. So get a Great Dane!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The Great Dane weighs 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Great Dane is 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The American Pit Bull Terrier is 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier
Great Dane Colors
The Great Dane comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Merle (Red)
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
The Great Dane comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Golden
- Merle (Blue)
- Harlequin
- Brindle
American Pit Bull Terrier Colors
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Apricot / Beige
- Golden
- Merle (Red)
- Merle (Blue)
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Brindle
- Black
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
Lifespan of Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier
The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is 8.5 years.
The lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is 14.0 years.
The American Pit Bull Terrier live longer than the Great Dane.
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 81.5 percent, the Great Dane has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.
Price of Great Dane versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier
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 reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane puppies listed for sale from various sources.
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 the American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Great Dane is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| Great Dane | American Pit Bull Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1560 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $400 to $1200 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Great Dane puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Great Dane versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many American Pit Bull Terriers 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 Great Dane named Moe that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Moe on pefinder.com.
Also, like Great Danes, American Pit Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Benji is a Male American Pit Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers like Benji that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Titan is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Bark Twain is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Great Danes and American Pit Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Great Danes shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Great Danes are very easy to train.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and American Pit Bull Terriers?
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. American Pit Bull Terrier
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Great Dane compares to other breeds aside from the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:
Great Dane versus Mountain Cur Great Dane versus Korean Jindo Dog Great Dane versus West Highland White Terrier Great Dane versus Kishu Ken Great Dane versus Yorkipoo Great Dane versus Pomeranian Great Dane versus Chinese Shar-Pei Great Dane versus Chihuahua Great Dane versus American Foxhound Great Dane versus Black and Tan Coonhound Great Dane versus Sloughi Great Dane versus Golden Retriever Great Dane versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Great Dane versus Spanish Mastiff Great Dane versus Sussex Spaniel Great Dane versus Harrier Great Dane versus German Wirehaired Pointer Great Dane versus Peek A Poo Great Dane versus Valley Bulldog
Conclusion: Great Dane versus American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Great Dane and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.