Which is Better between the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier?

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

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Great Dane Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier.

Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier

Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane to the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier

FactorGreat DanePatterdale Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Good For Novice Owners1/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds11 to 13 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder12 to 15 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
Intelligence3/55/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/54/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span7 to 10 years11 to 14 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years12.5 years
Average Price$1560$640
Price Range$1000 – $2000$500 – $688
Temperament Score81.5 percent80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),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 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Patterdale Terrier, we still believe that the Great Dane is a better pet than the Patterdale 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!

    Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:

  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Patterdale Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Patterdale Terrier

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Patterdale Terrier is 12.5 years.

    The Patterdale Terrier live longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Great Dane

    The Great Dane has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Great Dane and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Great Dane is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Great Dane Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1560 $640
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $500 to $688

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many Patterdale 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 Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Great Dane puppy or the Patterdale 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.

    Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Patterdale Terrier

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Patterdale Terrier

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Beaglier     Great Dane versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Great Dane versus Tibetan Spaniel     Great Dane versus Sheepadoodle     Great Dane versus Dutch Shepherd     Great Dane versus Kishu Ken     Great Dane versus Sloughi     Great Dane versus Briard     Great Dane versus Manchester Terrier     Great Dane versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Great Dane versus Pyredoodle     Great Dane versus Labrador Retriever     Great Dane versus Standard Schnauzer     Great Dane versus Bluetick Coonhound     Great Dane versus Cockapoo     Great Dane versus Chinese Crested     Great Dane versus Boxerdoodle     

    Conclusion: Great Dane versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.