Why the Great Dane is Better than the Cavachon as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Great Dane Versus Cavachon: Introduction

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

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

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 Cavachon.

Great Dane versus Cavachon

Great Dane versus Cavachon: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Cavachon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Cavachon 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 Cavachon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Great Dane versus Cavachon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane to the Cavachon 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 Cavachon

FactorGreat DaneCavachon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/55/5
Good For Novice Owners1/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds15 to 35 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder12 to 13 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/55/5
Does NOT Shed1/54/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Life Span7 to 10 years10 to 15 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years12.5 years
Average Price$1560$2070
Price Range$1000 – $2000$1699 – $2500
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 Cavachon. 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 Cavachon is 87 out of 125.

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

    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 Cavachon

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Cavachon

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

  • Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Cavachons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Cavachons are good for new dog owners.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Cavachons do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Cavachons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Great Danes are very easy to groom. However, Cavachons require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Cavachon

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon 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 Cavachon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cavachon are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Cavachon

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

    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 Cavachon weighs 15 to 35 pounds when fully grown. The Cavachon is 12 to 13 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Cavachon

    Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Cavachon

    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

    Cavachon Colors

    The Cavachon comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn

    The Cavachon comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Harlequin

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Cavachon

    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 Cavachon is between 10 to 15 years . The average lifespan of the Cavachon is 12.5 years.

    The Cavachon live longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Cavachon

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Cavachon

    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 Cavachon puppy is $2070. The price of the Cavachon typically ranges from $1699 – $2500. However, the price of the Cavachon can be as low as $475 and as high as $4200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 416 Cavachon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavachon is more expensive than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane Cavachon
    Average Price $1560 $2070
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1699 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and Cavachon. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many Cavachon 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 Cavachons

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons

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

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Cavachon

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many Cavachons 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 Titan that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Titan on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Great Danes, Cavachons are also available for adoption. For example, Miles is a Male Cavachon that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Cavachons like Miles that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Moe is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Cavachon

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Cavachons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Cavachons?

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

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Cavachon?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Cavachons require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Cavachons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Cavachons?

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

    Cavachons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Cavachon?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Cavachons are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Cavachon

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Cavachons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Cavachons?

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

    Cavachons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavachon?

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

    Cavachons 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 Cavachons?

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

    Cavachons bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavachons Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Cavachons can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Cavachon

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

    Cavachons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavachons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Cavachons can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavachon?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Cavachons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Cavachons are very good 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 Cavachon. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Cairn Terrier     Great Dane versus Xoloitzcuintli     Great Dane versus Labrador Retriever     Great Dane versus Mountain Cur     Great Dane versus Finnish Spitz     Great Dane versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog     Great Dane versus Schipperke     Great Dane versus Maltipoo     Great Dane versus Brussels Griffon     Great Dane versus Manchester Terrier     Great Dane versus Affenhuahua     Great Dane versus King Shepherd     Great Dane versus Shetland Sheepdog     Great Dane versus Bedlington Terrier     Great Dane versus Black Mouth Cur     Great Dane versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Great Dane versus Shiba Inu     Great Dane versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     

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