Which is Better between the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022

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Great Dane Versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog. 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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.

Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane to the Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog

FactorGreat DaneEntlebucher Mountain Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Good For Novice Owners1/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds45 to 65 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 shoulder16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/51/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Life Span7 to 10 years10 to 13 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years11.5 years
Average Price$1560$2020
Price Range$1000 – $2000$920 – $2500
Temperament Score81.5 percent0.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds15158
    *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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog. 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 72 out of 125.

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

    Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

    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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog weighs 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 11.5 years.

    The Entlebucher Mountain Dog live longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    The Great Dane has a better temperament than the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 percent while the temperament score for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 0.0 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 0.0 percent, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 1 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppy is $2020. The price of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog typically ranges from $920 – $2500. However, the price of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog can be as low as $890 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 11 Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane Entlebucher Mountain Dog
    Average Price $1560 $2020
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $920 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and Entlebucher Mountain Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs

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

    The Popularity of Great Dane versus Popularity of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Great Dane is more popular with dog owners than the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Great Dane is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 158 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Great Dane

    Popularity of Great Dane

    Popularity of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Popularity of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Year Great Dane Popularity Rank Entlebucher Mountain Dog Popularity Rank
    2013 16 155
    2014 15 153
    2015 15 159
    2016 14 161
    2017 14 152
    2018 16 157
    2019 17 167
    2020 15 152
    2021 17 173

    Health Problems of Great Dane versus Health Problems of Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Great Dane.

    4 health tests are recommended for Great Dane while 4 tests are recommended for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Danes and in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs.

    Great Dane Health Problems

    Great Danes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Dane puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Great Dane puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Dane breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Great Danes for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Danes here.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Entlebucher Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Entlebucher Mountain Dogs for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Great Danes and Entlebucher Mountain Dogs

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Great Dane Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Great Dane ranks 4 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 183 Great Danes, 10 of them had Shoulder problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Danes, and how common these diseases are in Great Danes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 4 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 33 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 35 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 40 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 42 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 59 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 75 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 92 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 130 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    This is because the Entlebucher Mountain Dog ranks 4 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 77 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 4 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 7 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 43 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 66 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 120 out of 144 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Great Dane and in Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Dane and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog:

    Disease Great Dane Rank Entlebucher Mountain Dog Rank
    Shoulder problems 4 out of 22 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 33 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 35 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 40 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 42 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 59 out of 182 dog breeds 7 out of 182 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 75 out of 144 dog breeds 120 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 92 out of 198 dog breeds 66 out of 198 dog breeds
    Patella problems 130 out of 145 dog breeds 43 out of 145 dog breeds
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems Not Common 4 out of 32 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Entlebucher Mountain Dogs?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Entlebucher Mountain Dogs?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Entlebucher Mountain Dogs?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Entlebucher Mountain Dog

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Ibizan Hound     Great Dane versus Australian Shepherd     Great Dane versus Greyhound     Great Dane versus West Highland White Terrier     Great Dane versus Shiloh Shepherd     Great Dane versus Carolina Dog     Great Dane versus Cairn Terrier     Great Dane versus Irish Wolfhound     Great Dane versus Whoodle     Great Dane versus Komondor     Great Dane versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Great Dane versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Great Dane versus Bernedoodle     Great Dane versus Beagle     Great Dane versus Korean Jindo Dog     Great Dane versus Akita     Great Dane versus Sussex Spaniel     Great Dane versus Shiranian     Great Dane versus Brittany     

    Conclusion: Great Dane versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog. 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.