Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Dane Versus Boykin Spaniel: Introduction
- Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel: Overview
- Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel
- Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel
- Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel
- Lifespan of Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel
- Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Boykin Spaniel
- Price of Great Dane versus Price of Boykin Spaniel
- Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Boykin Spaniel
- The Popularity of Great Dane versus Popularity of Boykin Spaniel
- Health Problems of Great Dane versus Health Problems of Boykin Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel
- Do Great Danes shed more than Boykin Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Boykin Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Boykin Spaniel?
- Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Boykin Spaniels?
- Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Boykin Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Boykin Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Boykin Spaniels?
- Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boykin Spaniel?
- Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Boykin Spaniels?
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Boykin Spaniel
- Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Dane Versus Boykin Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel? 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel.
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 Boykin Spaniel.
Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Dane to the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel
| Factor | Great Dane | Boykin Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 25 to 40 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Average Lifespan | 8.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $988 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 81.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 15 | 101 |
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 Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Great Dane is a better pet than the Boykin Spaniel. So, you should get a Great Dane!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel
The Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel.
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 Boykin Spaniel weighs 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. The Boykin Spaniel is 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel
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
Boykin Spaniel Colors
The Boykin Spaniel comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- Merle (Blue)
The Boykin Spaniel comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
Lifespan of Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel
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 Boykin Spaniel is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Boykin Spaniel is 11.0 years.
The Boykin Spaniel live longer than the Great Dane.
Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel has a better temperament than the Great Dane.
This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 2 Boykin Spaniels.
Price of Great Dane versus Price of Boykin Spaniel
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 Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1160. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $988 – $1500. However, the price of the Boykin Spaniel can be as low as $100 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 108 Boykin Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Great Dane is more expensive than the Boykin Spaniel.
| Great Dane | Boykin Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1560 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $988 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and Boykin Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniels
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Great Dane puppy or the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many Boykin Spaniels 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, Boykin Spaniels are also available for adoption. For example, Junior is a Male Boykin Spaniel that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Boykin Spaniels like Junior that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Moe is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Murphy is an adorable Male Boykin Spaniel on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Great Danes and Boykin Spaniels that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Great Dane versus Popularity of Boykin Spaniel
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 Boykin Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Great Dane is more popular with dog owners than the Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel is 101 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Great Dane
Popularity of Boykin Spaniel
| Year | Great Dane Popularity Rank | Boykin Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 | 121 |
| 2014 | 15 | 108 |
| 2015 | 15 | 107 |
| 2016 | 14 | 110 |
| 2017 | 14 | 98 |
| 2018 | 16 | 100 |
| 2019 | 17 | 89 |
| 2020 | 15 | 87 |
| 2021 | 17 | 90 |
Health Problems of Great Dane versus Health Problems of Boykin Spaniel
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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Great Dane.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boykin Spaniel than for the Great Dane.
4 health tests are recommended for Great Dane while 8 tests are recommended for the Boykin Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Danes and in Boykin Spaniels.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Danes here.
Boykin Spaniel Health Problems
Boykin Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boykin Spaniels here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Great Danes and Boykin Spaniels
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:
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 Boykin Spaniel Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Boykin Spaniel ranks 2 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 684 Boykin Spaniels, 10 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Boykin Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Boykin Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Great Dane and in Boykin Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Dane and the Boykin Spaniel:
| Disease | Great Dane Rank | Boykin Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 4 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 33 out of 71 dog breeds | 48 out of 71 dog breeds |
| 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 | 21 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 75 out of 144 dog breeds | 108 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 92 out of 198 dog breeds | 23 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 130 out of 145 dog breeds | 28 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Collie Eye Anomaly problems | Not Common | 2 out of 7 dog breeds |
| Exercise Induced Collapse problems | Not Common | 2 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Von Willebrands problems | Not Common | 3 out of 15 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 52 out of 70 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 Boykin Spaniel
Great Danes do not like to be left alone.
Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Great Danes shed more than Boykin Spaniels?
Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Boykin Spaniel?
Great Danes are very easy to groom.
Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel?
Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.
Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Boykin Spaniels?
Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Boykin Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Boykin Spaniel?
Great Danes are very easy to train.
Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Boykin Spaniel
Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.
Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Boykin Spaniels?
Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boykin Spaniel?
Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Boykin Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Boykin Spaniels?
Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Boykin Spaniel
Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Boykin Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Boykin Spaniel?
Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.
Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Boykin Spaniel?
Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Boykin Spaniels are OK 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 Boykin Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:
Great Dane versus Shih Tzu Great Dane versus Mountain Cur Great Dane versus Sealyham Terrier Great Dane versus Dogue de Bordeaux Great Dane versus English Cocker Spaniel Great Dane versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Great Dane versus Skye Terrier Great Dane versus Beaglier Great Dane versus Shihpoo Great Dane versus American Hairless Terrier Great Dane versus Boxerdoodle Great Dane versus Estrela Mountain Dog Great Dane versus Mastiff Great Dane versus Goldendoodle Great Dane versus Papillon Great Dane versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Conclusion: Great Dane versus Boykin Spaniel. 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 Boykin Spaniel better suits you and your family.