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

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Great Dane Versus Pomsky: Introduction

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

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

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 Pomsky.

Great Dane versus Pomsky

Great Dane versus Pomsky: Overview

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

Great Dane versus Pomsky: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane to the Pomsky 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 Pomsky

FactorGreat DanePomsky
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/55/5
Good For Novice Owners1/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds7 to 38 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder10 to 15 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 Health4/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/51/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/52/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Does NOT Shed1/52/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span7 to 10 years12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1560$2270
Price Range$1000 – $2000$1500 – $2995
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 Pomsky. 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 Pomsky is 76 out of 125.

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

    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 Pomsky

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Pomsky

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

  • Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pomskys adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Pomskys can tolerate cold weather.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Pomskys do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Great Danes are very easy to groom. However, Pomskys require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Great Danes do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pomskys do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Pomsky

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky 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 Pomsky are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Pomsky are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Pomsky

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

    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 Pomsky weighs 7 to 38 pounds when fully grown. The Pomsky is 10 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Pomsky

    Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Pomsky

    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

    Pomsky Colors

    The Pomsky comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Golden
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Merle (Blue)
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Black
    • Bicolor

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

    • White / Cream
    • Black
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Pomsky

    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 Pomsky is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Pomsky is 13.5 years.

    The Pomsky live longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Pomsky

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Pomsky

    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 Pomsky puppy is $2270. The price of the Pomsky typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of the Pomsky can be as low as $500 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 823 Pomsky puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pomsky is more expensive than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane Pomsky
    Average Price $1560 $2270
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1500 to $2995

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomskys

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

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Pomsky

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

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

    The Great Dane and the Pomsky 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.

    Also, Prinze is an adorable Male Pomsky on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Great Danes and Pomskys are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Pomsky

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Pomskys do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Pomskys?

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

    Pomskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Pomskys get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Pomskys?

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

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Pomsky?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Pomskys are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Pomsky

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Pomskys do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Pomskys?

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

    Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys?

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

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

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

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

    Pomskys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Pomsky

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pomskys adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Chow Chow     Great Dane versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Great Dane versus Chinese Crested     Great Dane versus Chorkie     Great Dane versus Rottweiler     Great Dane versus Shiba Inu     Great Dane versus American Eskimo Dog     Great Dane versus Irish Water Spaniel     Great Dane versus Lowchen     Great Dane versus Schnoodle     Great Dane versus Newfoundland     Great Dane versus Affenpinscher     Great Dane versus Finnish Lapphund     Great Dane versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Great Dane versus English Setter     Great Dane versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

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