Why you Should Get the Great Dane Instead of the Puggle.

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Great Dane Versus Puggle: Introduction

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

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

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 Puggle.

Great Dane versus Puggle

Great Dane versus Puggle: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Puggle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Puggle 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 Puggle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Great Dane versus Puggle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane to the Puggle 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 Puggle

FactorGreat DanePuggle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/54/5
Good For Novice Owners1/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds18 to 30 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/51/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Intelligence3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/51/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/53/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/55/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Life Span7 to 10 years10 to 15 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years12.5 years
Average Price$1560$1430
Price Range$1000 – $2000$895 – $1561
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 Puggle. 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 Puggle is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Puggle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Puggle

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

  • Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Puggles adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Puggles are good for new dog owners.
  • Great Danes are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Puggles gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Puggles do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes are very easy to train. However, Puggles are not easy to train.
  • Great Danes do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Puggles do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Puggle

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Puggle are very easy to groom.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Puggle

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

    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 Puggle weighs 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. The Puggle is 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Puggle

    Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Puggle

    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

    Puggle Colors

    The Puggle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Bicolor
    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Sable
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brown / Chocolate

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

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

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Puggle

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

    The Puggle live longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Puggle

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Puggle

    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 Puggle puppy is $1430. The price of the Puggle typically ranges from $895 – $1561. However, the price of the Puggle can be as low as $100 and as high as $5125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 272 Puggle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Great Dane is more expensive than the Puggle.

    Great Dane Puggle
    Average Price $1560 $1430
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $895 to $1561

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Puggles

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

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Puggle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many Puggles 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, Puggles are also available for adoption. For example, Rusty is a Male Puggle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Puggles like Rusty that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

    Also, Willy is an adorable Male Puggle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Puggle

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Puggles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Puggles?

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

    Puggles shed moderately.

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

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Puggles are very easy to groom.

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

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Puggles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Puggles?

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

    Puggles are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Puggle?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Puggles are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Puggle

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Puggles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Puggles?

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

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

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

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

    Puggles 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 Puggles?

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

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

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

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

    Puggles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Puggle

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

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

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Puggles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Puggles adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Puggles 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 Puggle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Great Dane versus Shiloh Shepherd     Great Dane versus German Shepherd Dog     Great Dane versus Brussels Griffon     Great Dane versus Norwegian Lundehund     Great Dane versus Peek A Poo     Great Dane versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Great Dane versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Great Dane versus Frenchton     Great Dane versus Whippet     Great Dane versus Pyredoodle     Great Dane versus Goldendoodle     Great Dane versus Australian Terrier     Great Dane versus Basenji     Great Dane versus Cockalier     Great Dane versus Rottweiler     Great Dane versus King Shepherd     Great Dane versus Bullmastiff     

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