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Golden Retriever vs Great Dane

Side-by-side comparison of Golden Retriever and Great Dane: energy, shedding, trainability, apartment fit, and more.

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Quick Verdict

Better fit for families with kids

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever: YesGreat Dane: Supervision near small kidsi

Easier for first-time owners

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever: Beginner-friendlyGreat Dane: Some challenges

Lower shedding

Great Dane

Golden Retriever: Very HighGreat Dane: Moderate

Longer lifespan

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever: ~11 yrsGreat Dane: ~8.5 yrs

Lower exercise needs

Great Dane

Golden Retriever: 60–90 min/dayGreat Dane: 30–60 min/day

Lower grooming needs

Great Dane

Golden Retriever: HighiGreat Dane: Lowi

Easiest to train

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever: Very HighGreat Dane: Moderate

Better for active households

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever: Moderate to HighGreat Dane: Low to Moderate

Verdicts are based on trait ratings. Always evaluate individual dogs and confirm behavior with the shelter, foster, or rescue organization.

Stats at a Glance

TraitGolden RetrieverGreat Dane
SizeLargeGiant
EnergyModerate to HighLow to Moderate
SheddingVery HighModerate
GroomingHighLow
TrainabilityVery HighModerate
BarkingLow to ModerateLow to Moderate
Apartment FriendlyPossible (daily exercise required)Possible (space required)
Good With KidsYesOftenSupervision near small kids
Good With DogsOftenOften
Good With CatsOften with socializationGentle nature; usually excellentOften with socializationGentle; size gap needs slow intro
Daily Exercise60–90 min/day30–60 min/day
Typical Lifespan10–12 years7–10 years
Beginner FriendlyBeginner-friendlySome challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Golden Retriever or Great Dane better for apartments?
Neither breed is a guaranteed apartment fit. A Golden Retriever depends on meeting daily exercise commitments, while a Great Dane is workable given adequate indoor space and daily walks. In either case, noise tolerance, exercise routine, and building rules matter more than breed alone.
Which breed sheds more, Golden Retriever or Great Dane?
Golden Retriever sheds more — very high shedding compared with the Great Dane's moderate shedding. If keeping loose hair to a minimum matters, the Great Dane usually has the advantage.
Are Golden Retrievers or Great Danes easier to train?
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train and is typically very trainable, while the Great Dane is moderately trainable. Both do best with consistent, reward-based training started early.
Which needs more exercise, a Golden Retriever or a Great Dane?
Golden Retriever needs more exercise — typically 60–90 min/day daily. The Great Dane typically needs 30–60 min/day. If a lower exercise commitment suits your lifestyle better, the Great Dane has the edge.
Which is better with kids, a Golden Retriever or a Great Dane?
Both breeds can do well in family environments with proper supervision. A Golden Retriever is generally good with children with kids, while a Great Dane is often good with children when supervised. Calm handling and adult oversight matter with either breed.
How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need compared to a Great Dane?
Golden Retriever requires more grooming — high grooming needs, often including regular professional grooming — compared with the Great Dane's minimal grooming needs. Factor in the ongoing time and cost of regular coat maintenance if you are considering the Golden Retriever.