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When it comes to the American vs. European Great Danes, there are some distinct differences between the two breeds.
Though they may look similar, these dogs were bred in different parts of the world with different breed standards.
The European Great Danes tend to be bigger, longer in the body, and have a more rectangular-shaped head. While American Great Danes are bred to be a bit more slender with a smaller head.
This article will take a closer look at both breeds and discuss their similarities and differences. We will also show many pictures of each.
Let’s discuss.
Table of Contents
The Great Dane Dog Breed
We must first get to know the Great Dane breed to understand the European Great Dane vs. American Great Dane.
The Great Dane is a large German breed of domestic dog known for its giant size.
The record holder for the tallest dog ever is a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 111.118 cm (43.58 in) from paw to shoulder.
The Great Dane is one of the world’s tallest dog breeds. They are also known as the “Apollo of dogs”, “King of dogs”, and the “Gentle Giant”.
The Great Dane breed was recognized by kennel clubs in the 19th century.
Great Danes are a mix of several European breeds, including the Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound, and Mastiff.
They were originally bred for hunting sizeable European game such as boar, deer, and bear.
What Was The European Great Dane Bred For?
The European Great Dane was originally bred as working dogs or guard dogs.
This shaped their personality to be more independent and protective.
European Great Danes are calmer and more reserved than their American counterparts but still relatively active.
What Was The American Great Dane Bred For?
The American Great Dane was bred for companionship.
This has resulted in a dog that is more affectionate, outgoing, and eager to please.
They’ll love to cuddle up on the couch, and some even act like lap dogs, despite their size.
However, despite their friendliness, they may be standoffish with strangers. This can make them excellent guard dogs.
It’s in their genes, after all.
Differences Between American And European Danes
Here is a quick summary table of the critical differences between the Euro Great Danes and American Great Danes.
| Key Differences | European Great Dane | American Great Dane |
| Height | 28-36 inches tall. | 28-32 inches tall. |
| Weight | 200-240 pounds. | 100-200 pounds. |
| Colors | Blue, brindle, fawn, black, harlequin, Plattenhunde, Mantletiger, and merle. | Black, brindle, blue, fawn, merle, harlequin, and mantle. |
| Body & Skin | Longer body and more rectangular head. Extra Droopy lips, eyes, and wrinkly skin. | Smaller head and sleek appearance. Taut skin and less wrinkly. |
| Shedding | Moderate to heavy shedder. | Moderate shedder. |
| Trainability | Moderate | Easy |
| Lifespan | 6 to 8 years | 8 to 10 years |
Below we will include more details on each of these things while including more specific information.
American Vs. European Great Dane: Appearance Differences
The European Great Dane and American Great Dane look similar, but there are some key physical differences between them.
Let’s look at some photos of each so you can see some differences.
Afterward, we will break down the subtle differences in their appearance and all their traits.
Here are some European Great Dane Photos:
Here are some American Great Dane Photos:
Body
European Great Danes
The European Great Dane has a thick neck, longer body, and a more rectangular head. They also usually have slightly bigger lips. The drooping lips, eyes, and wrinkly skin are a key trademark of a European Great Dane.
American Great Danes
The American Great Dane has a smaller head more proportional to its stature and a more sleek appearance. In addition, the Great Danes of America are usually lighter on their feet, with smaller heads. They also have taut skin, unlike the European Danes.
Size
European Great Danes
European Great Danes stand at 28-36 inches tall and weigh 200-240 pounds.
American Great Danes
American Great DanesIn comparison, American Great Danes are a bit smaller. They stand 28-32 inches tall and weigh 100-200 pounds.
Coat Colors & Texture
Both European and American Great Danes come in a variety of colors. However, European Great Danes have a wider range of colors, including: blue, brindle, fawn, black, harlequin, Plattenhunde, Mantletiger, and merle.
Meanwhile, American Great Danes usually come in: black, brindle, blue, fawn, merle, harlequin, and mantle.
The coat texture of the European Great Danes and American Great Dane is often described as soft and silky.
Ears & Tail
Both the European Great Dane and American Great Dane have floppy ears that hang down close to the head.
However, ear cropping does still occur in some parts of the world. This can actually be a good indicator of which kind of Great Dane you are dealing with.
It’s very rare for European Great Danes to have cropped ears, in fact, some areas in Europe have actually banned this.
So any Great Danes with cropped ears are likely American Great Danes as it’s still popular in the states.
Now when we look at their tails, they also both have a long, skinny tail that is often described as being “rat-like”.
Its rare for them to be docked but since their tails can cause chronic issues, some issues may lead to tail docking.
Eyes
European Great Danes
The European Great Dane’s eyes are set far apart and droop slightly. They come in various colors: amber, blue, brown, or dark brown.
American Great Danes
The American Great Dane’s eyes are also set far apart but don’t have the same amount of sag. They usually come in amber, blue, brown, or dark brown colors.
Both breeds can also end up with heterochromia when each eye is a different color.
Some Great Dane will even have their eyes change colors from young to old.
For example, a Great Dane’s eyes might be blue when they are born but then turn brown as they age.
American Vs. European Great Dane: Shedding & Grooming
Both European Great Danes and American Great Danes are known for being moderate to heavy shedders.
This is especially true during the summer months when they are shedding their winter coat.
They are also massive, so the bigger the dog, the more hair.
Because of this, some European Great Danes will shed more than American Great Danes due to the size difference.
As for grooming these Great Danes, both require regular grooming.
This includes brushing their coat weekly, trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and bathing them monthly.
Great Danes are also known for being “droolers”. However, the European Great Dane is known more for this due to their loose jowls.
So be prepared to clean up drool if you own one of these dogs.
American Vs. European Great Dane: Health
Both European Great Danes and American Great Danes are susceptible to some of the same health problems.
This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, von Willebrand’s disease, cardiomyopathy, and epilepsy.
Due to the European Great Danes’ larger size, they are more likely to suffer from joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Lifespan
American Great Danes
The average lifespan of an American Great Dane is around 8 to 10 years.
European Great Danes
The average lifespan of a European Great Dane is around 6 to 8 years.
American Vs. European Great Dane: Trainability & Intelligence
Both American and European danes are considered intelligent dogs.
However, the European Great Dane is often described as more independent and stubborn than the American Great Dane.
This can make training a European Great Dane more difficult since they don’t always want to please their owners.
Meanwhile, American Great Danes are known for being easier to train since they are more eager to please their owners.
So if you are looking for an easier-to-train dog, the American Great Dane might be a better choice.
American Vs. European Great Dane: Activity & Exercise Needs
Both European Great Danes and American Great Danes can require a moderate amount of exercise.
A European Great Dane and American Great Dane should exercise a few times per day.
Great Danes may seem like “couch potatoes” if they don’t get enough exercise.
However, this does not mean you should allow them to be sedentary dogs.
Dogs need daily activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
This can include things like: going for walks, playing fetch, going on runs, or even just playing in the backyard.
A tired Great Dane is a happy Great Dane.
Ideally, these dogs should get at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise daily.
You can also give them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their minds occupied.
American Vs. European Great Dane: Temperament & Behavior
Both of these Great Danes share very similar temperaments.
Barking
European Danes are known for being relatively quiet dogs. So they really take on the name “gentle giants”.
While American Great Danes tend to be more vocal. They are known for being “talkative” and will bark to alert you of possible intrusions.
This does not mean that all European Great Dane dogs are quiet or that all American Great Danes are barkers.
It’s just a general trend that we see between these two types of dogs.
Affection
Great Danes are known for being affectionate dogs. They love to be around their family and will often follow you around the house.
European Great Danes and American Great Danes are known to be affectionate dogs.
In fact, despite their massive size, some Great Danes will attempt to be lap dogs.
Personal space is not something they understand unless taught.
Great Danes are also known for being “Velcro dogs” because they love to be close to their owners.
They are not the type of dog that does well when left alone for long periods.
Friendliness
Great Danes are generally friendly dogs. They can get along with other animals and strangers.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.
You should always introduce any new dog slowly and under supervision to ensure everyone gets along okay.
In general, European Great Danes tend to be a little more aloof and reserved around strangers compared to American Great Danes.
American Great Danes are known for being outgoing and friendly with everyone they meet.
This does not mean that European Great Danes are not friendly. It just means they take a little longer to warm up to new people.
Regarding friendliness towards other dogs, European Great Danes and American Great Danes are about the same.
Both dogs can get along with other animals if they are properly socialized and introduced.
Of course, there will always be some dogs that do not do well around other animals.
Most of this comes down to the environment they grow up in and their socialization experiences.
So, just make sure to socialize Great Dane puppies with dogs and strangers early. That way, they are friendly with all.
Households
Great Danes are great family dogs. They are gentle, loving, and affectionate. They do well in households with children and other animals.
Both European Great Danes and American Great Danes make great family dogs.
I will also mention that these Great Danes will not do well in apartments or small homes.
They need plenty of space to move around and run.
If they are cooped up in a small space, they will likely become bored, destructive, and unhappy.
They are massive dogs, after all, so they require the space appropriate for their size.
European vs. American Great Dane Pricing
European Great Dane dogs are usually more expensive than American Great Dane dogs.
However, it’s up to Great Dane breeders to decide the price and adjust depending on the litter.
They will be similar in price to many other dogs.
European Great Danes
The European Great Danes can cost anywhere from $600 – $3500. However, the rareness of the European Great Dane puppies’ coat color, eye color, and other physical appearances can make the price fall on the high or low end.
American Great Danes
The American Great Danes can cost anywhere from $500 – $3000. The price will be based on the breeder, coat color, eye color, and other physical appearances.
In general, European Great Danes can be slightly more expensive than American Great Danes, but it depends on many factors.
Price variations depend on the litter, the breeder, and the individual dog’s physical appearance.
Final Thoughts
Overall, dog owners should know that both of these Great Danes are gentle giants that make great family dogs.
There are some differences between the two types of dogs, but they are subtle.
The major difference will be in their physical appearance. Other than that, European Great Danes and American Great Danes are very similar in temperament.
Pet owners with either of these Great Danes will have a loving, loyal, and devoted family member for life.
And probably lots of drool and hair found throughout their house!
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