Great Dane vs Mastiff: cost, health and care compared
The Great Dane and the Mastiff side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Great Dane | Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Working Group [2] | Working Group [3] |
| Weight | 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female) [2] | 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) [2] | 30 inches & up (male), 27.5 inches & up (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 7–10+ years [2] | 6–10+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 22 [4] | No. 40 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease, Hypothyroidism… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Luxating patella, Progressive retinal atrophy… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $350 – $1,373 (giant dogs, median $607) [5] | $350 – $1,373 (giant dogs, median $607) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,500 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $6,100–$14,800 | $5,200–$14,800 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Great Dane health problems and costs and Mastiff health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Great Dane or the Mastiff?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,500.
Which lives longer, the Great Dane or the Mastiff?
The AKC gives the Great Dane a life expectancy of 7–10+ years and the Mastiff 6–10+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Great Dane and Mastiff have?
Great Dane: Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease and Hypothyroidism. Mastiff: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Luxating patella and Progressive retinal atrophy.
Which is better with kids, the Great Dane or the Mastiff?
The AKC rates the Great Dane 3 of 5 and the Mastiff 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.