Medium13.2 yr avg
Dachshund
AKC · Hound
View breedComparison
Dachshund vs Great Dane
Side-by-side comparison from peer-reviewed sources. Lifespan and health figures draw on Royal Veterinary College VetCompass and AKC breed data.
At a glance
Side-by-side
The numbers that most change day-to-day care. A citrus border marks a meaningful advantage.
Medium
Dachshund
Lifespan13.2 yrrange 13–14
SizeMedium
Weight11–32 lb5–14.5 kg
Height5–9 in12.7–22.9 cm
Senior at7 yrgeriatric at 11
AKC groupHound
Energy3/545 min/day
Trainability4/5
Shedding2/5
With kids3/5
With other dogs4/5
Giant
Great Dane
Lifespan10.6 yrrange 10–11
SizeGiant
Weight110–175 lb49.9–79.4 kg
Height28–32 in71.1–81.3 cm
Senior at5 yrgeriatric at 8
AKC groupWorking
Energy4/560 min/day
Trainability3/5
Shedding3/5
With kids3/5
With other dogs3/5
Health
Common health issues
Top 3 prevalence-ranked conditions for each breed. See each breed's full health profile for screening schedules and source data.
Dachshund
- High prevalencetypical onset ~5 yr
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Description and veterinary guidance for Intervertebral Disc Disease land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~6 yr
Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram)
Description and veterinary guidance for Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram) land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Great Dane
- Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~5 yr
Periodontal Disease
Description and veterinary guidance for Periodontal Disease land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Description and veterinary guidance for Osteochondritis Dissecans land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Synthesis
Which is right for you?
The Dachshund tends to live about 2.6 years longer on average than the Great Dane (13.2 vs 10.6 years).
Size gap is meaningful: the Dachshund is medium-sized and the Great Dane is giant. Expect different considerations for housing, travel, and vet-care costs.
Energy levels are close, with a slight edge to the Great Dane (60 min/day of directed exercise).
Dachshunds carry a heavier breed-specific health burden (1 high-prevalence conditions vs 0 for the Great Dane). Budget for screening accordingly.