Large13.2 yr avg
Golden Retriever
AKC · Sporting
View breedComparison
Golden Retriever 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.
Large
Golden Retriever
Lifespan13.2 yrrange 13–14
SizeLarge
Weight55–75 lb24.9–34 kg
Height21.5–24 in54.6–61 cm
Senior at6 yrgeriatric at 10
AKC groupSporting
Energy3/545 min/day
Trainability5/5
Shedding4/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs5/5
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.
Golden Retriever
- 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 ~2 yr
Elbow Dysplasia
Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~1 yr
Congenital Cardiac Defect
Description and veterinary guidance for Congenital Cardiac Defect 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 Golden Retriever tends to live about 2.6 years longer on average than the Great Dane (13.2 vs 10.6 years).
The Golden Retriever is large while the Great Dane is giant — a modest difference in day-to-day care.
Energy levels are close, with a slight edge to the Great Dane (60 min/day of directed exercise).
Golden Retrievers tend to pick up obedience work faster (5/5 trainability). Golden Retrievers rate higher for household-with-kids compatibility (5/5).
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