Bull Terrier VS Great Dane
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between these two popular breeds.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bull Terrier | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12–13 yrs | 7–10 yrs |
| Weight | 50–70 lbs | 110–175 lbs |
| Height | 21–22" | 28–32" |
| Price | $1000–$2000 | $1000–$2500 |
| AKC Rank | #44 | #19 |
| Group | Terrier | Working |
| Size | Medium | Giant |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
Choosing between a Bull Terrier and a Great Dane is a common dilemma for prospective dog owners in 2026. The egg-shaped head with its unique Roman-nose profile is found in no other breed and is the Bull Terrier's most recognizable feature.. Meanwhile, Holds the record for the tallest dog breed in the world, with some individuals standing over 44 inches at the shoulder and over 7 feet on hind legs..
Size and Appearance
The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog weighing 50–70 pounds and standing 21–22 inches tall. The Great Dane is giant-sized at 110–175 pounds and 28–32 inches. The size difference is significant and affects space requirements, food costs, and handling.
Temperament
Exuberant, loyal, and courageous with a strong-willed streak, they form deep bonds with their families and can be surprisingly gentle.. Surprisingly sensitive and emotionally attuned for such a massive dog; Great Danes are people-pleasers who wilt under harsh treatment or raised voices.. Trainability stands at 3/5 for the Bull Terrier versus 3/5 for the Great Dane. Kid-friendliness: 4/5 and 4/5 respectively.
Health and Lifespan
The Bull Terrier typically lives 12–13 years, while the Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years. Key health concerns include Deafness for the Bull Terrier and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus for the Great Dane. Both breeds benefit from breeders who perform comprehensive health testing.
Cost
Bull Terriers typically range from $1000 to $2000, while Great Danes cost $1000 to $2500. Monthly costs are approximately $156 for the Bull Terrier and $291 for the Great Dane, reflecting differences in size, grooming, and healthcare needs.
Grooming and Maintenance
Grooming needs: Bull Terrier 2/5, Great Dane 1/5. Shedding: 3/5 vs. 3/5.
Living Situation
Apartment friendliness: Bull Terrier 3/5, Great Dane 2/5. Exercise requirements: 4/5 vs. 3/5. Both breeds thrive with owners who commit to daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
The Verdict
Your lifestyle determines which breed is the better fit. Consider your space, schedule, experience level, and what you want from a canine companion.
Bull Terrier: A medium terrier breed, 12–13 year lifespan, $1000–$2000. Best for: families with kids, needs space, active lifestyles. Nicknamed the clown prince of dogs, Bull Terriers are intensely playful, mischievous, and known for their sudden bursts of wild running called the 'Bull Terrier spin.'
Great Dane: A giant working breed, 7–10 year lifespan, $1000–$2500. Best for: families with kids, needs space, moderate activity. The Apollo of Dogs, combining majestic size with a gentle, affectionate temperament that makes them one of the best-natured giant breeds.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Bull Terrier and Great Dane side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Bull Terrier weighs 50–70 lbs, while the Great Dane comes in at 110–175 lbs. In terms of height, the Bull Terrier stands 21–22" tall compared to the Great Dane at 28–32". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Bull Terrier typically lives 12–13 yrs, whereas the Great Dane has an expected lifespan of 7–10 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Bull Terrier and Great Dane reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Bull Terrier is the higher-energy breed at 4/5 compared to the Great Dane's 3/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5.
Both breeds are equally vocal at 3/5 for barking tendency. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Bull Terrier typically costs $1000–$2000, while the Great Dane runs $1000–$2500. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Bull Terrier and Great Dane, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Bull Terrier if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Bull Terrier's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Bull Terrier demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Bull Terrier profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Great Dane if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Great Dane's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Great Dane breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.