Lhasa Apso VS Great Dane

Quick Comparison

Rating Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Bred as indoor sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries and homes, alerting monks and residents to any intruders. They were considered sacred and believed to bring good luck.. Hunting wild boar, one of the most dangerous game animals in Europe, requiring a dog with size, strength, courage, and speed.. Both breeds remain popular in 2026, but they offer very different ownership experiences.

Size and Appearance

At 12–18 lbs and 10–11" tall, the Lhasa Apso is a small-sized dog. The Great Dane stands 28–32" and weighs 110–175 lbs (giant size). This difference matters for living space, transportation, and physical handling.

Temperament

The Lhasa Apso brings energy (3/5), trainability (3/5), and a kid-friendliness score of 2/5. The Great Dane offers energy (3/5), trainability (3/5), and kid-friendliness of 4/5. Assertive, independent, and surprisingly tough. Lhasa Apsos are loyal to their family but can be domineering. They possess keen hearing and strong protective instincts. Surprisingly sensitive and emotionally attuned for such a massive dog; Great Danes are people-pleasers who wilt under harsh treatment or raised voices.

Health and Lifespan

Lhasa Apso: 12–15 years, watch for Patellar Luxation. Great Dane: 7–10 years, watch for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Both breeds need health-tested parents to minimize genetic risks.

Cost

Initial cost: $800–$1500 (Lhasa Apso) vs. $1000–$2500 (Great Dane). Monthly: ~$95 vs. ~$291. First-year total: ~$2,908 (Lhasa Apso) vs. ~$5,867 (Great Dane).

Grooming and Maintenance

Lhasa Apso: long, straight, dense, and heavy coat, grooming 5/5, shedding 2/5. Great Dane: short coat, grooming 1/5, shedding 3/5. The Lhasa Apso is hypoallergenic.

Living Situation

Apartment: 5/5 vs. 2/5. Exercise: 2/5 vs. 3/5. Barking: 4/5 vs. 3/5. Consider these factors carefully if you're in a shared-wall living situation.

Size and Physical Differences

When comparing the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso weighs 12–18 lbs, while the Great Dane comes in at 110–175 lbs. In terms of height, the Lhasa Apso stands 10–11" 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 Lhasa Apso typically lives 12–15 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 Lhasa Apso and Great Dane reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. Both breeds share an energy level of 3/5, meaning exercise demands are comparable. Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5.

The Lhasa Apso is the more vocal breed with a barking level of 4/5 compared to 3/5, which matters significantly for apartment dwellers or those with noise-sensitive neighbors. 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 Lhasa Apso typically costs $800–$1500, 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Lhasa Apso'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 Lhasa Apso demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Lhasa Apso 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.