Comparator

Great Dane or Cane Corso: which breed to choose?

Great Dane and Cane Corso are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Great Dane

Great Dane

Giant45–70 kg1,000–1,500 €
+4
Cane Corso

Cane Corso

Giant40–50 kg1,000–1,500 €
+6

Key takeaways

  • Great Dane is larger: 45–70 kg vs 40–50 kg for Cane Corso.
  • Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: 1,000–1,500 €.
  • Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 221 € per month.
  • Great Dane needs less daily activity (3/5 vs 4/5 for Cane Corso).
  • For “Family & children”, both breeds are tied (4/5).
  • Great Dane is rated higher for “Apartment living”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Cane Corso.
  • For “First-time owner”, both breeds are tied (1/5).
  • Cane Corso lives longer on average: 10–12 years vs 8–10 years for Great Dane.

Our verdict

Choose Great Dane if you’re looking for…

  • Calm homes : He thrives best in a stable and not very hectic environment.
  • Experienced owners : His training and day-to-day management are easier for owners already used to powerful dogs.
  • Present families : He enjoys family life and copes better with a daily routine where he is not left aside.

Choose Cane Corso if you’re looking for…

  • Experienced owners : They will know how to set a stable framework and manage a large guard dog consistently.
  • House with outdoor space : A spacious environment makes it easier for him to get physical exercise and ensures his daily comfort.
  • Active families : He appreciates a regular presence, frequent outings, and a real family home life.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin GermanyItaly
FCI group 22
Size GiantGiant
Height at withers 70–85 cm60–68 cm
Weight 45–70 kg40–50 kg
Coat Short, smooth and shinyShort, dense
Life expectancy 8–10 ans10–12 ans
Average price 1,000–1,500 €1,000–1,500 €
Monthly budget ≈ 221 €≈ 221 €
Compatibility
Family & children
Very good
Very good
Daily activity required
Moderate
High
Apartment living
Good
Fairly good
First-time owner
Limited
Limited
Other pets
Good
Very good
Tolerance for being alone
Limited
Fairly good
Guarding instinct
Excellent
Excellent
Pros & Cons
  • Low escape risk
  • Good health
  • Not very obedient
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Tends to destroy
  • Barks a lot
  • High-maintenance grooming
  • Sheds a lot
  • Drools a lot
  • Obedient
  • Low escape risk
  • Robust health
  • Easy grooming
  • Drools little
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Tends to destroy
  • Barks a lot
  • Sheds a lot