Golden Retriever vs Great Dane

A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.

Short answer

These two are closely matched. The decision comes down to cost and coat rather than temperament — pick Great Dane if monthly budget is the deciding factor.

Comparison table

Attribute	Golden Retriever	Great Dane
Species	dog	dog
Origin	United Kingdom	Germany
Weight (kg)	25–34	45–80
Height (cm)	51–61	71–86
Lifespan (years)	10–12	7–10
Monthly cost (USD)	$116	$113
Yearly cost (USD)	$1392	$1356
Purchase price (USD)	$2300	$2900
Grooming need (1–5)	4	2
Shedding (1–5)	5	3
Energy (1–5)	4	2
Trainability (1–5)	5	3
Apartment fit (1–5)	2	1
Good with kids (1–5)	5	4
Vocal (1–5)	2	2

What the numbers mean

Golden Retriever weighs 25–34 kg and lives 10–12 years; Great Dane weighs 45–80 kg and lives 7–10 years.
On estimated monthly cost, Great Dane runs about $113/month versus $116/month for Golden Retriever — a difference of roughly $3 a month, or $36 a year.
Golden Retriever has the higher apartment suitability score (2/5 vs 1/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
Golden Retriever has the higher shedding score (5/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more hair on your sofa.
Golden Retriever has the higher grooming requirement (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
Golden Retriever has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
Golden Retriever has the higher trainability score (5/5 vs 3/5).
Golden Retriever has the higher kid-friendliness score (5/5 vs 4/5).
Both have the same vocalisation score (2/5).

Cost over ten years

At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $13,920 for Golden Retriever and $13,560 for Great Dane. The gap is $360 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.

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