PuppyBase

Bedlington Terrier vs Great Dane

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Bedlington Terrier vs Great Dane

You’d never think someone would compare a Bedlington Terrier to a Great Dane until you see both at a dog park and realize they’re the same energy-wise. both alert, involved, and always ready for action. But that’s where the similarities end. It’s like choosing between a whippet-sized sports car and a luxury SUV. One turns heads for its quirky, lamb-like fluff and feisty charm. The other does it by taking up half your living room. The Bedlington is a compact terrier with the soul of a daredevil. Weighing under 23 pounds, it’s light enough to toss in a car for weekend hikes, and its low shedding makes it a favorite among allergy-prone homes. But don’t be fooled by the curls. this dog has opinions, needs consistent training, and will chase squirrels like it’s paid to. If your household includes guinea pigs or bunnies, think twice. And yes, that coat? It needs clipping every six weeks, no exceptions. The Great Dane, meanwhile, is a gentle giant with a heart bigger than its frame. They’re patient with kids, thrive on companionship, and somehow believe they’re lap dogs. But their size means higher food bills, more space, and a heartbreaking truth: you’ll likely say goodbye by age 10. Bloat is a real threat, so you’ll need to feed strategically and watch for warning signs. Here’s the insight no chart tells you: both breeds are deeply sensitive. The Bedlington hides it under terrier sass. The Dane wears it on his sleeve. If you want a dog that mirrors your emotional tone, either can do it. but the Dane will do it at eye level, and the Bedlington will do it while stealing your socks. Choose the Bedlington if you want a portable, hypoallergenic firecracker who grooms like a show dog. Choose the Dane if you’ve got space, a soft heart, and don’t mind your couch being guarded by a 150-pound shadow.

Bedlington Terrier
Great Dane
15–17.5 in
Height
28–32 in
17–23 lb
Weight
110–175 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
7–10 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#141
AKC popularity
#16

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bedlington Terrier Great Dane
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Bedlington Terrier drools less (3-point difference)
Bedlington
Affectionate w/ Family
Great Dane is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Great
Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Coat Grooming
Great Dane needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Great
Playfulness
Great Dane is more playful (1-point difference)
Great
The verdict

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…

  • Apartments
  • Active people
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value coat groomingBedlington Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Great Dane if…

  • Families with enough space
  • Gentle companion seekers
  • Those wanting a loyal calm dog
  • You value drooling levelGreat Dane scores higher here.
Bedlington Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bedlington Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Great Dane Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Great Dane home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run