The Tibetan Mastiff is the largest of the molosser type of dog breeds. They were originally bred in Tibet by nomadic people to guard their flocks against predators such as wolves, bears, leopards, and tigers. These dogs are known for their strength and loyalty. They are also very calm, protective, and patient with their owners.

The Great Dane is a large dog breed with a lion-like head and a muscular body. The Great Dane was originally bred to hunt wild boar, so they are known for their immense strength and stamina. They have thick fur that is usually black or gray in color but can also be brown or brindle in color.

While the Tibetan Mastiff and the Great Dane are both strong and ‘lion-like’ dogs, these two breeds can vary quite drastically. It is important to learn the differences between them before making a decision on which dog would be best for your lifestyle.

Below are 10 main differences between Tibetan Mastiffs and Great Danes.

1. Tibetan Mastiff Vs Great Dane: Their History

Tibetan Mastiff History	Great Dane History
Tibetan Mastiff originated in Tibet. It is one of the oldest breeds of dog in existence and has been domesticated for over 3,000 years.	The Great Dane originated in Germany. It was first bred for hunting and guarding purposes.

2. Great Danes Are Leaner And Slenderer Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Height/Weight	Great Dane Height/Weight
The height of a Tibetan Mastiff ranges from 27 to 34 inches and its weight can range from 100 to 130 pounds.	The height of a Great Dane is typically between 30 to 34 inches, with an average weight of between 90 to 130 pounds.

3. Tibetan Mastiffs Have More Variety of Coat Colors Than Great Danes:

Tibetan Mastiff Coat	Great Dane Coat
The Tibetan Mastiff’s long, coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat come in many different colors and patterns like black-brown-tan, gray-black-brown, gray-brown-black, and so on.	The Great Dane’s long, heavy double coat has a distinctive pattern of black, brown, and white. The coat can be either solid or patterned.

4. Tibetan Mastiffs Make Better Guard Dogs Than Great Danes:

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament	Great Dane Temperament
Tibetan Mastiffs have a calm and dignified nature. They are not aggressive dogs, and they make good guard dogs because they are intelligent and alert.	Great Danes are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are also known for their protective nature and loyalty towards their family members, but they do not make good guard dogs because they don’t bark much.

5. Great Danes Don’t need As Much Exercise As Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Exercise Needs	Great Dane Exercise Needs
Tibetan mastiffs don’t need a lot of exercises. They only require around two hours of daily exercise per day to stay healthy and happy.	Great Danes don’t require excessive exercise. They need at least an hour of exercise every day.

6. Great Danes Are Easier to Train Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Trainability	Great Dane Trainability
The Tibetan Mastiff is more difficult to train than the Great Dane because of their stubbornness and size. But they are intelligent and have a gentler nature.	Great Danes are easier to train than the Tibetan Mastiffs because they are more docile and obedient. They are also more social than this breed and can get along well with other dogs too.

7. Great Danes Are More Energetic Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Energy Level	Great Dane Energy Level
The Tibetan Mastiff has a long history of being used as a guard dog and hunting companion. This breed has been known for its energy.	The Great Dane has a lot of stamina, but they are not as energetic as the Tibetan Mastiff. The breed is, however, more athletic.

8. Great Danes Are Known to Shed More Than Tibetan Mastiffs:

Tibetan Mastiff Grooming	Great Dane Grooming
The Tibetan Mastiff sheds less than the Great Dane but they have more grooming needs because their double coat is denser. It is difficult to maintain their beauty without regular brushing and grooming.	The Great Dane has a longer coat and less dense fur that sheds more.

9. Tibetan Mastiffs Have A Longer Lifespan than Great Danes:

Tibetan Mastiff Lifespan	Great Dane Lifespan
The Tibetan Mastiff has an average lifespan of 12-14 years.	The average lifespan for a Great Dane is around 8-10 years.

10. Tibetan Mastiffs Are More Expensive Than Great Danes:

Tibetan Mastiff Price	Great Dane Price
Tibetan Mastiffs are likely to cost between $2,000-$6,000.	Great Danes can cost between $1,500 to $4,500.

Similarities Between The Tibetan Mastiff And The Great Dane

The Great Dane and the Tibetan Mastiff share a lot of similarities and are often mistaken for each other.

These dogs both have a similar size and build, they both have thick coats, they both have large heads, and they both make great family pets.

Both breeds were bred to be companion animals with their large size serving as protection against potential predators.

Also, there isn’t much of a difference between these breeds when it comes to behavior around children. Both the Great Dane and the Tibetan Mastiff have a soft spot for children and are usually gentle and patient with them.

Unfortunately, both Great Danes and Tibetan Mastiffs do not have a good reputation as apartment dogs.

Conclusion

All in all, both these dogs are considered to be one of the best dog breeds available for all types of families due to their overall personality and temperament.

If you are looking for a new furry family member, both Tibetan Mastiff and Great Dane may be of interest. But you should know that adopting either one of these two beautiful breeds is a lifetime commitment. You’ll need to make sure you understand more about both breeds to know if you can offer them a suitable home.

Here are some other articles that we have on the Tibetan Mastiff and the Great Dane!

Which is the breed of your choice? The Tibetan Mastiff or the Great Dane? Let us know in the comments below!