Great Dane vs. Highland Maltie: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Great Danes or Highland Malties hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Great Dane is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Highland Malties are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Great Dane and Highland Maltie dogs?

Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Confident
Intelligent
Loving

Active
Playful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Shedding Level

Do Great Danes shed more than Highland Malties, or which breed sheds more, Great Danes or Highland Malties?

3 / 5

Great Danes are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

1 / 5

Highland Malties shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

5 / 5

Choose a Great Dane if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

1 / 5

Avoid Highland Malties as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds?

Wolfhound, Old English Mastiff, Greyhound

Maltese, West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds first developed?

3000 BC

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Great Dane and Highland Maltie dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

Blue
Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds?

Brindle
Sable
Blue
Fawn
Black
Brown
Red

White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds?

1 / 5

Great Danes have short coats.

5 / 5

Highland Malties are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

Straight

Wavy

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

A Great Dane can have a litter of 7-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Highland Maltie can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

3 / 5

Great Danes have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

5 / 5

Highland Malties are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Great Dane and Highland Maltie, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

The Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds are commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds?

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Cataract
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

Myotonia

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Great Dane and Highland Maltie breeds?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
X-Rays
Physical Examination

X-Rays
Eye Examinations
Urinalysis
Blood Tests
Full Physical Examination
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Great Danes and Highland Malties compare?

5 / 5

Great Danes thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

3 / 5

Highland Malties are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Great Dane vs Highland Maltie social needs comparison

4 / 5

Great Dane has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

5 / 5

Highland Maltie has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

Great Dane vs Highland Maltie exercise need comparison.

2 / 5

Great Danes need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

4 / 5

Highland Malties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

1 / 5

Great Danes are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

3 / 5

Highland Malties have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do Great Danes or Highland Malties bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

Great Dane dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

4 / 5

The Highland Maltie is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Great Dane vs Highland Maltie?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Great Dane vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Prey Drive

Great Dane or Highland Maltie - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Great Dane and Highland Maltie entertained?

Walking, Petting, Eating Snacks, Walk, Nap, Sniffing around, Play keep away, Fetch, Chasing Cats, Running, Treats, Play, Smelling, Exploring, Walks, Sniffing, Playing, Kisses, Jumping, Run, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Wrestling, Dog Parks, Hiking, Waking, Tug of war, Fetching

Dog Parks, Play, Fetch, Walk, Snuggle

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Great Danes or Highland Malties?

Both Great Dane and Highland Maltie are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Great Dane or Highland Maltie walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Dane, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Highland Maltie, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Great Danes or Highland Malties require more exercise?

Both Great Dane and Highland Maltie typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Great Danes or Highland Malties?

1 / 5

The Great Dane is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

4 / 5

Highland Malties require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Great Dane and Highland Maltie dogs?

Great Dane should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Highland Maltie should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Great Danes and Highland Malties?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Great Dane or Highland Maltie in cups?

For an average 120-175 pound (54 - 79 kg) Great Dane feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 11-16 pound (5 - 7 kg) Highland Maltie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

The average cost of a Great Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

The average cost of a Highland Maltie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

The average per month expenses of a Great Dane is between $116 - $126. This makes an average of $1392 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Highland Maltie is between $35 - $45. This makes an average of $420 - $540 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Great Danes vs Highland Malties

4 / 5

Great Dane is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

2 / 5

Highland Maltie has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Great Dane and Highland Maltie compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Highland Maltie?

3 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

5 / 5

Great Danes make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

4 / 5

The Highland Maltie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Great Danes or Highland Malties have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Great Dane and Highland Maltie are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Great Dane or Highland Maltie breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Great Danes are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

Highland Malties are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

3 / 5

Great Danes are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

5 / 5

Highland Malties are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Great Dane or Highland Maltie dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Great Dane or Highland Maltie?

3 / 5

Great Danes are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

5 / 5

Highland Malties are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Great Dane and Highland Maltie?

2 / 5

Great Danes are not known for being a highly playful breed.

4 / 5

Highland Malties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Great Danes and Highland Malties compare?

3 / 5

Great Danes are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

4 / 5

Highland Malties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.