Bichon Frise vs Great Dane

Which dog breed is right for you?

Bichon Frise

Size
12–18 lbs, 10–12 in
Lifespan
14–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Playful Cheerful Gentle Affectionate

Great Dane

Size
110–175 lbs, 28–32 in
Lifespan
7–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Patient Dependable Gentle

About the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small companion dog with origins tracing to the Mediterranean region — descended from water spaniels and popularized by Spanish, Italian, and French nobility from the 13th century onward. Standing 9.5–11.5 inches tall and weighing 12–18 pounds, the Bichon is a compact, sturdy little dog with a distinctively rounded silhouette. Their hallmark white, powder-puff coat is made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat that produces minimal shedding but requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Temperament & Personality

Bichons are playful, affectionate, and irrepressibly cheerful — they seem to carry a perpetual smile and have a gift for making everyone around them happy. They thrive on human attention and are excellent with children, seniors, and other pets, adapting easily to various household dynamics. Their social nature means they do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic coat produces minimal dander and virtually no shedding
  • Adaptable to apartment living — their small size and moderate exercise needs fit urban lifestyles
  • Friendly and sociable with strangers, children, and other animals
  • Cheerful, entertaining personality that brings joy to any household

Cons

  • Professional grooming is essential and can be costly — every 4–6 weeks minimum
  • Prone to separation anxiety and may bark excessively or become destructive when left alone
  • Can be challenging to housebreak — consistent crate training is often necessary
  • Susceptible to patellar luxation, bladder stones, and allergies

A Bichon Frise can brighten even the gloomiest day — find adoptable Bichons on Puplister and add some joy to your life.

About the Great Dane

The Great Dane — known as the "Apollo of Dogs" — traces its lineage to ancient Assyrian war dogs, though the modern breed was refined in Germany to hunt wild boar and later serve as estate guardians. Standing a towering 28–32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110–175 pounds, Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world — the record holder stood 44 inches tall. Their short, sleek coat comes in six recognized colors: fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (white with irregular black patches), and mantle.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are famously gentle and affectionate — earning them the nickname "the world's biggest lap dog." They are patient with children and remarkably calm indoors, often preferring to lean against their owner's legs or drape across the couch rather than engage in rough play. Their friendly, confident demeanor means they greet most people warmly, though their sheer size alone is an effective deterrent to unwelcome visitors.

Pros

  • Surprisingly calm and gentle indoors — moderate exercise needs despite their enormous size
  • Naturally imposing presence deters intruders without aggressive behavior
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming — just weekly brushing and occasional baths
  • Patient and tolerant with children — gentle giants who rarely show aggression

Cons

  • Short lifespan of 7–10 years — one of the shortest of any breed due to their giant size
  • Extremely high risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a life-threatening emergency
  • Expensive to maintain — food, veterinary care, medications, and supplies all cost more at giant-breed scale
  • Prone to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), hip dysplasia, and osteosarcoma

Ready to share your home with a gentle giant? Explore Great Danes available for adoption on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bichon Frise and a Great Dane?
The Bichon Frise is 12–18 lbs, 10–12 in sized while the Great Dane is 110–175 lbs, 28–32 in sized. They differ in size (12–18 lbs, 10–12 in vs 110–175 lbs, 28–32 in), lifespan (14–15 years vs 7–10 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bichon Frise or Great Dane?
Bichon Frise is generally good with kids. Great Dane is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bichon Frise or Great Dane?
The Bichon Frise has a lifespan of 14–15 years while the Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years.

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