Great Dane vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

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

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–27 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Friendly Smart Energetic

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.

About the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain.

Temperament & Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path.

Pros

  • Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogs
  • Low-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushing
  • Superb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed trait
  • Powerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challenging
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructive
  • Prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia

Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Great Dane and a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Great Dane is 110–175 lbs, 28–32 in sized while the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in sized. They differ in size (110–175 lbs, 28–32 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in), lifespan (7–10 years vs 12–13 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Great Dane or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
Great Dane is generally good with kids. Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Great Dane or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 years while the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–13 years.

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