Smaller Dogs Like Great Dane: 9 Close Breed Matches
Are you drawn to the Great Dane’s gentle giant personality but need a more manageable size?
Many dog lovers face this exact dilemma when considering their next four-legged companion.
The Great Dane’s calm temperament and loyal nature make them an ideal family pet, yet its massive size can be challenging for many households.
From big dogs that start with d like Dobermans to swift sighthounds, these alternatives offer comparable temperaments in more compact packages.
Fortunately, several smaller breeds share similar traits with Great Danes.
This guide examines nine breeds that capture the Great Dane’s essence while fitting better into smaller living spaces and requiring less physical maintenance.
Each breed maintains the gentle, family-friendly qualities that make Great Danes so beloved while offering practical advantages for modern dog owners.
Top 9 Smaller Dog Breeds Similar to The Great Dane
Each of these nine breeds reflects the Great Dane’s affectionate personality, dependable bond with owners, and elegant appearance, just in more compact frames.
1. Whippet
The Whippet reflects the Great Dane’s relaxed household presence and tender interactions with family. Their lean build and smooth coat create a similar visual appeal to their giant cousins.
Like Great Danes, Whippets are known for being quiet house dogs who enjoy lounging. Their sighthound heritage gives them the same noble appearance and graceful movement patterns.
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2. Greyhound
Greyhounds share the Great Dane’s gentle giant personality in a slightly smaller frame. Their similar coat colors and patterns often mirror those found in Great Danes.
Both breeds are known as “couch potatoes” despite their athletic build. Greyhounds share the same easygoing patience with kids, making them equally reliable as family companions.
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3. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds possess the same sweet, gentle temperament as Great Danes in a toy-sized package. Their sleek build and graceful movement echo the Great Dane’s noble bearing.
Like Great Danes, these petite sighthounds can appear cautious with newcomers yet remain deeply attached to their households. Their quiet nature makes them suitable apartment companions.
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4. Saluki
Salukis display the same dignified, calm temperament that characterizes Great Danes. Their lean build and elegant appearance create a similar visual impression in a more moderate size.
Salukis, like Great Danes, are kind toward children but may maintain a dignified distance with unfamiliar people. They possess the same quiet, indoor personality that makes Great Danes such pleasant house companions.
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5. Borzoi
Borzois are essentially smaller Great Danes in temperament and build. Their tall, lean sighthound frame mirrors the Great Dane’s elegant proportions.
Much like Danes, Borzois enjoy peaceful indoor living, carrying themselves with quiet elegance and refined calmness, reserved with strangers but devoted to family.
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6. Weimaraner
Weimaraners possess the same friendly, outgoing personality that makes Great Danes such excellent family dogs. Their short coat and athletic build mirror the Great Dane’s physical characteristics.
Weimaraners, like Great Danes, build powerful family connections and show kindness in their interactions with kids. Weimaraners share the Great Dane’s need for regular exercise balanced with calm indoor behavior.
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7. Vizsla
Vizslas share the Great Dane’s gentle, affectionate nature and strong bond with their human families. Their lean build and smooth coat create a similar appearance in a more manageable size.
Vizslas echo the Dane’s affection toward youngsters and maintain a composed, relaxed presence at home. Both breeds thrive on human companionship and prefer to stay close to their families.
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8. Pointer
Pointers display the same calm, gentle temperament that makes Great Danes such beloved family pets. Their athletic build and short coat mirror the Great Dane’s physical appearance.
Pointers, similar to Great Danes, handle children with steady patience and adapt well to calm household environments. Pointers share the Great Dane’s tendency to be friendly yet dignified in their interactions.
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9. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds are often called “Great Danes in rough coats” due to their near-identical temperament.
They embody the same gentle spirit, relaxed home life, and tolerant nature with kids that Danes are cherished for. Both breeds share a dignified, aloof demeanor with strangers and deep loyalty to family.
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How to Choose the Right Breed for You?
Consider your living space and activity level when selecting a Great Dane alternative. Smaller breeds still need adequate exercise but require less physical space than giant breeds.
Think about your experience with dogs and training requirements. Some breeds need more consistent training and socialization than others to develop their best temperament traits.
Important Considerations:
- Assess your available living space and yard size.
- Consider your activity level and exercise preferences.
- Research breed-specific health concerns and veterinary costs.
- Evaluate grooming needs and maintenance requirements.
- Think about your experience level with dog training.
- Consider the breed’s compatibility with children or other pets.
Remember that individual dogs within breeds can vary significantly in temperament and needs.
Meeting potential dogs and talking with reputable breeders or rescue organizations helps ensure the best match for your specific situation and lifestyle preferences.
Final Thoughts
These nine breeds prove that you don’t need a giant dog to enjoy the Great Dane’s wonderful qualities.
Each option brings the same gentle spirit and family devotion in a more practical size.
Whether you choose a speedy Whippet or a loyal Vizsla, you’ll find similar temperament traits without the space challenges.
Selecting the right breed depends on matching specific needs with your lifestyle. Some require more exercise, others need minimal grooming, and training requirements vary significantly.
Take time to research thoroughly and meet potential dogs before deciding. Each individual dog has unique personality traits that may differ from breed standards.
Which of these Great Dane alternatives appeals most to your family situation? I’d love to hear about your breed selection process and questions.
