The Dog Codex

Compare

Side by side

Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.

Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland

Working · Canada (Newfoundland)

  • AKC group

    Working

  • Size

    Giant

  • Height

    66–71 cm

  • Weight

    45–69 kg

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    Moderate, in line with this site’s other giant Working plates and with AKC’s own exercise copy: “Newfoundlands need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. ” The standards still describe a powerful working athlete — AKC wants “good reach, strong drive… effortless power”; The Royal Kennel Club’s general appearance is “strength, great activity and effortless power”; FCI warns against a “sluggish appearance.

  • Trainability

    High

  • Coat

    A flat, water-resistant double coat.

  • Origin

    Canada (Newfoundland)

  • Temperament

    Sweetness of temperament is, in the AKC standard’s own closing words, “the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed. ” The same standard opens by calling the dog sweet-dispositioned, neither dull nor ill-tempered, and a devoted companion, with an expression that reflects “benevolence, intelligence, and dignity.

Great Dane

Great Dane

Working · Germany

  • AKC group

    Working

  • Size

    Giant

  • Height

    72–90 cm (FCI)

  • Weight

    ~50–79 kg (AKC profile)

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    Moderate. Danes may seem sedate, but the AKC says they need daily exercise suited to their age, and two or three brisk walks a day can be enough.

  • Trainability

    Moderate

  • Coat

    The coat is short, thick and smooth with a glossy shine.

  • Origin

    Germany

  • Temperament

    The AKC standard asks for a Dane that is spirited and courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. The FCI describes a dog that is friendly, loving and devoted to its owners, possibly reserved with strangers, and confident, fearless and docile, with a high tolerance for provocation.