Kangal vs. Great Dane: Which Is the Bigger Dog?
When comparing two of the world’s most imposing dog breeds—the Kangal and the Great Dane—the question of size naturally arises. Though both are massive in their own right, their size dominance depends on which metric you prioritize: height or weight.
Physical Dimensions
- Great Dane: Typically stands between 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder. Weighs between 110 to 175 pounds.
- Kangal: Usually measures 28 to 32 inches in height. Known for its muscular build, the breed commonly weighs between 90 to 145 pounds, though some males can exceed 150 pounds.
While Great Danes are usually taller, Kangals are often bulkier and more powerful in muscle mass.
Body Structure and Appearance
The Great Dane is renowned for its sleek, statuesque form. It’s often dubbed the “Apollo of Dogs” due to its noble bearing. Despite its height, it maintains a graceful elegance and is often described as lean rather than muscular.
The Kangal, in contrast, projects raw physical strength. Bred as a livestock guardian dog, it has a thick, sturdy body, thick neck, and robust shoulders. Its frame is more compact, but denser than the Dane's.
Purpose and Behavior
- Great Dane: Originally bred for boar hunting, modern Great Danes are gentle giants, often used as companion pets.
- Kangal: Bred in Turkey to protect livestock from large predators like wolves and bears, Kangals are protective, loyal, and courageous.
This difference in historical purpose contributes to their structural divergence—Great Danes were bred for speed and agility, while Kangals were designed for power and endurance.
Head and Musculature
Kangals have a broad, powerful head with a short muzzle and heavily muscled jaws. Their bite force is among the strongest of any dog breed, sometimes measured at over 700 psi.
Great Danes, meanwhile, have a narrower head and longer muzzle, offering a more elegant outline but less jaw strength compared to the Kangal.
Height vs. Weight Comparison
- Height: The Great Dane often outranks the Kangal, making it the taller breed overall.
- Weight: The Kangal typically outweighs the average Great Dane, especially in working-line males.
- Mass and Strength: The Kangal’s frame is denser, giving it the edge in terms of muscular build.
Living Requirements
- Great Danes: Adaptable to indoor living but require space due to their size. Not suited for apartment dwellers unless provided ample exercise.
- Kangals: Thrive in rural or suburban environments. They need outdoor space and a job to do, given their watchdog instincts and energy levels.
Health and Lifespan
Great Danes often have a shorter lifespan, generally 7 to 10 years, due to their large size and susceptibility to issues like bloat and heart disease. Kangals tend to live slightly longer, averaging 12 to 15 years, especially when kept active and at a healthy weight.
Which Is Truly Bigger?
In raw height, there’s no denying the Great Dane is the largest dog breed—some individuals even exceed 36 inches tall. However, if you’re evaluating mass, strength, and working build, the Kangal likely takes the crown. It’s the more formidable of the two in function and physicality, despite being slightly shorter on average.
Conclusion
So which is truly bigger—the Kangal or the Great Dane? It depends on your definition. For towering stature and sleek presence, the Great Dane stands tallest. But for raw power, muscle, and protective dominance, the Kangal clearly dominates. Both breeds are magnificent in their own right and best suited to experienced dog owners who can meet their unique needs.
