How Much Do Great Danes Cost? 2024
The cost of buying a Great Dane can vary depending on the breeder and the dog’s pedigree. On top of that, because of their large size, you should also consider the higher costs for food, medical care, and other needs. You can expect their lifetime cost to be around $30,000. While pet insurance can help cover some of these expenses, it’s important to be prepared for the significant financial commitment required to care for a Great Dane throughout its life.
Key Takeaways
Great Danes typically live around 7 to 10 years and can grow up to 32 inches tall, weighing between 110 to 175 pounds, making them best suited for homes with ample space.
Purebred Great Danes can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 or more, with prices varying based on pedigree, breeder, and specific coat colors.
Due to their large size, Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and bloat, with 50% of Great Danes facing some form of health problem.
How Much Does A Great Dane Cost?
The average cost of purchasing a Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. This price can vary significantly based on factors such as the dog’s bloodline, pedigree, and coat color. For instance, rare coat colors like the “blue” or “harlequin” patterns can command higher prices compared to more common colors like black or fawn.
Adopting a Great Dane from a rescue organization or shelter is typically more affordable, with fees ranging from $200 to $600. This adoption fee often includes essential services such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering.
In addition to the initial purchase or adoption cost, you should budget for ongoing expenses including veterinary care, specialized food, grooming, insurance, and potential health issues.
Great Dane Characteristics
Below is a table of the main characteristics for Great Danes.
| Characteristic | Great Dane Averages |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years |
| Weight | 110-175 pounds |
| Breed Type | Working dog |
| Size | 28-32 inches tall |
Great Danes are famous for their large size and friendly, gentle nature. They are among the biggest dog breeds, with males standing 28 to 32 inches tall and weighing between 110 to 175 pounds. Even though they are very big, Great Danes are known for being kind and loving, especially with families and kids. They are often called “gentle giants” because they are calm and loyal companions.
Great Danes have a sleek, strong build and a short coat that can come in different colors like black, blue, fawn, and harlequin. They have a majestic look with their long legs and deep chest, which gives them a noble appearance. While their size means they need plenty of space, their affectionate and easy-going nature makes them wonderful, loving family members.
Costs Of Owning A Great Dane
The costs of owning a Great Dane include the upfront cost as well as long-term costs.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care for a Great Dane usually cost between $300 and $700 each year. However, Great Danes can be susceptible to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat.
Estimated Lifetime Cost: $13,000
Grooming
Even though Great Danes have short fur, they still need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy. You should budget around $200 to $400 each year for grooming.
The average grooming cost is between $50 and $60.
Tip: If you invest in basic brushes, shampoos, and nail clippers, you can do monthly grooming yourself.
Estimated Lifetime Cost: $3,800
Diet
Due to their large size, Great Danes have a good diet. Typically, you can expect to spend between $80 and $150 each month on premium dog food.
Estimated Lifetime Cost: $7,600
Insurance
Even if your pet is young and healthy, pet insurance premiums for Great Danes can be higher because this breed is prone to costly health issues. Some people choose to save money for emergencies instead of getting insurance, while others prefer having insurance for the peace of mind it provides in case of unexpected health problems. You can expect to pay $40–$150+ per month on insurance.
Estimated Lifetime Cost: $6,100
Supplies
In terms of ongoing supplies and comfort costs for Great Danes, you’ll need to include things like:
- Bedding
- Crate
- Leash
- Collar
- Dog toys
- Bowls
How often you buy new dog toys, beds, carriers, or travel gear depends on your dogs needs. For example, Great Danes are strong chewers, so you’ll need to replace chew toys more often than you might think. Chew toys help keep your dog entertained and prevent them from damaging your things. Monthly cost may be around $10-$50 per month.
Estimated Lifetime Cost: $1,500
One-Time Costs
Most of the money you spend when getting a Great Dane will be on one-time costs.
Adoption Fees
Instead of buying a puppy, you can also consider adopting a Great Dane from a rescue organization. Adopting a dog has many benefits: it gives a loving home to a dog in need and is usually less expensive than buying a puppy.
The adoption cost is around $75–$300. Puppies are more popular and usually cost more. If you adopt an older dog, your expenses will be lower.
Because of their popularity, don’t expect Great Danes to be cheap, especially if they’re a purebred. If you’re looking to get a Great Dane, you’ll likely pay around $1,000 on average.
Vaccinations
Vaccinating a Great Dane is an important part of keeping them healthy, but it can also be a significant expense. On average, you can expect to spend between $100 and $300 per year on vaccinations for your Great Dane. This cost covers essential vaccines such as those for distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Since Great Danes are large dogs, they may require more of certain vaccines or booster shots, which can add to the cost.
Microchipping
Microchipping a Great Dane is a relatively affordable but important step in ensuring their safety. The cost of microchipping typically ranges from $30 to $60, depending on the vet or service provider. This one-time fee includes the microchip itself, implantation, and registration in a pet recovery database.
Registration
If you want to register your Great Dane with the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are additional fees. Basic registration costs $39.99, while registering with a pedigree is $64.99, according to the AKC.
Common Great Dane Health Issues
Great Danes are prone to several health issues that can be costly to treat. According to veterinary sources, this breed often faces problems such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions.
Here is a breakdown of common health issues for Great Danes and their average treatment costs:
| Health Issue | Average Treatment Cost |
| Hip dysplasia | $1,700 – $7,000 |
| Bloat (GDV) | $1,500 – $4,000 (surgery) |
| Cardiomyopathy | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Thyroid problems | $300 – $1,000 |
| Elbow dysplasia | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Allergies | $500 – $2,000 |
These costs can vary based on the severity of the condition and the specific treatment required.
How Much Is Pet Insurance For Great Danes
As mentioned, pet insurance for a Great Dane will vary depending on:
- The plan you get
- When you take out the plan (how old the dog is at the time)
- Your location
The average plan for Great Danes cost between $40 and $150 per month.
Comparing Costs: Great Dane Vs Other Breeds
The table below shows an average cost of purchasing a Great Dane puppy from a breeder, compared to other breeds:
| Breed | Adoption Costs |
| Great Dane | $300 |
| French Bulldog | $5,000 |
| Pug | $2,000 |
| Golden Retriever | $1,000 |
| Labrador Retriever | $1,900 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | $900 |
| Pomeranian | $1,500 |
| Maltese | $1,000 |
| Bulldog | $800 |
| Australian Shepherd | $1,700 |
| Beagle | $500 |
FAQs
Why are Great Danes so expensive?
Great Danes are expensive for several reasons. Their large size means they need more food and medical care, which costs more. Good breeders spend a lot on health checks and quality care for the dogs, raising the price. Great Danes can also have health issues that are costly to treat.
Are Great Danes worth buying?
Great Danes are loving, loyal, and great with families, making them wonderful companions if you have the space and resources to care for their size and special needs. However, their large size means higher costs for food, medical care, and maintenance. If you’re ready for the commitment and can handle the expenses, a Great Dane can be a rewarding addition to your family.
Sources
⇅- PetMD – Great Dane
- AKC – Breed Traits & Characteristics
