Great Dane Price: How Much Do They Cost?
Published: Last updated: by Jessi LarsonGreat Danes are large, gorgeous dogs with an excellent temperament. But does the bigger size come with a bigger price tag? When it comes to Great Dane price, here’s everything you need to know.
We’ll explore the initial cost of getting a Great Dane and look at the difference between adopting and buying from a breeder. And you can’t forget about all the supplies needed when you get a dog, and how they’ll need to be much bigger with this massive animal.
What are the total expenses involved with owning a Great Dane? Here’s everything you need to know.
Great Dane Price: The Initial Cost
Friendly and dependable, the Great Dane was originally bred in Germany to hunt boars. Today, however, it’s hard to think of this breed as a ferocious hunter given their sweet demeanor and kind nature.
In fact, many people affectionately refer to them as a “gentle giant.”
The Great Dane weighs up to 180 pounds and stands up to 34 inches, so naturally, the first thing you think about is the cost. What’s the Great Dane price?
Well, it depends. First off, have you considered pet adoption? There are many beautiful Great Danes up for adoption.
The cost of adopting a Great Dane ranges, usually anywhere from $300-$600 to cover medical costs, food and transportation.
This is an in-demand breed – in fact, it’s consistently in the top 20 most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) – so there may be fierce competition at shelters.
The other option is to buy a Great Dane from a breeder. The plus side is that you know exactly where the dog came from and can train him or her from the very beginning.
Typically, the Great Dane price is between $600-$3,000. As with all canines, show-quality dogs with fancier pedigrees will cost more.
Most people, however, are just looking for a pet, and with that in mind, you can find many excellent breeders who price the Great Dane at around $1,500–$2,000.
Great Dane Food and Nutritional Needs
Naturally, the next question is how much does the Great Dane eat and how much does that cost?
Dollar signs are probably dancing through your head right now!
It is definitely something to seriously think about since their big size comes with a big appetite.
According to Dog Time, Great Danes need the following amount of food at these ages:
- Three to six months: females – 3-6 cups; males – 4-8 cups
- Eight months to one year: females – 5-8 cups; males – 6-10 cups
- Adolescents: females – 8 cups; males – 9-15 cups
- Adults: females – 6-8 cups; males – 8-10 cups
That’s a lot of food! Let’s do the math and see how it adds up.
A good-quality food brand usually costs about $30-$50 for a 40 pound bag. This will last anywhere from 2-4 weeks, depending on how old your dog is.
When a Great Dane is full grown, you can expect to pay about $100 a month for food and treats.
It’s a good idea to factor that in when considering the Great Dane price.
Great Dane Supplies
Another thing to think about is that you’ll need extra large supplies, which of course cost more.
The Great Dane needs a much larger dog bed, which will run around $75-$200.
The good news, though, is that the bed should last their entire lifetime.
The breed also needs a larger kennel. These can cost anywhere from $100-$200 depending on the style.
And you can’t forget about the toys! Small, delicate toys just won’t do with a dog like the Great Dane. They’ll need strong and sturdy toys that can stand up to their large jaws.
Our guide to the best Great Dane toys has the top 10 picks.
And of course you can’t forget about basics like a leash and collar, food and water bowls, shampoo and other basics.
On average, you can expect to spend around $500 on basic Great Dane supplies in the beginning.
Ongoing Health Expenses
Maintaining your dog’s health is an important part of being a Great Dane owner. After all, you want a four-legged friend who is happy and healthy!
The best way to do this is by seeing a veterinarian for regular check-ups. They’ll monitor your dog’s health, administer vaccinations and ensure your pup is in tip-top shape.
On average, you can expect to pay about $200-$300 per year for regular vet visits.
This total is for basic care. If your dog is sick or has other issues, the cost will obviously increase. (More on that below.)
It will also be more expensive in the beginning when your dog is young and needs more initial care.
You should also factor in the cost of both heart-worm and flea and tick prevention. Heartgard is around $150-$200 a year for large dogs while pest prevention is between $50-$100.
Yes, this medication is expensive but it’s much cheaper than treating a serious condition down the road.
Health Concerns That Add to the Great Dane Price
With a Great Dane, such a large frame increases the chance of health issues, unfortunately. In the health department, bigger isn’t necessarily better.
This breed is often ailed by “bloat and torsion,” a condition where the stomach twists on itself and traps air inside. It’s an extremely dangerous ailment that needs vet attention immediately. In fact, bloat is the number one cause of death of Great Danes.
The cost to diagnose and treat is $1,500-$7,500 according to Embrace Pet Insurance.
Another condition to look out for is cardiomyopathy. This is where the heart becomes dangerously enlarged. Common in all big dogs, cardiomyopathy is usually manageable with medication, which is great news but comes with a price of $500-$1,500.
Lastly, Great Dane owners also have to look out for hip dysplasia in their pets. Surgery to repair this malformation of the hip socket costs $1,500-$5,000. Not cheap, but something that needs to be done for your pet’s health.
By no means is it a guarantee that your Great Dane will have these ailments, but there is a much higher chance.
If you do decide to get a Great Dane, it’s a good idea to have a healthy savings account to cover any unplanned medical expenses.
Grooming Needs
The grooming needs of a breed is another factor to consider. Fortunately, when it comes to the overall Great Dane price, you won’t need to worry about the expense of grooming.
The Great Dane is pretty low maintenance in this category. They shed their coats, which means you don’t need to take them in for haircuts.
They do require a bath every 1-2 months, which you can easily do at home.
As for nails, they’ll need them trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks. This is about $15 if done professionally
Or you can buy a nail clipper or grinder and trim your dog’s nails at home. Here’s how.
So overall, you won’t have to stress about the cost of grooming when figuring out the Great Dane price.
Great Dane Price: Other Things to Consider
Is your head spinning yet? Well, there’s one more thing to consider regarding Great Dane price.
If you get a dog of this size, it’s only fair to you, your family and, importantly, your pup that you have the room. This means a bigger house and larger yard, which of course equals more money.
Also, you’ll need a vehicle that’s big enough to transport this large, lanky animal. Think a large sedan, SUV or minivan.
Final Thoughts: Great Dane Price
By and large (no pun intended), Great Danes are not the most affordable dog. The initial cost is a little on the high side, but the ongoing expenses can add up.
Everything traces back to the large size of the breed and how this increases costs.
But, if you’ve got the room and a decent savings account, you should definitely consider this loving breed. They are elegant and beautiful creatures who are great with animals and people alike.
And, surprisingly, they are pretty low maintenance and require little grooming or exercise.
Learn more about the Great Dane by watching the video below.
Great Dane Names
If you do decide that the Great Dane price is within your budget and this is the breed for you, you’re going to need a name for your new pup. And we have plenty of ideas!
You can start off with our guide to Great Dane names. The list was curated specifically for this large and loving breed.
Test out our online name generator to find some great name options. You can sort by your favorite styles and themes.
Easy Tips For Raising a Puppy
Is this your first dog? Or do you need a refresher on how to raise a puppy? Check out our free puppy guide!
You’ll learn all you need to know about getting a new puppy and feel confident about connecting with your new canine.
The puppy guide covers:
1. Deciding to get a new dog
We’ll explore the important questions you need to ask yourself before committing to a new dog. In the end, you’ll walk away with a clear idea of whether you’re ready or not for a pup.
2. Choosing a dog breed
One of the most important first steps is getting a dog breed that’s right for you and your current living situation. Even though you’re leaning toward a Great Dane, it’s a good idea to cover all the bases.
3. New puppy checklist
Once you decide on a dog, do you have everything you need before bringing them home? You’ll find out with this new puppy checklist.
4. Bringing puppy home
Speaking of bringing a puppy home, one of the first experiences your dog will share with you is the car ride home. It can be scary, so we’ll share tips and tricks on how to make it the best experience possible.
5. What to feed a puppy
Once your puppy is at home with you, it’ll be hungry. Especially a big breed like the Great Dane. Find out everything you need to know about feeding your new puppy.
6. Puppy care tips
Find out how to take the absolute best care of your dog. We’ll cover everything from vet appointments to grooming to medications and so much more.
7. Puppy training and socialization
And last but not least is the important topic of training socialization. After all, you want your dog to be well trained and to get along well with humans and other pets.
Getting a New Dog?