Great Dane Price – Here’s How Much They Cost!

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Are you considering getting a Great Dane but wondering what a typical Great Dane price is? As a special giant breed, it’s not unreasonable to think that they might be more expensive than more common breeds like Labs or Golden Retrievers.

A Great Dane purchased from a quality breeder costs between $1,700 – $3,000. They charge a higher price due to the extreme emphasis placed on the care of breeding to avoid health issues and after-birth care. By comparison, Great Danes adopted from a shelter often cost between $300 – $400.

While these numbers represent the average amount you can expect to pay for a Great Dane, these prices are only the tip of the iceberg! From veterinary care, food, bedding, and toys, this is just the beginning of what you can expect to pay to support a Great Dane.

Given the breed’s disposition to health issues such as dysplasia, bloat, and more, understanding the potential total cost of owning a Great Dane is very important to consider.

Great Dane Cost Breakdown

Initial Purchase Price

Okay, if I didn’t scare you off, and you still want a Great Dane, congratulations!

You’ve chosen wisely! You’re going to love your new Great Dane 😉

Now the question becomes, do you want to buy your pup from a breeder or adopt him or her from a shelter or rescue center?

Both have advantages and disadvantages, but I’ll try to untangle some of those factors here and make your decision a little easier.

Breeder Fees

There are some truly wonderful breeders out there who do amazing things for the dog world. But if you want a papered dog, it will cost you considerably more…

While you can’t be 100% sure of the dog’s health and temperament, there is some comfort to be had by knowing your dog’s lineage and having as much information as possible.

That said, keep in mind that there is a difference between “show quality” and “pet quality.” The price varies between the two as well.

A Great Dane’s price for a non-shelter purebred puppy could be anywhere from $800 – $3,000. This price range is impacted by your paper preference, as well as the dog’s lineage.

However, those selling Great Dane puppies near the bottom of this range are less likely to have taken a careful or ethical approach to breeding and care.

Quality breeders charge more, and often fall in the range of $1,700 – $3,000. They charge a higher price due to the extreme emphasis placed on the care of breeding, as well as care after birth.

Note: This Great Dane puppy cost range was found by surveying 81 reputable breeders in late 2019.

If you still want a purebred Great Dane but can’t afford to pay registered prices, you may consider a non-registered or “backyard” breeder.

The key here is to do your homework!

Lucky for you, I created a page that consolidates every breeder by state in the US to help you find a Great Dane breeder near you!

If they are members of a reputable organization such as the American Kennel Club, it can go a long way toward their credibility, but it also adds cost. Many “backyard” breeders simply love the breed and care about promoting it are out there as well.

In these cases, a couple of indicators of quality are a stringent screening process for potential buyers and transparency and openness.

Adoption Fees

Depending on your location, you may be able to find a rescue shelter or adoption agency with the perfect Great Dane for you. The Great Dane Club of America also has a listing of their rescue committee members by state that you can contact for recommendations.

I want to be clear: the vast majority of dogs you will find at a shelter or rescue will be the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. That said, there are occasionally dogs that are given to shelters because they seem to be incompatible with certain situations.

If you aren’t up for working with your dog on behavior issues, you may want to reconsider getting any dog, but there are exceptions. Parents with small children, for instance, might be forgiven for wanting to make sure they get a dog that doesn’t have a propensity for nipping.

In any case, adoption fees, on the whole, will be the less expensive alternative to breeders. It will depend on your location, but you should expect to pay anywhere from $300-$400 for a purebred puppy under six months.

The price can also drop (or rise) depending on the age and pedigree of the dog.

The real risk with adoption comes down to a higher risk for health issues as you’re unable to trace the dog’s lineage for previous occurrences.

Breeder Screening Process

If a breeder has you answer questions about the environment in which you plan to keep your dog, the family dynamic, other pets, etc., it can indicate that they’re interested in making sure their animals are cared for.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the breeder will allow you to see the mother and visit your puppy before you bring him or her home. If they don’t want to let you do either of these things, proceed cautiously.

Great Dane Veterinary Care

Vaccinations

There are a number of vaccines your pup will need when you’re just starting out. Depending on your location, DHLPP should usually run between $25-$50.

Bortadella will run $12-$35, Rabies (1 yr.) will cost between $9-$40, while multiple other fecal, heartworm, and flea treatments can cost $10-100 each.

Depending on the area and the vet, you should expect to budget between $125-$480 on vaccinations and preventative treatments.

Spay/Neuter

While many Humane Society locations and other low-cost clinics offer affordable spay and neuter services, you should expect the fees for Great Danes to be a little on the higher end of the spectrum due to their size and weight.

• A neuter operation will typically cost between $125-$400 for a Great Dane. 
• Spaying costs a bit more because it’s a more complex surgery.
• You can expect to pay between $200-$600 for a spaying operation.

Of course, if you fall in love with Great Danes and want to breed them, you can opt not to spay or neuter. If you choose to do this, however, PLEASE be responsible!

If your male gets loose and impregnates another dog, that’s a litter of puppies potentially destined for euthanasia.

Similarly, if your female were to get loose and pregnant by an anonymous male, you’re stuck with a litter of mixed puppies that aren’t worth what you would have been hoping for with purebred Dane pups.

And let’s not forget about complications with the litter!

Giving birth is a traumatic experience; unfortunately, neither the mother’s nor the litter’s safety is guaranteed.

If you’re purchasing your Great Dane to breed him or her, please ensure that your dog does not have the opportunity for unauthorized breeding.

Also, discuss your intent to breed up-front with the breeder to avoid complications down the road.

Yearly Check-ups

A routine office visit at the vet will typically cost between $20-$75. This means getting your dog to the vet at least once a year is not expensive.

During the puppy stages, when vaccinations are needed, you may need to go a little more frequently than that. On the whole, a visit every year is worth your dog’s weight in gold! And we all know that’s a fair amount of weight when it comes to a Great Dane 😉

Anyone who’s lost a pup too soon because of a sudden illness that could have been prevented could be preaching with me on this one.

Great Dane Health Concerns

Here are some common veterinary costs associated with Great Dane ownership: antibiotics can cost anywhere from $10-$200. Ear Infection, between $15-$75. X-rays run $50-$200.

Here’s the real needle, though: Bloat/torsion/GDV surgery could cost between one and five thousand dollars!

The upside is that a surgical procedure known as a gastropexy can be performed to reduce the chance of occurrence. Gastropexies typically cost around $500 but can be less when performed in conjunction with another surgery, such as a neuter or spay.

Suddenly that $20-$75 yearly visit isn’t sounding too bad, huh?

Other major concerns are hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia can be easily detected during those preventative vet visits about which I was just preaching.

The advantage, there, of course, is that if you catch it early, you can start treating it early!

Ideally, it would prevent an expensive surgery down the road. This saves both you and your dog a lot of heart (and rear-end) aches in the long run.

With cardiomyopathy, the Great Dane’s heart is just too big. No, really, it’s enlarged, and it’s not a good thing.

It’s very dangerous but can usually be treated with medication. The downside is that the meds will cost between $500-$1,500 a month.

Health concerns are clearly a big ordeal, as are the medical bills that can come along with them. For this reason, we highly recommend researching pet insurance for Great Danes and other options to ensure you can pay these bills if they arise.

Great Dane Food

Okay, so remember all of those horrible medical conditions I outlined above?

What if I told you that spending a little extra on food can help your chances of preventing those conditions, just like your yearly vet checkup?

Just like humans, consuming higher-quality food will lead to fewer health issues later in life.

A dog will grow very rapidly, no matter what breed. For Great Danes, that means adding a LOT of bone and muscle mass in a very short amount of time. This is the source of a great many of the hip dysplasia and other joint problems found in Great Danes.

Feed your dog quality food specifically designed to meet its growth needs. This will give them a better chance of avoiding joint problems. You can also find our full article on exactly how much to feed your growing Great Dane puppy.

So, it’s probably going to cost you around $70-$100 per month for food if you want to do it right.

We recommend using online services such as chewy.com. They not only give you the benefit of good prices and a wide selection but also the convenience of scheduled auto-ships.

We have used Chewy for years and have thoroughly enjoyed their consistent shipping schedule and fair prices.

Great Dane Doggy Gear

Okay, I’m not gonna lie; this is my favorite part. Getting your new pooch set up with all of the comforts a four-legged friend deserves is fun! 

So make sure to leave some room in your budget for it. Start with an assortment of plush, hard, and chew toys to better understand what they enjoy.

Food and water dishes will run as low as $10 and as expensive as you want. I’m sure Tiffany and Co. make a $45,000 dog dish somewhere – but you shouldn’t need to spend more than double digits for the rest of us.

Grooming supplies can run between $40-$100 for everything that you would need. This includes items such as shampoo, nail clippers, etc…

Crates & Bedding

Now the crate is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. You NEED a ginormous crate for your Great Dane. Rather than re-hash this entire topic, reference our dedicated article on the best crate for Great Danes.

While there are cheaper options available, our recommended crates are built to last a lifetime. These will save you money in the long run, ranging from $150 to $300.

Bedding – well, you can go crazy here! The good news is that decent bedding can be found for under one hundred dollars.

However, you can also choose to splurge and pamper your pooch with extravagant beds as well. We’ve got a list of a few recommended ones here.

Boarding Prices

There is some conflicting information out there when it comes to boarding costs for giant breeds. The final cost will most often depend on your location and the boarding service you select.

While the size of your dog may play a factor in some places, it’s usually not the primary one. If you put your Dane in a five-star luxury pet resort, you can expect to fork over big bucks!

For the average pet daycare center, around $25-$50 per night of boarding seems to be the norm. Daycare runs cheaper and will often cost around 50%-60% of overnight boarding.

Just as with choosing a breeder, you’re going to want to go out and meet with your potential pet-sitters, too. Pay close attention to the environment and the overall health of the other animals. Lastly, make sure that your dog gets along with the overall vibe of the place.

Other initial costs to consider include licensing, which can run anywhere from $9-$30, depending on your location. Should you choose to partake in a formal obedience training class, they typically cost around $200-$500 for an 8-week course.

Puppy Training and Socialization

Great Danes are gentle and affectionate dogs known for their gigantic size and power. Due to their immense potential, it is crucial for pet owners to invest in professional training and socialization for their Great Dane.

Beginning the training process at an early age ensures that your pet will grow up to be a well-behaved, balanced member of your family.

Professional training is especially important for Great Danes because of their incredible strength and size.

Aspects such as obedience, basic commands, and leash control are essential to equip your pet with the necessary skills to handle their physical prowess.

Incorporating positive reinforcement tactics helps build a strong bond between you and your dog while keeping the training experience enjoyable and productive.

Socialization is equally vital in shaping a loving and well-mannered Great Dane. Introducing your pet to different people, animals, and environments helps them become more adaptable and comfortable in various situations.

Remember that the critical window for socialization lies between the ages of 2 and 12 weeks. Hence, exposing your Great Dane to diverse experiences during this period is essential.

However, you should also continue socializing with your pet throughout their lifetime.

Engaging in structured playtimes and organized group activities can also contribute to successful socialization.

By participating in such events, your Great Dane will learn essential social skills and gain confidence in interacting with other animals and people.

In conclusion, prioritizing professional training and socialization for your Great Dane makes it an enjoyable and enriching experience for both you and your dog.

By setting a foundation at an early age, you ensure that your gentle giant will grow into a calm and well-mannered family member.

Unexpected Costs

When considering the purchase of a Great Dane, it is essential to be aware of the unexpected costs that may arise throughout dog ownership.

Due to their large size and breed-specific health issues, Great Danes may require additional medical procedures and treatments throughout their lifetime.

Some common ailments that can affect the breed include hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, heart disease, and bone cancer. These medical conditions can lead to expensive vet fees, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity and treatment required.

Moreover, pet insurance can be a valuable investment for Great Dane owners to help manage unexpected medical expenses.

The monthly premium can vary based on the breed, age, and coverage. Policyholders should research and compare plans to find the best fit for their specific needs.

In addition to medical costs, Great Dane owners should consider the increased expenses related to their dog’s size, such as food, bedding, toys, and grooming.

For example, a Great Dane’s diet requires a larger amount of high-quality food to support its growth and overall health. This can increase the monthly food bill significantly in comparison to smaller breeds.

In summary, owning a Great Dane involves budgeting for unexpected costs related to spaying or neutering, vaccinations, potential health problems, and regular expenses associated with their large size.

Being financially prepared for these costs can help ensure a happy and healthy life for the gentle giants.

Additional Dog Considerations

Size and Space Requirements

When considering owning a Great Dane, it’s important to think about the size and space requirements of these massive dogs.

Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, often weighing well over 100 pounds. This means that their living environment should be spacious enough to accommodate their size.

A crate should be large enough for the dog to move around comfortably, and durable toys will be necessary for play and mental stimulation.

Having a fenced yard or access to a nearby park is essential for exercise, as these dogs require regular physical activity to maintain their well-being. A sturdy leash and a comfortable collar are necessary accessories for daily walks and outings.

Keep in mind that while size is an important factor in determining the overall costs of owning a Great Dane, the breed’s popularity can influence the price range. According to the AKC, Great Danes rank among the top 20 most popular dog breeds.

The average price of a Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder ranges between $1,000 and $1,500, but some may cost as low as $600 or as high as $3,000, depending on factors like pedigree, coat color, and health screenings.

Senior Dog Care

Caring for a senior Great Dane may require additional finances and considerations. Health issues like joint problems and heart conditions are more common in larger dogs like Great Danes.

As your dog ages, preventative care and regular check-ups become even more essential to ensure their continued well-being. Keep a budget for potential X-rays, dental care, and other health-related expenses.

Investing in a supportive dog bed can alleviate joint discomfort for your aging pet. Grooming essentials, like a nail clipper and toothbrush, are important for maintaining hygiene and overall health.

Additionally, be prepared for the possibility of boarding your senior dog if you need to travel or require temporary care assistance.

It’s crucial to acquire your Great Dane from a responsible breeder or rescue organization rather than from puppy mills or unethical sources. Ask for proof of health screenings and papers to ensure your dog’s pedigree and genetic health.

Choosing to adopt from a rescue or pound not only helps save a life but may also be a more affordable option, with adoption fees typically ranging from $75 to $300.

Microchipping your Great Dane is important for their safety, ensuring they can be identified and returned should they ever become lost. Remember, the well-being of your dog should always take precedence over saving on costs.

Conduct thorough research and understand the full spectrum of responsibilities involved in owning a Great Dane before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

So How Much Does a Great Dane Cost Again?

The costs quickly increase between adoption/purchase fees, veterinary care, food, and other pet supplies. Our estimate is for a Great Dane’s first two years of life to account for early life costs such as a spay or neuter.

Repeat costs such as vaccinations and food were accounted for to help provide a more accurate estimate. Also, note that regional cost of living differences create large ranges in cost and, as such, are reflected in the range. The decision to adopt versus purchase from a breeder is also a large factor in the gap.

I estimate that the average cost of a healthy Great Dane in its first two years will fall between $3,000 – $10,000. Keep in mind that this does not account for additional health issues that could arise, such as dysplasia or GDV.

It also does not include fees for daycare or boarding, as families’ needs for these services will vary widely.

Also, keep in mind that the cost of food, veterinary care, and replacing items like toys or beds will be ongoing throughout the remainder of your Great Dane’s life. 

Once again, we recommend looking into pet insurance to put your mind at rest when it comes to paying for the more expensive medical issues. We’ve got a dedicated article on the topic of Great Dane pet insurance for more info.

To borrow from an old credit-card commercial cliche, though, the years of absolute joy your new Great Dane will bring you: 

Priceless!