The Great Dane
Many people adore large dogs like Great Danes who insist on sitting on their laps. But how much are Great Danes? This guide will break down all the expenses of owning a Great Dane.
We’ve compiled all the information about the Great Dane price regarding food, the average cost of supplies, professional training, veterinary expenses, insurance, and a few other things to consider.
How Much are Great Danes?
The price varies on whether you want a puppy or an adult. So, how much are Great Danes puppies? You may want to buy a Great Dane puppy to raise it into an adult. A puppy from a responsible breeder costs an average between around $1,000 and $1,500. For instance, a gray Great Dane puppy ranges between around $1000 and $1500. However, some puppies may cost as little as $600, while others may cost more than $3,000.
Irresponsible breeders or puppy mills may charge much less than $600 for a puppy. However, this is most likely because they have not spent any money on their health. Sure, we all like to save money, but you’ll likely end up paying much more on vet bills and specialized training in the long run. So, please stay away from cheap puppies.
Factors Affecting Puppy Prices
So, why do breeders charge such disparities for their puppies? There are many factors to consider, but here are the main ones.
Breeder Quality
Understandably, breeders with experience and knowledge will charge a premium for their services. And, while they charge a little more for higher-quality puppies, it often means you’ll spend less on vet bills and training in the long run. It also means bringing home a happy and healthy puppy, which is priceless.
Responsible breeders will test their dogs for common health issues. This means your puppy has a lower chance of developing it. Poor-quality breeders, on the other hand, do not. Instead, they breed sick dogs to maximize profits, increasing the likelihood of sick puppies.
Poor-quality breeders are skilled at appearing to be responsible breeders, so you must thoroughly research them.
Bloodline
Some breeders produce award-winning dogs, which increases the likelihood of having potential champion pups. If you want a show stopper, you should work with a breeder who produces top-breed bloodlines. These guys are more expensive, closer to the $3,000 mark we mentioned earlier.
Location and Season
The cost of a puppy also depends on the breeder’s location. If they live in a high-cost area, they will have to charge a slightly higher rate to cover their expenses. Similarly, some areas favor Danes more than others, implying a slightly higher demand.
Great Dane cost tags are higher where there is more demand. Time also affects the cost of a puppy. Puppies available for adoption in the summer are likely to be more expensive than those available in the winter.
Age
Puppies are usually ready to go home at eight weeks, and the majority of them do. However, some puppies end up staying a little longer. They are either the least favorite of the bunch or require extra time with their mother.
Because breeders don’t want pups to be left behind, they price the puppies lower until they sell. You could save a few dollars if you are willing to wait a few weeks. However, you run the risk of losing them to someone else.
Great Dane Coat Colors
Choosing a color for your Great Dane can be one of your first major decisions! While Great Danes come in various colors and patterns, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes seven breed colors.
If you want to enter your Dane in dog shows, you should keep this in mind because entrants are not allowed to the officially approved breed colors. Blue, Black, Fawn, Harlequin, Brindle, Mantle, and Merle are the seven officially recognized colors. Crossing colors within the family is more acceptable than crossing colors across families.
Fawn
AKC Standards
Yellow gold with a black mask will be the color. The eye rims and brows should be black, and the ears and tail tip should also be black. The AKC prefers deep yellow gold. It does not allow ones with white markings on the chest and toes. You can also find fawn coats in Bullmastiffs, Bloodhounds, Chihuahuas, and Cocker Spaniels.
Brindle
AKC Standards
The base color shall always be yellow gold, brindled with strong black cross stripes in a chevron pattern. The AKC recommends a black mask. The eye rims and brows should be black, and the ears and tail tip should also be black. The deeper the base color, the more popular the color will be.
Both too much and too little brindling are undesirable. White markings on the chest and toes, as well as black-fronted, dirty brindles, are unwanted. The Boxer, Mastiff, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Boston Terrier, and French Bulldog have brindle coats. You can buy a brindle Great Dane puppy for $1,000 to $2,000.
Blue
AKC Standards
The color will be a bright steel blue. White markings on the toes and chest are unappealing. Blue Danes are well-known for their striking appearance. Other breeds with blue coats include Italian Grayhounds, American Pit Bulls, Poodles, Shar-pei, and Irish Wolfhounds.
Since their coats are similar in appearance, those unfamiliar with Great Danes frequently mistake a blue Dane for a Weimaraner. The blue Great Dane cost ranges between $600 to $3,000.
Black
AKC Standards
The color should be shiny black. The white markings on the chest and toes are unappealing. In direct sunlight, a healthy black coat will sparkle brilliantly. As a result, this is especially useful for show dogs because it highlights Dane’s impressive musculature.
Other breeds with solid black coats include the Newfoundland, Pumi, Standard Schnauzer, German Shepherd, Chow Chow, and Labrador Retriever.
Harlequin
AKC Standard
The base color is pure white with black torn patches distributed irregularly and evenly over the entire body. AKC prefers a pure white neck. Merle patches are quite common. No patch should be so big that it looks like a blanket. Black hairs on the white base coat that give a salt and pepper or dirty appearance are eligible but less desirable.
Harlequin breeding presents unique health challenges not found in other breed colors. As a result, the preferred breeding strategy is to produce litters from a Harlequin to Mantle pairing rather than a Harlequin to Harlequin pairing.
Surprisingly, people confuse Harlequin with Dalmatians due to the similarity of their large spots! The Great Dane harlequin price for a puppy is approximately $900.
Mantle
AKC Standard
The color shall be black and white, with a solid black blanket extending over the body; a black skull with a white muzzle; a white blaze is optional; a white chest; white on part or all of the forelegs and hind legs; and a white-tipped black tail. A small white mark on the black blanket, as well as a break in the white collar, are acceptable.
Mantle Danes were dubbed “Boston” until the late 1990s due to their resemblance to the Boston Terrier.
Merle
AKC Standards
Merle is an addition to the color palette. Merle coats are similar to Harlequin coats. It has spots, the only difference being that it has a gray coat rather than a white one. Spotting in white and black is also common. The shade of gray varies, as does the number of spots. The coat pattern can also vary, with harlequin or mantle combinations.
The merle coat comes in a variety of styles, as mentioned above. fawn merle, merle harlequin (or merlequin), blue merle, and brindle merle are common examples. The merle Great Dane price for a puppy is around $700 and $4000.
The Unofficial Great Dane Colors
There are several unofficial Great Dane coat colors. This is a partial list because there are many other colors and color combinations.
As mentioned, these colors of Danes can still make wonderful, loving additions to your family. The only restriction is that they cannot compete in dog shows because they do not meet the official breed standard. Some of the most common ones, along with their descriptions, are listed below.
Fawnequin
The Fawnequin is a fawn-colored Harlequin, as the name implies. The base coat color is white, with torn fawn patches. Color and spot variations are possible. Brindle and Merle are also possible patterns.
White
This is the least common Great Dane color and the most prone to genetic defects. White Danes are almost entirely white and are common in Merle-to-Merle mating. However, some markings on the coat may appear.
Monthly Maintenance
It costs money to own a dog. And the costs of bringing a massive goofball into your life are higher than those of a typical dog. You will need numerous items to purchase initially and throughout their lifetime. Some things aren’t necessary, but you might want to buy your dog a Halloween costume, have a photo shoot, or throw a birthday party.
You should also remember that life is full of surprises, some of which will involve your dog. This could include life-saving surgery resulting from an accident or emergency boarding for an unexpected business trip.
If you are concerned that you will be unable to afford these situations, you should ensure that you have insurance to cover these unexpected costs. The following are some of the monthly requirements and expenses you may face.
Supplies
There are numerous supplies to consider – we have listed almost everything you’ll require in our table below. This is what you’ll need to get yourself before your puppy arrives. You can reuse some of your existing gear if you’ve previously owned a big dog or a similarly shaped giant dog. Of course, as long as it is no longer in use!
The Great Dane puppy is enormous and will grow into an even larger adult! This means it’ll probably need everything in XXL, which is more expensive than XS. Instead of purchasing new items at each stage of development, some products are available in XXL immediately.
For example, an XXL dog crate with training dividers is ideal for rapidly growing Fidos. Other items, such as harnesses and collars, will need a replacement as it grows.
Some of the supplies listed below, such as dog food, are ongoing monthly expenses. And some may need replacement when worn out, which may occur several times during their lifetime. Generally, the higher the quality, the longer they will last. Some high-quality dog beds suitable for the Great Dane, for example, are built to last a lifetime.
| Supplies | Average Costs in USD ($) |
| Food | 50 |
| Leash | 15 |
| Crate | 100 |
| Food & water bowls | 20 |
| Dog collar | 20 |
| Leash | 15 |
| Poop bags | 55 |
| Stain & odor removal spray | 10 |
| ID tags | 10 |
| Toothbrush kit & brush | 10 |
| Shampoo | 10 |
| Toys | 25 |
| Harness | 30 |
| Microchipping | 40 |
| First aid kit | 30 |
| Treats | 25 |
| Brush | 15 |
| Nail clippers | 15 |
| TOTAL | 670 |
As you can see, the supplies for your puppy starter pack will cost an average of $670. Given that some puppies destroy everything, you should buy cheaper items and spend less. Alternatively, you can spend more money on a few things to ensure quality and longevity. If you need to puppy-proof your home with safety gates and tall fences, you will need to add these costs to the total.
Professional Training
Puppy training classes are great for all dogs because they socialize puppies and help owners build confidence. You may not see the need for puppy training classes if you are an experienced dog owner. Because the Great Dane isn’t a particularly protective or dominant dog breed, obedience training is not necessary.
Initial puppy training classes typically cost around $100 for a five-week course. This usually entails one 1-hour session per week. If you want a more intensive or one-on-one training course, it will cost much more. Some dog training companies charge several thousand dollars for doggy boot camp training. All these depend on how much help you require.
Environment Upkeep Costs
Maintaining the environment will cost around $10 to $50 per month. Chew toys are likely to be the most expensive aspect of environmental maintenance. Great Danes are strong chewers, so make sure they direct their destructive instincts toward toys rather than shoes or furniture.
However, not all chew toys are the same. Some will last months, while others will break when they hit the floor, and the price isn’t always guaranteed quality.
Aside from that, the only thing you’ll need to be concerned about is poop bags for walks. You might not have to worry about that as much if you have a yard for your dog to play in. In that case, a one-time investment in a pooper would suffice.
Food
Because the Great Dane has a voracious appetite, food for your Giant breed dog is likely to be one of your most expensive and frequent expenses. An average adult will consume slightly less than 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of food per month. This means that your monthly food bill will be around $95.
You’ll have to spend a little more money if you want to feed your Dane better food. Which we strongly advise you to do.
The amount will change if your dog eats more or less. Because puppies eat less than adults, you’ll probably spend less than this in the first year. The costs will be much higher if they require a specialized prescription diet. The prices will be even higher if you prefer raw meat to kibble.
And now, we must discuss Scooby Snacks. These are necessities. A month’s worth of treats costs around $25. Don’t let your dog become too greedy; keep the treats hidden and give them to it when it’s been good.
Great Dane Entertainment Costs
Great Danes also need entertainment that can cost you around $20 to $50+ per month. They are goofy, playful animals who enjoy playing with toys. They can also rip a toy to shreds in seconds, so providing them with a steady supply of entertainment options can quickly become costly.
Fortunately, there is a simple way to keep your toy budget in check: give them your attention instead. These dogs enjoy running around and wrestling, so you can have much free fun with them. If you participate, cheap toys, such as pull ropes, can provide hours of entertainment.
Medical Care and Insurance
These puppies, like all puppies, require three vet visits in their first year for physical exams and necessary vaccinations. This will be an additional $450 at around $150 per visit. Monthly heartworm, flea, and tick preventative treatments cost an average of $15.
We have included these costs in the first and subsequent years because they are necessary.
Many puppies or adoption contracts require you to neuter or spay your puppy. This typically ranges from around $150 to $450. We have not factored this expense into our calculations.
Sick dog on the ground with the text “Dog’s Vet Bills Ad Up Quickly – Pet Insurance Can Save You Money” and a “get my quote” button Fortunately, the Great Dane is a relatively healthy breed. However, like all breeds, it is prone to specific conditions usually related to size.
Hip dysplasia is a common problem in large breeds, with treatment costs ranging from around $500 to $13,000, depending on severity. As you can see, medical treatment can be extremely expensive and unexpected.
As a result, getting pet insurance is a responsible thing to do. This will often reduce stress in emergencies.
The cost of pet insurance per month varies greatly depending on the level of coverage you require and the company you choose. According to online sources, the average monthly price for this breed is around $70. Please read the fine print below because many owners need help purchasing appropriate coverage for their dogs and circumstances.
| Ongoing Yearly Costs | Average Costs in USD ($) |
| Treats | 300 |
| Food | 1,140 |
| Insurance | 840 |
| Basic medical care | 263 |
| Insurance | 840 |
| TOTAL | 2,698 |
Additional Costs
This section will quickly review some of the other costs you may need to consider. As previously stated, these are not necessary for every family, but they are for some. If you use them frequently, these costs can quickly add up.
Dog Walking
If you have to leave your best friend for an extended period, you should hire a dog walker. You may need to do this once a week or every day. The average dog walker charges about $20 for a 30-minute group walk.
There’s also doggy daycare, which costs about $25 per day on average. However, this is not an issue if you work from home or have a family member to keep them company.
Grooming
Danes have very short hair that does not need grooming regularly. It is relatively easy to brush. However, not everyone has the time, patience, or resources to bathe their hairy hunk of love. As a result, many owners prefer to take their dogs to a professional every month or two.
Depending on your required service and your dog’s behavior, a single grooming session can range from around $80 to $100.
Traveling
As you can imagine, traveling with a dog of this size is difficult unless you have a fleet of vehicles for the entire family. This means that doggy boarding will almost certainly be necessary when you go on vacation.
A typical dog boarding facility will charge around $25 and $85 per night. The price depends on various factors, including the kennel’s reputation, location, time of year, and demand. Furthermore, your large hound will likely command a higher price because it will require a large kennel.
Kennel Club Registration
Owners of Great Danes can register their dogs with the AKC for around $80 to $200. You can ensure that your dog’s ancestry is well-documented by doing so. This is also the best alternative if you intend to participate in AKC events with your Great Dane.
Can You Own a Great Dane on a Budget?
Being a responsible Great Dane owner on a tight budget is challenging. It may even be impossible. That is not to say that you cannot save money on occasion. However, owning one of these dogs will become costly over time.
You can always buy cheap food and avoid toys, but those strategies can have disastrous consequences. Cheap food may result in expensive medical conditions, and your dog may prefer to play fetch with the dining room table rather than a tennis ball. Our best advice is that if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider a less expensive breed.
Our Great Dane Cost-Saving Tips
Unexpected costs can be difficult to avoid if you own a Great Dane. However, there is always room to reduce these unneeded long-term costs. Being more resourceful and creative in your search for alternatives can always help. Great Dane owners who follow these suggestions can save money on their large dogs if they do the following:
- Invest in high-quality necessities: Because you’ll only have your Great Dane for 8 to 10 years, investing in high-quality pet supplies will help you save money. This will lower the costs of replacing low-quality and cheap items.
- Make your dog food: Great Dane food can be quite expensive, so instead of purchasing store-bought kibbles, prepare your meals for your pup. According to research, a natural diet may also help a Great Dane’s bloating.
- Regularly visit the veterinarian: Regular visits could put you in touch with experts who can provide veterinary advice to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. This will be less expensive than unexpected vet visits and medical expenses due to illnesses that may potentially harm your Great Dane.
- Groom your dog at home: Great Danes might need less grooming than other large dogs. As a result, you can groom your dog at home by following YouTube tutorials.
- These costs are typical when compared to other large breeds. You cannot measure your Great Dane’s happiness and protection in monetary terms.
- Make your dog run or playpen: Great Danes require space to roam, and if you don’t have a fenced yard, taking your dog to the park several times a day can get old. A run or playpen is inexpensive to give your dog some off-leash freedom.
- Make your toys: Many budget-conscious pet owners find that making their toys helps them save money while also allowing them to customize their pet’s playthings. However, it is critical to create safe toys for your pet.
You don’t want your pup to suffer costly harm because you were trying to save money in the first place! This means making toys for your dog to play with rather than chew on. In other words, stick to store-bought chew toys while making your fetch or tug toys. This should keep your pet safe and allow it to play as it should.
You can also make interactive toys to keep your dog entertained when bored. Just keep safety in mind and avoid using any materials or items that could cause it to choke.
Final Musings
So, how much are Great Danes worth? According to our calculations, the average lifetime cost of owning a Great Dane is around $26,752. This excludes unforeseen expenses such as emergency vet visits, so it is likely to be higher.
The annual cost of owning a Great Dane dog can range from around $2,000 to $4,000, but an emergency vet visit can cost around $5,000 to $10,000 or more. This is why pet insurance is essential to consider. Ensure you get a purebred Great Dane to avoid illnesses associated with cross-breeds.
And, as you might expect, its price is higher than that of most other dog breeds due to its size. It consumes significantly more food than most, and its larger body means that supplies, vet bills, and insurance costs are considerably higher. So, please ensure that you can care for your adorable puppy. But believe us when we say they are entirely worth it!