How Much Does a Great Dane Cost? (2024 Updated)

Many dog enthusiasts often wonder if the Great Dane price is as great as the breed’s name suggests. Well, to cut a long story short, it is. The cost of a Great Dane can be quite hefty, considering the breed’s popularity and demand.

Besides the initial cost of a Great Dane, potential owners must also know the necessary expenses of owning a large dog breed. For example, these dogs need more amounts of food and bigger accommodations.

Fortunately, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about the price of a Great Dane and the expenses of owning one so that you can be financially ready to become a Great Dane owner!

How Much Does a Great Dane Puppy Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $700 and $2,500 for a Great Dane puppy, depending on factors such as the dog’s lineage, pedigree, breeder’s reputation, location, and additional services or guarantees offered by the breeder.

Like other dog breeds, prices for Great Dane pups can vary significantly. Some breeders may command higher prices of up to $6,000, especially those from show-quality or champion bloodlines.

Meanwhile, pet-quality Great Danes with minor conformational or coloration deviations from breed standards can be less expensive, potentially falling on the lower end of the price range.

Thus, if you are interested in getting a Great Dane puppy, be sure to research and choose a reputable breeder whose prices reflect the quality of their Great Dane puppies.

As much as possible, avoid breeders or sellers who appear to offer Great Dane puppies for a significantly lower price than the average, as these puppies may come from puppy mills or backyard breeders.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Great Dane From a Shelter?

The cost of adopting a Great Dane from a shelter varies depending on the specific rescue, location, and age of the dog. Nonetheless, these adoption fees typically range between $100 and $500.

The adoption fee usually covers basic veterinary care, such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and sometimes a preliminary health check.

Some shelters may provide additional services like deworming, flea/tick treatment, or behavior training. These fees cover several essential services and support the shelter’s mission of rescuing and rehoming animals in need.

First-Time Expenses of Great Dane Ownership

Before you even consider buying or adopting a Great Dane, it is best to familiarize yourself with the different expenses that must be taken care of to ensure your Great Dane’s health, welfare, and happiness.

Some of these first-time expenses are only one-time purchases, but most will be recurring costs that must be properly budgeted for.

Here are some common first-time expenses associated with Great Dane ownership:

• Food and Treats: Great Danes are large dogs with substantial appetites. They require high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds. On average, you can expect to spend around $80 to $150 per year on food for a Great Dane, depending on your chosen dog food brand and your dog’s dietary requirements.
• Bowls: Since Great Danes can have voracious appetites, their food and water bowls should ideally be durable and beneficial in aiding their digestion. For high-quality bowls, expect to pay around $15 to $40.
• Toys: Like any other dog, a Great Dane will love physical and mental stimulation through playing. A high-quality toy suited for the gigantic Great Dane may cost between $30 and $100.
• Beds: Unsurprisingly, size-appropriate beds for a Great Dane will cost more than what one would spend for an average-sized dog. Allot $50 to $300 for a good dog bed to ensure your Great Dane sleeps comfortably.
• Collars and Leashes: Considering the size of a Great Dane, walking may be a challenge if one does not have quality collars and leashes on hand. These may set you back around $15 to $50.
• Crates and Carriers: Crate training is a great way to give your Great Dane a safe, controlled environment when needed. An appropriately sized crate or carrier can cost between $60 and $500.
• Grooming Essentials: Great Danes have short coats that require minimal grooming. However, occasional bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are necessary. You can groom your dog yourself or have them done professionally — budget approximately $50 to $250 for grooming supplies or services.
• Initial Vet Visits: Shortly after bringing your Great Dane home, you’ll need to schedule a visit to the veterinarian for checkups, vaccinations, and necessary preventive treatments. The initial vet visit can range from $100 to $500, depending on the services provided.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: A responsible breeder or seller should ideally provide the initial vaccinations for your Great Dane. If not, you must provide them yourself. Initial canine shots cost around $50 to $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Similarly, if the breeder or rescue organization does not provide deworming medications to your Great Dane pup, you can expect to spend around $40 to $300 for these necessities.
• Neutering or Spaying: If your Great Dane is not already spayed or neutered, you may need to consider this procedure that can benefit your dog’s health. The cost can range from $200 to $500, depending on your location, gender, and the dog’s size.
• Microchipping: Microchipping is a recommended form of identification for your Great Dane. It is a microdevice containing the owner’s and dog’s information, implanted under the dog’s skin. The cost of microchipping typically ranges from $40 to $60.
• Dog License: Some areas require dog owners to obtain a pet license. The licensing cost can vary depending on your location, ranging from $10 to $20.
• Other Essentials: There may be additional costs, such as licensing fees, dental care, and miscellaneous expenses like treats or additional services. These costs can vary, but budgeting an extra $30 to $80 for these additional costs is a reasonable estimate.

Here is a summary of the costs of the expenditures associated with first-time Great Dane ownership:

Remember that these are approximate costs and can vary. It’s always a good idea to research and budget for the specific needs of your Great Dane based on your location and individual circumstances.

Annual Cost of Owning a Great Dane

The initial cost of owning a Great Dane can already be overwhelming. Unfortunately, it does not end there. These ongoing expenses can accumulate over the dog’s lifespan, so it’s essential to plan and budget accordingly.

Here are some expenses to consider when budgeting for the annual cost of owning a Great Dane:

For a more in-depth explanation of the ongoing costs of a Great Dane, refer to this video about Great Dane costs:

Aside from the items mentioned, consider obtaining pet insurance to help cover unexpected medical expenses. Paying a small monthly premium will be worth it if your Great Dane gets sick or gets into an accident.

It is important to note that these approximate ranges for the annual costs of owning a Great Dane dog can fluctuate depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and circumstances.

As such, planning and budgeting for these potential costs ensures that you can provide your Great Dane with the care and attention they need throughout the years.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

Besides the first-time and annual expenses, you should also be aware of the potential expenses you may encounter as you take care of your Great Dane.

These potential costs can arise for various reasons, so it is best to have additional funds allotted to cover them.

Here are some other potential expenses to consider when owning a Great Dane:

• Emergency Medical Funds: Great Danes can experience unexpected health issues or emergencies like any other dog. Emergency veterinary care can be costly, including diagnostics, surgeries, or medications. It’s a good idea to have around $500 to $2,000 for an emergency fund to help cover these expenses.
• Additional Medication or Supplements: Great Danes are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues. Depending on your dog’s specific health needs, there may be ongoing medications or supplements recommended by your veterinarian. These additional expenses can set you back $100 to $300.
• Professional Services: Great Danes may require professional services, such as dog walking, doggy daycare, or pet sitting when you’re away. These services can range from $40 to $100, depending on the inclusions and length of service.
• Travel Expenses: If you plan to travel with your Great Dane, you’ll need to consider the cost of transportation, such as airline fees or pet-friendly accommodations. Pet relocation or travel expenses are quite hefty, amounting from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your dog’s destination and size.
• Home Modifications: Great Danes are large dogs that require adequate space, especially indoors. You may need to modify your home to accommodate their size, such as investing in a sturdy and spacious crate or securing areas where they may not be allowed. Depending on your setup, you may budget around $100 to $500 for this.

A good friend of mine did not expect that owning a Great Dane would drive him to make renovations to his backyard fencing and create a secure environment for his dog, especially at night.

As his Great Dane, Sammy, quickly increased its height upon growing into an adult, he had to build higher fences and reinforce his yard’s locks. This experience taught him to set aside a budget for unexpected expenses.

The costs mentioned here are potential additional expenses to consider and may not apply to every Great Dane owner. Thus, it is important to be mindful of the needs of your Great Dane to provide the best care.

Best Places to Find Great Dane Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Finding one for sale or adoption will be relatively easy if you are adequately prepared to own a Great Dane. Various online platforms are dedicated to helping prospective owners find quality Great Danes for sale or adoption.

Here are some reputable sources where you can find a Great Dane puppy for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is one of the most reputable places to find dogs of any breed, including the Great Dane. The American Kennel Club thoroughly screens each puppy listing on the platform to ensure that the breeders and sellers follow ethical breeding practices and adhere to breed standards.
• Old Mission Danes – Old Mission Danes has been the home of show and pet quality Great Danes since 2007. They are AKC Breeders of Merit and served as the President and the Vice-President of the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA). As such, these breeders focus on quality, especially regarding temperament, soundness, and health.
• Greenfield Puppies – Established in 2000, Greenfield Puppies sets very high standards for breeders who wish to advertise on the site. They only allow breeders who practice legitimate and humane breeding practices. They also offer a 30-day health guarantee for all their puppies.

If these breeders are not accessible to you, you can also refer to the GDCA breeder directory or our list of best Great Dane breeders for more options.

If you are leaning towards adoption, here are some Great Dane rescues and shelters where you can find a quality Great Dane to adopt:

• Great Dane Rescue, Inc. – The Great Dane Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehoming relinquished Great Danes across different states in the country. Each rescue receives complete medical care and other necessities before being placed with owners, who are offered counseling and training for Great Dane ownership.
• Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue – Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue volunteers tirelessly to rescue Great Danes from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. Since 2008, they have provided care and homes to over 700 Great Danes abiding by the values of integrity, respect, trust, and compassion.
• Save Rocky the Great Dane Rescue and Rehab – Save Rocky was founded after the untimely death of Rocky, a beloved Great Dane who suffered from neglect. As such, this organization aims to provide abused and neglected Great Danes with the safety, love, and dignity they deserve.

When connecting with breeders or adoption organizations, asking questions about health clearances, socialization practices, and any additional support they provide for new owners is important.

Do your due diligence in finding and determining breeders and rescue organizations that prioritize the well-being and health of the Great Dane when considering a purchase or adoption.

Money-Saving Tips for Great Dane Owners

As you have learned so far in this article, a Great Dane is an expensive, life-long responsibility. Despite this, there are ways to save money without compromising the well-being of your dog.

Here are some money-saving tips for Great Dane owners:

• Do thorough research and compare prices. Take the time to research and compare prices for dog food, supplies, medications, and veterinary services. In particular, look for deals, discounts, or bulk-buying options to save money on essential items.
• Maintain preventive care. Invest in preventive care, such as vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and regular grooming, to help avoid costly treatments down the line. As all dog owners know, preventing health issues is typically more cost-effective than treating them.
• Learn how to groom your dog at home. With proper guidance and tools, you can do regular brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning at home, saving you money on professional grooming services. Luckily, plenty of online resources can teach you how to groom your Great Dane.
• Consider training your dog by yourself. Basic obedience training can be done at home with the help of online resources, books, or instructional videos. This allows you to save money on professional training classes while ensuring your Great Dane receives the necessary training.
• Make your dog toys for enrichment. Create homemade toys or use household items to provide mental stimulation and entertainment for your Great Dane. This can be a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive toys that may not always be as durable as the price tag implies.

While it is important to save money, it is also crucial not to compromise the health or well-being of your Great Dane.

As such, you should always prioritize their needs and consult your veterinarian for specific cost-saving strategies tailored to your dog’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Owning a Great Dane Expensive?

Owning a Great Dane can be expensive due to the initial purchase cost, regular veterinary care, potential health issues, training and socialization expenses, larger-sized supplies, grooming needs, and miscellaneous costs.

Thus, proper budgeting and planning can help you comfortably provide for a Great Dane’s needs.

Are Great Danes High or Low Maintenance?

Great Danes are generally considered to be low-maintenance dogs, especially when it comes to grooming. However, their large size and exercise needs may require more space and physical activity than smaller breeds.

Great Danes also benefit from regular veterinary care, socialization, and training, which are important for their well-being.

How Much Are Great Dane Puppies Without Papers?

Generally, the cost of a Great Dane puppy without papers and registration averages $1,000. These papers indicate information about the puppy’s lineage and bloodline.

However, purchasing a Great Dane without papers doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will be any less healthy or loving as a companion. Responsible breeders focus on breed standards rather than the presence of papers.

Do you think the cost of owning a Great Dane is worth it for this majestic dog? Share your thoughts with us, and ask any questions you may have in the comments below!