How Much Does a Great Dane Cost? Breaking Down the Expenses (2024)

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Buckle up for a bone-afide breakdown of Great Dane costs!

Buying a Great Dane can be a paw-some experience, but it’s essential to count the cost before you commit.

From adoption fees to food and vet care, we’ll dissect all the expenses involved in owning this gentle giant.

Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-timer, this guide will ensure you’re fully prepared for the financial side of Great Dane ownership.

So, let’s dive right in and get the lowdown on Great Dane costs!

Where to Buy a Great Dane

You can buy a Great Dane from two places: online or in person.

Online purchases come with many risks. Puppy mills, which prioritize profit over animal welfare, often sell dogs online.

Adoption is a great option, but it may require extra training and socialization.

In-person purchases from ethical breeders ensure your Great Dane’s health and well-being.

Consider the costs of food, veterinary care, health tests, and insurance before buying.

Initial Cost

Purchasing your Great Dane from a breeder can cost between $600 and $3,000, while adoption fees typically range from $100 to $500.

The price of a Great Dane from a breeder can vary depending on factors like the dog’s size, bloodline, and breeder reputation.

Great Danes are prone to certain health risks, so it’s crucial to factor in potential veterinary expenses.

Adoption can be a cost-effective option, with many shelters offering Great Danes for a fraction of the price of a puppy from a breeder.

Additionally, adopting a Great Dane from a shelter can provide a loving home for a dog in need.

While purchasing a Great Dane online may seem convenient, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.

Many online sellers are puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of their dogs.

These dogs often come from inhumane conditions and may have health problems.

Adoption

Considering adoption for acquiring a Great Dane is a wonderful way to provide a deserving dog with a loving home.

Animal shelters bring in dogs of all backgrounds, and you may find a Great Dane that’s perfect for your family.

Adopting a dog from a shelter may require some extra effort, such as retraining, socialization, testing, medication, and more.

However, the rewards of adopting a Great Dane are immeasurable.

Adoption fees vary greatly depending on the shelter, but they’re typically much lower than the cost of buying a Great Dane from a breeder.

Online

Buying Great Danes online is risky.

Puppy mills prioritize profit over the well-being of their dogs.

You may unknowingly purchase a dog from a puppy mill or an inhumanely bred Great Dane.

Puppy Mills

Beware of online scams and inhumane treatment associated with puppy mills that prioritize profit over animal well-being.

Puppy mills mass-produce dogs in unsanitary conditions, often leading to health and behavioral problems.

Avoid breeders who sell dogs online without meeting you in person or providing a transparent breeding environment.

Support ethical breeding practices by purchasing a Great Dane from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

Craigslist

Buying Great Danes online through Craigslist carries the risk of unknowingly supporting puppy mills due to their lack of regulations.

Unscrupulous sellers often advertise purebred dogs at low prices to lure buyers, but these dogs may come from inhumane conditions and lack proper care.

Responsible ownership involves ensuring the well-being of your pet, and adopting from reputable sources or registered breeders is crucial.

Don’t let the allure of a low price compromise the health and happiness of your future Great Dane companion.

Puppy Find

Puppy Find is another online platform that connects you with local Great Dane breeders.

While it’s a convenient way to browse available puppies, buyer beware: Puppy Find has a reputation for hosting ads from puppy mills and backyard breeders.

Always research the breeder thoroughly before making a purchase.

Consider adoption as a more ethical and affordable alternative.

Next Day Pets

When looking for a Great Dane on Next Day Pets, be wary of potential puppy mill involvement.

This online marketplace connects buyers with breeders, but it’s crucial to thoroughly research breeders before committing.

Read breeder reviews, check for red flags like vague location information, and never pay upfront without seeing the puppy in person.

Buying in Person

Buying from a registered breeder is your most reliable route to a healthy Great Dane.

The Great Dane Club of America can connect you with ethical breeders in your area, ensuring the dog’s well-being and humane treatment.

Though their prices tend to be higher.

Registered Breeders

Registered breeders offer you a reliable way to ensure your Great Dane’s health and well-being.

They prioritize the breed’s health and temperament by adhering to ethical breeding practices and following breed standards.

Their dogs undergo rigorous health screenings and genetic testing to minimize the risk of heritable health issues, and they typically offer health guarantees for peace of mind.

Buying from a registered breeder gives you the assurance that you’re getting a purebred Great Dane that meets the breed’s standards and has been raised in a responsible and ethical environment.

Great Dane Club of America

To find a reputable Great Dane breeder, you can refer to the Great Dane Club of America, which has a directory of registered breeders across various states.

These breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring that you bring home a happy and healthy Great Dane.

Buying from ethical breeders may cost more, but it’s an investment in your dog’s health and happiness.

Other Costs to Consider

In addition to the initial cost of buying a Great Dane, you’ll also need to factor in the ongoing expenses:

• Food
• Veterinary care
• Health tests
• Pet insurance

These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be prepared before bringing a Great Dane into your home.

Food

Having bought your Great Dane, you’ll need to be prepared for ongoing food expenses.

Consider your budget and your dog’s dietary needs to make the best decision.

Veterinary Care

You’ll need to budget for yearly veterinary check-ups, as Great Danes are prone to health issues like cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia.

Health tests, such as those for heart, eye, hip, elbow, and thyroid problems, are also recommended and can cost thousands of dollars.

Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and help cover these expenses, with monthly premiums typically ranging from $10 to $100.

Veterinary Care Cost	Average Annual Cost
Yearly Check-ups	$50
Health Tests	$1,000+
Pet Insurance	$120-$1,200

Health Tests

Continuing with the topic of veterinary care, health tests for your Great Dane can run up quite the bill.

Genetic screening for breed-specific health risks, such as hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy, is essential for responsible breeding.

The cost of these tests can vary depending on the breeder’s prestige and the breed’s health risks.

If you’re looking to save money, consider adopting a Great Dane from a shelter or rescue organization.

Pet Insurance

Topping off the list of expenses is pet insurance, which can set you back anywhere from $10 to $100 per month.

This coverage can provide peace of mind, especially for a breed like the Great Dane, which is prone to costly health issues.

Consider factors like coverage options, premium factors, and the claims process when choosing a plan.

Be mindful of breed considerations, exclusions, and limits to ensure your policy meets your needs and those of your Great Dane.

Least Expensive Great Danes

Since you now have a better understanding of the various factors that affect the cost of Great Danes, let’s delve into identifying the least expensive ones.

While reputable breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, their puppies may come with a higher price tag.

If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, consider adopting a Great Dane from a shelter or rescue organization.

These dogs often come with basic care, and adoption fees typically cover initial expenses.

When selecting a breeder, consider their breeding practices, health testing, and reputation.

While a lower-priced puppy may seem appealing, it’s crucial to prioritize the dog’s health and well-being.

Breeder Selection	Budget	Friendly Options
Reputable Breeder	Higher	Ensure Health, Humane Treatment
Adoption	Lower	Basic Care Included, Emotional Rewards
Puppy Mills	Lower	Unethical Practices, Health Risks

Saving Tips:

• Consider homemade raw food using grocery store meat.
• Research dog food ingredients to find affordable, healthy options.
• Explore pet insurance to manage potential veterinary expenses.

Healthiest Great Danes

Now, let’s shift gears and explore the factors that contribute to the overall health and well-being of Great Danes.

Embarking on this journey won’t only inform you about the healthiest Great Danes but also provide valuable insights into how you can nurture your own Great Dane’s health.

All of which play a pivotal role in ensuring your Great Dane’s vitality.

By implementing these practices, you’ll not only enhance your Great Dane’s quality of life but also minimize the likelihood of costly health issues, potentially saving you money in the long run.

So, let’s embark on this journey together and discover the secrets to keeping your Great Dane happy, healthy, and thriving.

Recommended Great Dane Breeders

Before you bring a Great Dane into your home, you’ll need to find a reputable breeder.

Start your search with the Great Dane Club of America, where you’ll find a directory of 88 registered breeders across California, Texas, and Colorado.

These breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring you get a healthy, happy Great Dane.

California

These breeders conduct thorough health screenings and ensure their Great Danes receive the best care.

By choosing a reputable breeder, you can be confident that you’re getting a healthy and well-bred Great Dane.

Texas

Where in Texas might you find reputable breeders of Great Danes?

Consider the Lone Star Great Dane Rescue for adoption opportunities.

Or, explore breeders like Broken Arrow Great Danes, known for their gentle giants, and Tejas Great Danes, renowned for their healthy and well-tempered pups.

Colorado

You might also consider Colorado breeders, such as Pikes Peak Great Danes and Goldengate Great Danes, for ethical and well-bred Great Danes.

Both breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, adhering to strict breeding standards.

These breeders offer comprehensive support, including training resources and community events, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among Great Dane owners.

What Makes the Great Dane Breed Expensive?

You’ll find that the Great Dane breed is expensive because of its size, health risks, and popularity.

Great Danes are among the largest dog breeds, requiring more food, space, and veterinary care. Their massive size also predisposes them to health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat, leading to higher veterinary expenses.

Furthermore, the breed’s popularity influences its price; its imposing presence and gentle temperament make it highly sought after, driving up the demand and, consequently, the cost.

Additionally, reputable breeders invest in breeding standards, genetic screening, and prestigious bloodlines, further contributing to the Great Dane’s elevated price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)