This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Great Danes typically cost between $600 and $2,000, but puppies from reputable breeders often range from $1,200 to $2,500 due to pedigree and health guarantees.
Adopting from a rescue is more budget-friendly, usually $100 to $300. Don’t let suspiciously low prices fool you—they’re often tied to puppy mills.
Beyond the purchase price, you’ll spend about $150 to $300 monthly on food, supplies, vet care, and pet insurance.
Over a Great Dane’s lifetime, expenses can add up to $21,000 to $33,000.
These gentle giants are a big commitment—literally and financially—but their loyal, loving nature makes it all worthwhile!
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Great Dane Ownership Costs
- How Much Do Great Danes Cost
- Factors Affecting Cost
- Great Dane Healthcare Expenses
- Monthly and Annual Costs
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much does a great dane cost?
- How much does it cost to groom a great dane?
- How much does a great dane eat a day?
- Should you buy a great dane as a pet?
- How much does a great dane neuter cost?
- Can you make money selling Great Danes?
- How much should a Great Dane puppy cost?
- Why are Great Danes so expensive?
- Are Great Danes good house pets?
- How long do Great Danes live?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll spend $600 to $2,500 on a Great Dane puppy, but reputable breeders with champion bloodlines charge up to $3,000. Adoption costs range from $100 to $300.
- Monthly expenses add up to $150 to $300, covering food, vet visits, and insurance, with annual costs averaging $3,000 to $4,000.
- Great Danes require high-quality dog food, costing about $95 a month, and preventative care can save thousands in unexpected medical bills.
- Over their 7–10 year lifespan, Great Danes cost $21,000 to $33,000, making budgeting essential for their size and health needs.
Great Dane Ownership Costs
You’ll need to budget between $9,865 and $33,365 for your Great Dane‘s lifetime care, with an average total cost of $20,015 over nine years.
Your first-year expenses will run about $3,415, which includes the initial purchase price of $600-$2,000.
While subsequent years will cost approximately $2,075 for food, veterinary care, and routine maintenance.
Initial Purchase Price
You’re looking at a significant initial cost for your Great Dane puppy, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 from reputable breeders.
The Great Dane price is also influenced by factors such as breeder reputation and pedigree.
If you’re budget-conscious, adoption fees through rescue organizations typically run $100-$300, including initial vaccinations and spaying/neutering, and you can find more information on the Great Dane price.
Be wary of suspiciously low breeder fees – they often signal puppy mills, and Champion bloodlines can push the purchase price above $3,000.
Ongoing Monthly Expenses
After securing your Great Dane, monthly pet costs become your next focus.
Dog food prices run about $95-100 for premium nutrition, while monthly supplies add another $25-50.
Daily expenses include pet insurance premiums averaging $70, and routine vet bills typically range from $50-75.
Plan for these dog ownership costs: food, preventive medications, and basic supplies total around $150-300 monthly.
Annual Costs and Expenses
Most Great Dane owners spend approximately $3,000 to $4,000 annually on dog expenses.
Annual cost breakdowns include essential veterinary bills, food expenses, and regular maintenance fees.
The initial Great Dane price can also substantially impact overall costs, making budgeting vital for new owners.
- Regular veterinary visits and preventive care clock in at $800-1,200, protecting your gentle giant’s health
- Premium food expenses reach $1,500-2,000 for these large appetites
- Insurance premiums have increased to $900-1,200 annually in 2025
- Basic supply costs and maintenance fees typically range $300-500 yearly
Lifetime Costs of Great Dane Ownership
Expect Great Dane lifetime costs to range from $21,000 to $33,000 over their 7-10 year lifespan.
Veterinary expenses, food costs, health screenings, and longevity factors substantially influence the ownership budget.
Food alone can exceed $1,200 annually, while unexpected medical emergencies shift the lifetime dog cost higher.
Considering great dane pet insurance is vital to mitigate these expenses.
Prioritizing preventative healthcare and careful budgeting makes manageable dog ownership cost throughout their life.
How Much Do Great Danes Cost
A Great Dane’s price tag can vary widely depending on where and how you’re buying. Expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a puppy, but the average great dane price is around $1,000. Quality and pedigree matter – puppies from champion bloodlines or reputable breeders often command higher costs, sometimes reaching $3,000.
When budgeting for a Great Dane, don’t forget these key expenses:
- Adoption Options: Rescues or shelters offer Great Danes for $150 to $400, a cost-effective alternative to buying.
- Hidden Ownership Fees: Health screenings, vaccinations, and registration can add to the initial dane puppy cost.
- Breed Costs Over Time: With their massive size and unique needs, this dog breed’s prices go beyond the purchase, covering food, vet visits, and more.
Understanding the average cost is essential for planning. Planning ahead keeps ownership smooth.
Factors Affecting Cost
Regarding Great Dane prices, several factors influence what you’ll pay upfront and over time.
From age and bloodline to health checks and training costs, each detail plays a role in determining their overall value.
Age and Appearance
A Great Dane’s age and appearance play a big role in their price.
Puppies typically cost more due to their early Puppy Development needs.
Coat colors like harlequin or merle can hike the puppy price because of rarity.
Adorable features like balanced facial structure and adherence to Breed Standards also boost the great dane price, commonly linked to their impressive size and lifespan.
Bloodline and Breeder Reputation
Why does bloodline matter when buying a Great Dane? A reputable breeder guarantees responsible breeding and follows strict breed standards, often producing puppies with superior pedigree.
Champion-line Great Danes or rare coat colors increase costs but promise quality.
- Award-winning lineage: Higher price for prestigious pedigrees.
- Breeder ethics: Trusted breeders prioritize health tests.
- Rare coats: Harlequin Great Danes cost more.
- Location matters: Prices vary regionally.
Health Screenings and Registration Papers
Health screenings and registration papers play a big role in Great Dane prices.
Responsible breeders provide veterinary records and health certificates to confirm your puppy’s health, and health certificates can add significant value.
Registration fees and proof of breed standards add legitimacy but can increase costs, making puppy testing for common health conditions a crucial step.
Puppy testing guarantees you’re buying a healthy dog, making these essential steps well worth the investment.
Training and Socialization Costs
Investing in your Great Dane’s training and social skills is non-negotiable.
Puppy training classes typically cost $120-$600, while private dog obedience lessons can range from $50 to $120 per session.
Socialization during canine development shapes their behavior.
Expect dane training costs, including group dog training, to be around $30-$150 monthly.
Proper training prevents costly behavioral issues later.
Great Dane Healthcare Expenses
Caring for your Great Dane’s health can quickly add up, with annual costs averaging $800 to $1,075 for routine veterinary care.
From preventative treatments to addressing potential health issues like bloat or hip dysplasia, understanding these expenses is essential to budgeting for this giant breed.
Veterinary Care Costs
Vet bills can stack up fast with a Great Dane.
Routine canine health checks cost $50-$250, while pet surgery costs like spaying or neutering range from $150-$600.
Tack on animal hospital fees for emergencies—anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.
Dog medical tests for issues like cardiomyopathy? Over $1,000.
Managing dog medical costs means budgeting for these hefty medical expenses.
Preventative Care Costs
Keeping your Great Dane healthy starts with high-quality preventative care.
Prioritize these essentials:
- Vaccination costs: Around $75-$150 annually to protect against diseases.
- Health checks: Routine exams cost $50-$250.
- Dental care: Cleanings average $300.
- Nutrition advice: Consults with vets from $50-$200.
- Heartworm and flea prevention: Monthly treatments cost $15-$50.
Prevention saves you thousands long-term.
Potential Health Issues Costs
Great Danes often face health challenges like hip dysplasia, bloat, and cardiomyopathy.
Hip dysplasia treatment can cost $500–$13,000, while bloat treatment averages $3,500.
Regular veterinary care helps catch issues early, but medical emergencies quickly inflate costs, making health insurance a consideration to ease the financial strain.
Dane health issues are common, so planning for veterinary fees is a must.
Emergency Care Costs
Unexpected vet emergencies can hit your wallet hard, especially with a large breed like a Great Dane.
Common urgent care costs include:
- Accident Costs: Fractures or wounds costing $500–$3,000.
- Surgical Fees: Gastropexy to prevent bloat, $200–$500.
- Medical Bills: Emergency diagnostics, $250–$1,000.
- Critical Veterinary Care: Overnight stays, $1,000+.
Ensure you’re prepared for these hefty medical expenses.
Pet Insurance Coverage
Regarding pet insurance, choosing the right policy is key.
Compare insurance premiums, deductible costs, and coverage limits. Look for plans covering hereditary issues like hip dysplasia, common in Great Danes.
Most dog health insurance excludes pre-existing conditions. Research claim processes to avoid headaches later.
Expect pet insurance costs ranging from $39 to $64 monthly for extensive coverage.
Monthly and Annual Costs
Regarding monthly and annual costs, owning a Great Dane is a long-term commitment that requires careful budgeting.
From food to veterinary care, you’ll need to account for several expenses that can quickly add up.
Food and Treats Costs
Feeding your Great Dane can cost around $95 per month for high-quality dog food, with premium dog food brands offering better nutrition value for their size.
Treat expenses add about $25 monthly, essential for training and rewarding good behavior. The best Great Dane food options are vital for their development.
Meal planning for a Great Dane guarantees health but pushes monthly dog costs to an average of $120, even for puppy expenses, making Great Dane care a significant investment.
Toys and Bedding Costs
After food, toys and bedding become your next big expense.
Dog toys, like chew toys, cost $10-$50 monthly, depending on quality.
Bedding expenses, including durable dog beds or pet furniture, range from $30 to $200, offering your Dane the comfort they need.
Investing in sturdy puppy supplies saves money long-term, as Great Danes require dog supplies that can handle their size.
You can find suitable dog toys by considering the durability and safety features of various products.
Leashes and Collars Costs
Leashes and collars are must-have pet supplies, with costs for quality dog collars ranging from $10 to $30, depending on buckle types and collar styles.
Durable dog leashes, especially nylon or leather leash materials, add another $15 to $50, and consider investing in harnesses, starting at $20.
Sturdier options for large breeds, while including ID tags for safety, are also important to consider when selecting pet supplies.
Grooming and Hygiene Costs
Keeping your Dane fresh and healthy doesn’t break the bank.
Grooming costs focus on simple routines:
- Nail care: Trimming every 4-6 weeks costs about $10-$20 at home or $25-$50 professionally.
- Shedding control: Budget $10-$30 yearly for a quality dog brush.
- Bathing costs: Expect $20-$50 for occasional professional baths or invest in dog shampoo (~$15).
Proper use of dog nail clippers is essential for safe nail trimming.
Routine grooming guarantees a happy, healthy coat!
Deworming and Flea Medications Costs
Flea control and deworming costs add up quickly, but they’re a must for parasite prevention and your dog’s health.
Monthly flea prevention runs about $15, while deworming medication prices are $10–$30 per dose, depending on weight.
Regular treatments through a vet or pet pharmacy help dodge hefty vet bills from serious health conditions caused by parasites, and consulting a best dog dewormers guide can aid in selecting the right medication.
It’s money well spent.
Total Cost of Ownership
Owning a Great Dane means planning for costs that go far beyond the initial purchase price.
From food and healthcare to training and supplies, the total cost of ownership requires careful budgeting.
To guarantee your gentle giant thrives.
First Year Costs With a Great Dane Puppy
The first year with Great Dane puppies is pricey, with initial expenses averaging $5,168.
Puppy supplies like bedding, bowls, and toys cost around $685, vet fees, including vaccinations, hit about $450.
Food costs add $95 monthly, reflecting the dane dog cost of feeding such a large breed.
Great Dane prices vary, but initial puppy care is an investment.
Monthly Costs for Adult Great Danes
Owning a Great Dane isn’t cheap.
Expect monthly costs to hover between $150 and $300.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Food expenses: $100+ for high-quality food that fuels a giant dog.
- Veterinary bills: Budget $70+ for checkups and preventative care.
- Grooming costs and supplies: Around $30 for hygiene essentials like shampoos and nail trims.
A giant dog cost adds up quickly!
Ongoing Expenses and Budgeting
Planning your pet budget guarantees a smoother dog ownership experience.
Expect regular costs like food, treats, and vet care to add up, so expense tracking is key.
Allocate money for annual expenses and unexpected dog care costs.
Good cost management, like prioritizing quality supplies over extras, can help with financial savings while covering all necessary pet expenses comfortably, ensuring financial savings.
Saving Money on Great Dane Care
Keeping your Great Dane happy doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
Smart care strategies help ease the cost of ownership while providing quality care.
- Invest in preventative care to reduce future veterinary bills.
- Shop sales for food and supplies to lower dog care costs.
- DIY basic grooming to save on Dane grooming cost.
- Compare insurance plans for better financial management.
Affordable Healthcare Options
Not all medical expenses have to drain your wallet.
Health insurance can help cut down unexpected vet bills, while a medical savings account guarantees you’re ready for emergencies.
Considering cheap pet insurance options can also substantially reduce the financial burden of caring for your Great Dane.
Explore pet discounts like Pet Assure or financing options like Care Credit for affordable vet care.
These small steps make great dane care manageable without sacrificing your dog’s health or happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a great dane cost?
Imagine a towering, gentle giant by your side.
A Great Dane puppy typically costs $500–$2,000 depending on bloodline, breeder reputation, or coat color.
Factor in first-year expenses, averaging around $3,415 for complete care.
How much does it cost to groom a great dane?
Grooming a Great Dane costs between $70 and $100 per session, depending on the services included like bathing, brushing, or nail trimming.
Their short coat makes maintenance easier, so regular brushing can reduce grooming expenses.
How much does a great dane eat a day?
Great Danes eat about 6 to 10 cups of high-quality dog food daily, depending on their size, age, and activity level.
That’s roughly 8 to 15 pounds of kibble per week—plan your budget accordingly!
Should you buy a great dane as a pet?
Thinking of housing a small horse?
Great Danes make loyal, gentle companions but require space, training, and patience.
If you’re ready for hefty food bills and possible health quirks, they’re worth the commitment.
How much does a great dane neuter cost?
Neutering a Great Dane typically costs between $200 and $600, depending on your veterinarian, location, and any extra services like bloodwork or pain medication.
It’s a smart investment for your dog’s long-term health and behavior.
Can you make money selling Great Danes?
Selling Great Danes can be profitable if you’re a responsible breeder.
High demand for certain coat colors or champion bloodlines can fetch $800–$3,000 per puppy, though costs for health screenings, care, and licensing reduce margins.
How much should a Great Dane puppy cost?
A Great Dane puppy typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500 from a responsible breeder.
Rare coat colors or champion bloodlines can push prices to $3,
Always prioritize reputable breeders who provide health screenings and proper care.
Why are Great Danes so expensive?
Great Danes are expensive because of their size, health needs, and breeding costs.
Reputable breeders invest in quality care, health testing, and proper socialization, while maintaining rare coat colors or champion bloodlines often raises the price further.
Are Great Danes good house pets?
With an average size of 28-34 inches tall, Great Danes can still make fantastic house pets.
They’re gentle giants who adapt well to indoor living, as long as you provide enough exercise, space, and daily attention.
How long do Great Danes live?
You’re looking at a lifespan of 7 to 10 years for Great Danes.
Their size comes with health challenges like bloat and hip issues, so staying proactive with veterinary care can help maximize their years.
Conclusion
Owning a Great Dane is like caring for a gentle giant, and knowing the costs upfront helps you plan wisely.
From the initial investment of $600 to $2,500 to lifetime expenses reaching $33,000, these costs reflect their size and needs.
Monthly budgets of $150 to $300 go toward food, vet visits, and necessities.
If you’re ready for the responsibility, their loyalty and love make it worthwhile.
So, how much do Great Danes cost? Quite a bit—but they’re worth it!