Large, reliable, and amiable – all these things come to mind when we think about the humble Great Dane.
But, despite how big they can get, they are pretty gentle and make excellent family dogs (they’re even great around small children!)
The Great Dane is undoubtedly a fantastic dog, but as with all pet adoptions, it’s a huge financial decision that requires careful consideration.
In this all-inclusive guide, we’ll walk you through how much it’ll cost you upfront to get a Great Dane and how much upkeep they’ll require month to month.
How Much Does a Great Dane Cost?
Some breeders may charge over $2000, while others may fall below $700.
We recommend that you go for the $1000 – $2000 range as anything less than that is most likely from an inexperienced breeder who doesn’t follow proper procedures.
What’s the Initial Investment?
The initial cost of a Great Dane puppy from a professional breeder will typically average between $1000 and $1500.
What is a Great Dane Price Per Month?
Next, we’ll go over how much it will cost you to take care of your Great Dane each month:
Food
If you opt for dry food, a 30 lb bag will cost you $40 – $60.
An adult Great Dane will eat about 1.89-2.3L of food per day, making the final cost come out to be around $120 a month (depending on how expensive the brand is).
Toys
Big dogs require big toys.
The total cost of dog toys will ultimately vary on you and your Great Dane, but we’ll give you some estimates of popular toy costs, so you know how much you’ll end up paying.
For a heavy-duty tug-of-war rope, we found various price points around the internet, averaging about $15.
Squeaky toys for big toys have a wide range of prices, but you can expect them to fall somewhere between $5 and $20.
You’ll also want to invest in some balls for fetch, which will be around $5 – $10.
The startup cost for toys will probably land in the $60 range, though you’ll definitely be getting more along the way.
Medications and Treatments
There’s no way to tell how much medications and treatments will cost since each dog is different, but you should take your Great Dane to the vet at least once a year.
The American Kennel Club warns that the Great Dane is vulnerable to many ailments later in life, so you should practice taking your dog twice a year as it ages.
A visit to the vet can be anywhere between $100 to $300.
We’ll go into some common medications you can expect to pay for a little later in the guide.
Gear
For a large dog collar, you’ll probably pay about $8.
A quality leash to take your pup on walks will cost around $16.
Assuming your Great Dane isn’t sleeping in your bed when tired, a large dog bed will go for upwards of $80 (give or take).
As for eating, you could technically use your dishware as a dog bowl, but if you want something nicer for your beloved pooch, you can expect to pay about $15 for a water and food bowl set.
These essentials will likely cost you a little over $100 overall.
What Does a Great Dane Cost Per Year?
Once you’ve got all the initial expenses out of the way in the first year (which will cost around $3500), your annual cost will average to about $1600.
This price doesn’t consider medications or any accessories you decide to buy; it’s strictly the average food and vet costs.
How Much Are Veterinary Expenses for Great Danes?
As we’ve mentioned, a vet cost will fall between $100 and $300 per visit.
You’re likely going to need medications at some point in the Great Danes’ life, so here is a list of the most common meds and how much they cost:
- Antibiotics – $20
- Antiparasitics – $10 to $30
- Antifungals – $5 to $50
- Steroids – $40 to $50
- Dog vitamins – $30 to $80
Is Getting a Great Dane Worth the Price?
A Great Dane that lives 10 years will cost roughly $20,000 throughout its lifetime, which is a hefty investment and certainly not for everybody.
To help those on the line of getting one of these gentle giants, here are the pros and cons of purchasing and caring for a Great Dane.
Pros of Getting a Great Dane
The pros of getting a Great Dane are as followers:
- Friendly family dogs and great with kids
- They get along with other pets
- With proper training, they can make excellent guard dogs
- Easy to train
- They have minimal grooming needs as their fur is short and low-maintenance
- They are calmer than other breeds of dogs
Cons of Getting a Great Dane
Unfortunately, there are also several cons to getting a Great Dane:
- A short lifespan (compared to other dogs)
- More susceptible to disease and other health issues
- Prone to getting “bloat“
- They’re pretty costly to care for
- Requires a lot of food
- Tends to chew things up (needs to be trained)
Conclusion: Are Great Danes Worth The Cost?
So are Great Danes worth the cost? Well, that’s up to you.
On the one hand, they’re pretty expensive and don’t have a very long lifespan, but on the other, they’re an amazingly fulfilling dog breed.
The time you spend with them will be short, but some of the best years of your life.
If you can’t come to terms with a dog who’s here for a good time but not a long time, then you should probably reconsider.
You should also reconsider your decision if money is an issue since Great Danes are among one of the most expensive breeds to take care of and handle.
Still, if these aren’t issues for you, a Great Dane is absolutely worth it.
They make some of the best friends whose loyalty and good-natured heart will sway you the minute you lay eyes on them.
How to Find a Great Dane Breeder
To get the most out of your Great Dane, you need to find an exceptional Great Dane breeder, which requires research.
Your first task is to go to an online Great Dane breeder directory and find the closest ones to you.
Next, check around online to see how credible they are.
Once you’re sure they are reliable, meet them in person.
Meeting them in person will give you the best insights into how well they can help you with your dog-searching endeavors.
Don’t be afraid to be finicky.
As stated before, Great Danes don’t have a very long lifespan, but you can maximize it through proper care and adopting one that has been adequately bred.
Final Thoughts
Are you convinced to adopt your own Great Dane?
They’re great pets and even better friends, and while they won’t last forever, the memories you make with them assuredly will.
Their price may be a bit steep, and they’re a little high-maintenance to care for properly, but there’s nothing more satisfying than a loving and playful Great Dane in your life.
Hopefully, this price guide could give you an idea of how much you’ll be paying for one of these incredible dogs and everything you need to know about financing one.
Have any questions?
Feel free to leave a comment below.
