Wondering how much Great Danes cost? If you want a large breed dog, you may want to consider getting a Great Dane. These are beautiful, intelligent and well-mannered dogs that are great to have around children, and these gentle giants make wonderful family pets. But before you go out searching for Great Dane puppies, you should consider the cost of buying and caring for one. The price of a Great Dane really adds up throughout its lifetime, from initial cost of purchase to food and healthcare. And there are several factors that breeders consider when determining how much their Great Danes should cost.
Below, we’ll discuss the average price range of Great Dane puppies as well as how much they eat so you can get an idea of the total cost of ownership. You’ll also have to remember that breeders price purebreds and harlequins higher and the expenses can mount if your Great Dane ends up with any health issues.
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Great Dane Price
A Great Dane’s price will depend on whether you adopt a puppy or buy one from a breeder. Adoption is obviously the cheaper option, although fees can range up to $400. The problem with adopting from a dog shelter is that you may not be able to find a Great Dane that is available. That leaves you stuck paying a breeder price.
If you wish to buy your Great Dane from a breeder, you can expect to pay between $600 and $3,000, depending on the dog. The high-end of the range is reserved for full breed Great Dane puppies that are of show-quality. Similarly, Harlequin Great Danes may be more expensive as well because of their rarity.
If you just want a pet, you don’t have to spend so much money. A well-trained Labrador, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Boxer or German Shepherd can make for an amazing dog for kids!
Food Cost – How Much Do Great Danes Eat?
Another major expense when owning a Great Dane is food. Full-grown Great Dane males can weigh between 140 and 180 pounds, while females can weigh between 110 and 140 pounds. As you can imagine, Great Danes need a lot of food, and especially considering Great Dane puppies need a special diet to avoid health problems, the costs can mount quickly.
As an estimate, Great Danes eat about 6 to 10 cups of food a day, which roughly comes to about $60 to $80 per month. This means the average Great Dane’s cost of food is between $700 and $1,000 per year.
What About Vet Costs For Great Danes?
The initial cost to purchase and feed a Great Dane are not the only expenses you need to consider. For instance, because these are such large dogs, they tend to have certain health issues that are associated with larger breeds, including what is known as bloat and torsion. This is a condition that causes the stomach to twist, and air ends up trapped inside, leading to bloating. It is actually the leading cause of death in Great Danes, and can cost as much as $7,500 to diagnose and treat.
Another health problem common to Great Danes is cardiomyopathy, which is when the heart is enlarged. Again, this is common with many larger breeds, but it’s generally not as expensive to treat as bloat and torsion. Cardiomyopathy tends to cost between $500 and $1,500 to treat.
You also need to consider hip dysplasia, which is a risk to all large dogs, particularly Great Danes. This is a painful condition that generally requires surgical treatment that can cost $1,500 to $5,000.
When considering the costs of owning a Great Dane, regardless of any health problems, keep in mind that regular vet care, without any special treatment, is likely going to cost between $500 and $3,000 for the life of your pet.
Other Costs Associated with Great Danes
Finally, don’t forget the other basic puppy must-haves. There are things all puppies need, including a bowl, crate, bedding, collar and leash, treats, tags, shampoo, boarding, etc. Unfortunately, almost all of these supplies will cost more with your Great Dane just because of her size. For example, you’ll need a bigger bowl, crate and leash. Furthermore, if you ever have to pay for boarding, expect a doggy daycare and boarding service to charge more to take care of your pet.
Is The Cost of A Great Dane Worth It?
Overall, Great Danes are expensive. If you are looking for a dog that is easy to care for, won’t be expensive, and isn’t likely to require a lot of vet care in the future, a Great Dane may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are aware of these things at the onset and they are not a huge concern, you are likely ready to be the proud parent of a statuesque and lovable Great Dane.
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