As you are thinking about adopting or buying a Great Dane, you will want to plan your finances so that the pet does not become a financial burden to you or your family later down the line. You should account not just for the price of the dog itself, but also for training cost, food, supplies, vet fees, grooming and other miscellaneous expenses. To help with budgeting as you welcome your new dog into your home, we have designed a cost calculator that will give you an accurate estimate as to how much it would cost to raise a Great Dane.
A Great Dane puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,800 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $3,415 and will be about $2,075/year (or $173/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Great Dane is $20,015.
These numbers include essentials, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming expenses, licensing, and microchip. Additionally, you may incur optional costs depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, such as spaying/neutering your dog, enrolling in a pet insurance plan, hiring a dog walker, or sending your furry friend to a boarding facility. All this could easily bring the total cost of ownership up to the $47,990 to $101,890 range.
In practice, where your expenses are likely to fall within that range depends on many factors including the cost of living in your area as well as the quality of products and/or services purchased.
Below we will detail these costs, share opinions from two licensed veterinarians, a dog trainer, a professional groomer as well as a dog walker and help you budget and save as you raise your Great Dane. At the very bottom of the article is a cost calculator for you to use. It will generate a much more accurate estimate as to your cost of owning and raising a Great Dane depending on your situation, preferences, and needs.
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
The price of Great Dane puppies
80% of the puppies found after reviewing more than 1,400 ads for Great Danes from reputable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind fell within the $500 to $1,800 range. The average cost being $1,000 for puppies under 6 months. For purebred dogs, prices can be as high as $3,500.
Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Great Dane | $500 – $1,800 | $1,000 |
Adoption offers a more affordable alternative, with rehoming/adoption fees typically being between $50 and $500, depending on the shelter. You would also be rescuing an abandoned animal, supporting a charity, and breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation.
Whether you decide to buy or adopt a Great Dane, make sure to find a reputable breeder or shelter as you want your future dog to have been properly cared for and reduce the chances to get a sick or behaviorally troubled animal.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A GREAT DANE PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$100 – $700 | 374 |
$701 – $1,300 | 680 |
$1,301 – $1,900 | 293 |
$1,901 – $2,500 | 63 |
$2,501 – $3,100 | 29 |
$3,101 – $3,500 | 6 |
Total | 1,445 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that breeders have their Great Dane breeding dogs evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist, autoimmune thyroiditis. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
The price of supplies for a Great Dane
As you welcome your puppy or adult dog into your home, there are a few supplies you should have on hand to make things much easier for both of you! We have perused through over 250 best seller prices across multiple marketplaces, such as Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart to give you the most accurate idea of the prices available!
One will most probably spend $245 to $925 for the first year and $105 to $410 every year after that in supplies for an extra-large dog such as a Great Dane. The prices will vary depending on your location, where you shop, as well as the quality of the products you will buy.
Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Food & Water Bowls | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Dog Collars (x2) | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Leash | $10 – $30 | $15 |
ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Dog Bed (48″ or 60″) | $30 – $110 | $60 |
Dog Crate (48″ or 60″) | $50 – $165 | $90 |
Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Toys | $50 – $155 | $90 |
First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
Toenail Clippers | $5 – $30 | $15 |
In total, we found the average cost for supplies to be $495 for the first year and $225 for each subsequent year since you will probably need to renew your dog’s bed and toys and get new plastic bags, shampoo and tooth-brushing kit.
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $245 – $925 | $495 |
Subsequent Years | $105 – $410 | $225 |
You might require additional supplies, like a muzzle, a harness, some dog clothing, anti-chew spray, a doggy play pen, yard fences or door gates to restrict certain areas which are not included here. A useful tip to help save some extra money is to check out second-hand stores and sites.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
Should a Great Dane be trained?
According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., professional training is not always necessary for Great Danes. They are big dogs but experienced dog owners are very likely to be able to handle the training themselves. She would still advise owners to consider a few group training sessions with their dog. These would cover basic obedience and socialization and typically cost $150 to $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1-hour lessons).
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Great Dane | $0 – $200 | $100 |
There are also many good dog training books out there that will ease the process of training your dog, especially for first time owners.
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Zak George is a fantastic dog trainer and has the most popular training channel on YouTube. I have listened to this audiobook and could not recommend it enough. The great thing is you can listen to it at no cost with a 30-day Amazon Audible free trial. If you already have an account, make it your next pick.
You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.
If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Great Danes are sweet, sensitive and bond to one person. They are gentle dogs.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
The medical costs for a Great Dane
Experts like licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, agree that dog owners should account for medical expenses in their pet budget. On average, a Great Dane owner can expect first-year medical expenses to be around $665. Additionally, spay/neuter and possibly, a gastropexy procedure might be considered. These cost $50-$500 and $200-$400, respectively.
For each adult year, expect to spend around $800 to cover trips to the vet, as well as some of the additional medication that may be required, such as heartworm or flea prevention.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $440 – $885 | $665 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $500 | $275 |
Gastropexy (optional) | $200 – $400 | $300 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $525 – $1,075 | $800 |
Vet cost for a Great Dane puppy during the first year
Dr Brooks recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet over the course of the puppy’s first year under your care, with the first session at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and takes care of the puppy’s overall health (physical exams, essential vaccines, fecal examination, flea, and heartworm prevention).
Additionally, she also suggests pursuing heartworm (to prevent development of heartworm disease, especially in the Southeast US where this disease is rampant) and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year, which cost $75-$150 and $100-$150 for a puppy.
Moreover, your Great Dane may require vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often. ($15-$25 but is sometimes already included with essential vaccines). Influenza medication is required if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for two doses). Finally, Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when hiking, camping or being in the woods or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses).
As the Great Dane begins to grow older, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered, with the price being $200-$500 depending on the clinics in your locality (some charge as low as $50-$100 for the procedure). Generally, spays (female) are slightly more expensive.
Dr Brooks would also recommend a gastropexy procedure for large dogs such as Great Danes. It usually costs $200-$400 and should be performed at the time of their spay or neuter. Gastropexy reduces the risks of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later in life. GDV is life-threatening and must be corrected with surgery.
Great Dane veterinary expenses for subsequent years
Each year after the first one requires one annual trip to the veterinarian. They usually range from $125-$265 at Leslie Brooks’ clinic and include a physical exam, vaccinations, and heartworm test. Blood work could be recommended for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any hidden medical condition and make sure nothing is wrong with the Great Dane.
Dr Brooks also recommends continuing heartworm and flea prevention medicine, which usually fall in the $150-$250/year and $250-$400/year respectively for a dog of this size.
Booster shots for optional vaccines (Lyme, Influenza, Leptospirosis) could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. Finally, fecal examinations may be required in some cases, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost.
Some known Great Dane potential health issues
The table below sums up some conditions that may affect a Great Dane during its life as well as an estimate of the costs to treat them. The information was provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Hip Dysplasia | Medium | $500 – $13,000 |
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) | High | $250 – $1,500 |
Dilated Cardiomyopathy | Medium | $600 – $2,000 |
Wobbler Syndrome | Medium | $500 – $6,000 |
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) | High | $1,500 – $3,000 |
This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy typically affects young, growing dogs and puppies. It would cost about $250-$350 for x-rays and medications but could be up to $1,500 if the dog needs to be hospitalized and on IV fluids for a few days.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: the cost estimate includes diagnostics (x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram) and heart medications, which can be expensive for extra-large dogs.
Wobbler Syndrome: budget $3,000-$6,000 for surgery which would be the best treatment in most cases, or $500-$2,000 for pain medication and physical therapy (alternative treatment options if choosing not to perform surgery).
“The cost of dog food and supplies for Great Danes can quickly add up over a few months purely due to their size and food requirements.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
A second veterinarian opinion on Great Danes
We have also consulted with another licensed-veterinarian, Mendi Baryzk, DVM, to share her knowledge when it comes to the medical costs of a Great Dane.
Preventive care for the first year (puppy)
Strongly Recommended | Cost Estimate |
Exam & Vaccinations (3 to 4 sets) | $150 each set |
Fecal Test (2 times) | $45 each |
Heartworm Prevention | $20 monthly |
Flea and Tick Prevention | $45 monthly |
According to Dr. Baryzk, medical preventive care will cost around $1,190 for the puppy’s first year if we add up all the strongly recommended expenses.
Optional | Cost Estimate |
Castration (male) | $250 |
Spay (female) | $350 |
Gastropexy (at the time of sterilization) | $300 |
Gastropexy (alone) | $900 |
Preventive care for adults each year
Strongly Recommended | Cost Estimate |
Annual Exam & Vaccinations | $250 |
Heartworm Test | $35 |
Heartworm Prevention | $20 monthly |
Flea and Tick Prevention | $45 monthly |
For an adult dog, yearly basic preventive care expenses will be about $1,065 at her clinic.
Optional | Cost Estimate |
Heartworm Tick-Borne Disease Test | $75 |
Blood Work & Urinalysis | $200 |
Dental Cleaning (0 to multiple extractions) | $300 – $1,200 |
Radiographs to Detect Hip Dysplasia | $350 |
Radiographs to Detect Heart Disease | $350 |
Most common health issues
Great Dane | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Cardiomyopathy | $2,500 annually |
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus | $3,500 |
Anxiety | $700 annually |
Hypothyroidism | $700 annually |
Hip Dysplasia | $1,200 annually – $6,000 per hip replacement |
“These giant breed dogs live an average of eight to nine years; gastric dilatation and volvulus is a common cause of death for this breed.”
Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Pet insurance price
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report states that the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage is $565 per year for a dog, while accident only plans cost $190 on average.
Getting a pet insurance is totally up to the dog owner and can help mitigate the financial risk coming with unplanned medical expenses. Contact pet insurance companies to know more about the coverage and prices.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
Cost of feeding a Great Dane
Great Danes are huge dogs, as adults weigh 145 lb. on average (usually 110 to 175 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a Great Dane puppy through its first year is likely to be $545 on average, as puppies will consume around 500 lb. of dry food for the year.
Adults generally eat 530 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $480 on average. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands.
Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $360 – $750 | $545 |
Adult Dog | $255 – $810 | $480 |
The dog owner will also probably want to treat his dog on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made (for a large dog getting treats daily).
Treats Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Yearly Treats | $125 – $715 | $345 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
The following figures are based on the purchase of 500 lb. of dry food for the first year.
Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 14 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $388.92 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 31 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $681.38 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 14 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $361.62 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 17 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $749.36 |
One will probably need to buy around 530 lb. of food for each adult year of a Great Dane.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 11 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $252.78 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 14 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $565.04 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 11 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $284.13 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 18 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $809.64 |
To make bigger savings, purchase in bulk. Although dog food is perishable, it can be stored for extended periods of time, making bulk purchases a practical and affordable option. Additionally, consider consulting your vet to decide what kind of food goes best for your Great Dane.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Large Puppy | 35 lb. | 15 | $73.99 (PetSmart) | $1,109.85 |
Large Adult | 35 lb. | 16 | $68.99 (PetSmart) | $1,103.84 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Grooming budget for a Great Dane
Typically, Great Danes do not require a ton of grooming and maintenance. According to Corryne Smith, dog groomer, a Great Dane owner who wants to groom the dog him or herself is very likely to be able to do it.
The other solution would be to take the dog to a professional. Annually, this would boil down to 6 sessions. Each visit should cost $55-$70 depending on the groomer, the services paid for and the dog itself (size, coat condition, behavior, etc.).
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Great Dane | $0 – $420 | $210 |
Usually a professional dog grooming session includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning as well as hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling.
If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, you can find a DIY grooming kit for about $75 on amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart (prices found range from $25 to $290).
Additional costs to consider for a Great Dane
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
License
On average, licenses for a dog fall between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this cost could be a little bit higher. Across the U.S.A, you might get into legal problems if you have an unlicensed dog, so we strongly suggest licensing your Great Dane as early as possible. It also makes locating your dog easier in any sort of emergency, making it even more important.
Microchip
Microchips help create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on common medical and emergency databases. Many states require dogs to be microchipped, so you will likely need to spend $25-$50 for your Great Dane.
Dog walking
Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter says that Great Danes are an energetic and remarkably large breed. If you cannot take your dog out during the day, she recommends hiring a dog walker for 30-minute walks, as it is imperative that your dog gets daily exercise and spends enough time outside. These 30-minute walks usually range from $15 to $25 each, ($20-$50 for a 1-hour walk).
These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so take that into consideration when planning for the expenses that come with a dog. Dog walkers can be found on apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.
Traveling
It is highly inadvisable to leave a Great Dane alone, particularly if you are traveling over days or weeks. In the case that you must leave your dog somewhere, dog boarding services are generally available and accessible. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-$85 per day, depending on location and time of year.
During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, be sure to book dog boarding or sitting services in advance, as you are likely to get much better prices. Affordable alternatives include looking to see if any friends/family would be open to hosting your dog, as these prices can add up very quickly.
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your Great Dane.
Yearly and monthly cost of a Great Dane
The first year with your Great Dane puppy
On average, the first-year cost that comes with a Great Dane puppy ranges between $1,705 and $5,765. This comes down to an average cost of $3,415, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $500 – $1,800 | $1,000 |
Supplies | $245 – $925 | $495 |
Training | $0 – $200 | $100 |
Medical | $440 – $885 | $665 |
Food & Treats | $485 – $1,465 | $890 |
Grooming | $0 – $420 | $210 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $1,705 – $5,765 | $3,415 |
You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $500 | $275 |
Gastropexy | $200 – $400 | $300 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and have a gastropexy performed as well as get pet insurance, the cost rises to $4,555 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $9,035.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $2,305 – $7,445 | $4,555 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,630 – $13,290 | $9,035 |
Yearly and monthly cost of a Great Dane for the following years
The costs that come with owning a dog do go down after the first year. For each adult year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $1,020 and $3,450, with an average cost of $2,075 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $85-$288 range and averages $173/month).
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $105 – $410 | $225 |
Medical | $525 – $1,075 | $800 |
Food & Treats | $380 – $1,525 | $825 |
Grooming | $0 – $420 | $210 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $1,020 – $3,450 | $2,075 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $85 – $288 | $173 |
With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $7,920 for the year (or $660 every month)!
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $1,370 – $4,230 | $2,640 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,295 – $11,075 | $7,920 |
Cost of ownership of a Great Dane
In total, the cost of owning and raising a Great Dane for 9 years boils down to the $9,865-$33,365 range, with the average cost being $20,015.
Total Cost of Ownership (9 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Great Dane | $9,865 – $33,365 | $20,015 |
With additional expenses tacked on, such as the medical procedures mentioned earlier, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising a Great Dane falls in the $47,990 to $101,890 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average will be 9 years (usually 7 to 10 years). The average price of raising a Great Dane can then be estimated to be $72,395.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (9 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $13,265 – $41,285 | $25,675 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $47,990 – $101,890 | $72,395 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Great Dane cost calculator
The cost of a Great Dane – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Great Dane puppy?
On average a Great Dane puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $1,800. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 – How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Great Dane need training and how much will it cost?
A Great Dane could be trained by an experienced dog owner and usually do not need professional training on top of that. But like any breed, the dog would still benefit from a few group classes for basic obedience and socialization which should cost between $150 and $200 on average.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Great Dane?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $440 to $885 for a Great Dane puppy during the first year and around $525 to $1,075 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $200 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively).
5 – How much food does a Great Dane eat and how much will it cost?
A Great Dane puppy will eat around 500 lb. and an adult close to 530 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $360 and $1,110 for a puppy and $255 to $1,105 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Great Dane be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming a Great Dane is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $55 to $70 depending on the dog and services needed.
7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?
In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.
A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.
Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.
A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.
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Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Great Dane, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Great Dane. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
- Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
This article is original content from PetBudget.