Buying a Great Dane: Costs, Breeders & Tips [2026]

Buying a Great Dane is not a decision to be made on a whim. Often called the "Apollo of dogs," this breed combines an enormous presence with an incredibly gentle, people-oriented nature. That is exactly what makes them so popular, but it also presents unique challenges for any owner. This guide shows you what a Great Dane actually costs, how to tell a reputable breeder from a backyard breeder, which health tests you should ask to see, and whether this breed is a genuine fit for your lifestyle.

Adult males reach a height at the withers of at least 80 cm, while females are at least 72 cm. Depending on gender and build, a Dane typically weighs between 50 and 90 kg. That is quite literally a lot of dog to handle, and this sheer size impacts every single cost and daily decision.

Why people love the Great Dane

Despite their size, Great Danes are known for being exceptionally affectionate and family-oriented. They crave closeness with their humans, are usually calm and balanced indoors, and are typically patient with children. Many owners describe their Danes as "gentle giants"—watchful but rarely nervous, friendly but with a natural, commanding presence.

This combination of calm, strong bonding, and impressive looks is why people fall in love with the breed. However, they are not a "part-time" dog: a Dane needs to live as a full-fledged family member, requires early, loving, and consistent training, and needs an owner who can confidently handle their size. If you have what it takes, you'll gain one of the most impressive companion dogs there is. You can find more about their nature and care in our Great Dane breed profile.

How much does a Great Dane cost? Price and ongoing expenses

The most common question before buying: how much does a Great Dane cost? For a puppy from a reputable, club-affiliated breeder, you should typically expect to pay between 1,500 and 3,000 euros. The exact price depends on factors like breeding lines, health status, parent titles, and the breeder's investment.

It is important to understand: the purchase price is the smaller part of the bill. If you want to buy a Great Dane puppy, you should realistically calculate the ongoing costs, because a dog of this size eats, consumes, and costs significantly more than a small or medium-sized breed.

• Food: depending on quality, typically about 75 to 130 euros per month—high-quality food in giant-breed quantities adds up quickly.
• Vet and Preventative Care: Vaccinations, deworming, and prophylaxis. Medications are often dosed by body weight, so costs are much higher here than for small breeds.
• Insurance: surgery or health insurance is sensible for a breed prone to bloat and heart issues and is usually more expensive for large dogs.
• Gear: XXL beds, sturdy harnesses, large transport space in your car—everything is oversized.
• Dog tax and liability: varies by location; check with your local municipality.

An extremely low "Great Dane price" of just a few hundred euros is almost always a red flag—more on that shortly.

Recognizing reputable breeders and avoiding puppy mills

Precisely because Danes are popular and expensive, the market is full of questionable sellers. A backyard breeder sells puppies like merchandise: without health tests, without papers, and separated from the mother too early. No responsible breeder can cover the costs of healthy rearing for the low prices seen in such ads. Take these warning signs seriously:

• The seller refuses a visit or suggests meeting in a parking lot.
• You are not allowed to see the mother or the rearing environment.
• No proof of heart, HD, or ED screenings for the parents.
• Suspiciously low prices, multiple breeds for sale, or constant availability of puppies.
• The seller doesn't ask you any questions about your living situation or experience.

A reputable breeder, on the other hand, is usually a member of a recognized club—for the Great Dane, this is typically the Deutscher Doggen Club 1888 e.V. (DDC), the oldest breed club in Germany, affiliated with VDH and FCI. They will let you visit the mother and the litter, provide health records unsolicited, sell puppies no younger than eight weeks (fully vaccinated), and remain available after the purchase. A good starting point for your search is also the VDH breed overview for the Great Dane.

Health: breed-specific concerns and mandatory tests

The Great Dane is a giant breed, and that size comes with specific health risks. Honestly, this also includes a relatively short life expectancy: Danes often live only six to nine years on average. This makes health-conscious breeding all the more important. You should be aware of these issues:

• Heart Disease (DCM): Dilated cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart muscle disease that occurs frequently in large breeds and is one of the most common causes of death in Danes.
• Bloat (GDV): an acute, life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists. Several small meals instead of one large one and rest after eating reduce the risk.
• Wobbler Syndrome: a disease of the cervical spine that can affect nerve pathways.
• Joints (HD/ED): Hip and elbow dysplasia are issues for heavy breeds; controlled growth during puppyhood is crucial.

A good breeder does not hide these risks but actively breeds to mitigate them. The DDC has made the heart examination for DCM mandatory: breeding stock must have a valid heart exam before being approved. Before buying, ask to see these documents:

• a valid heart examination (DCM) for both parents, ideally according to a recognized standard;
• official reports on HD and ED for the parents;
• pedigree and breeding license from the club.

No reputable breeder will "guarantee" health, but they can and will prove that they perform all prescribed and sensible examinations.

Is a Great Dane right for you? An honest assessment

Before you decide to buy a Great Dane, take an honest look at your daily life. A Dane is a wonderful family dog, but they are not an easy dog. Ask yourself these questions openly:

• Space: Do you have a sufficiently large apartment or house? A Dane doesn't need a sports field, but they need enough room to lie down and move around comfortably.
• Budget: Can you permanently afford the higher costs for food, vet bills, and insurance—even if they get sick?
• Physical Handling: Can you confidently and safely handle a 60 to 90 kg dog, even if they react to something?
• Time in puppyhood: Young Danes must not be over-exercised—no climbing stairs unnecessarily, no long runs, and strictly controlled growth. This requires patience.
• Emotional readiness: The shorter life expectancy of large breeds is part of the honest equation.

If you can answer these points with a calm "yes," a Great Dane can become one of the most loyal companions of your life. If you are unsure, that is not a drawback, but a sign of responsibility.

Alternative: adopting a Great Dane from a shelter

Not every Dane has to be a puppy from a breeder. Great Danes and Dane mixes often end up in shelters or breed-specific rescue organizations—often because people underestimated their size, costs, or the intensity of their bonding. An adult dog has the advantage that their personality and final size are already established, leading to fewer surprises.

Reputable animal welfare organizations will tell you honestly about the dog's health and behavioral status. Especially for those looking for a calm, already mature companion, adoption is a meaningful and fulfilling alternative to buying a puppy. Consider both paths—breeding and rescue—and decide what suits your situation best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder cost?

For a puppy from a club-affiliated, health-tested breeding program, you should typically expect to pay between 1,500 and 3,000 euros. Suspiciously cheap offers almost always point to backyard breeders without health screenings. Remember to account for the high ongoing costs of a giant dog.

How long do Great Danes live?

Like many giant breeds, the Great Dane has a relatively short life expectancy, averaging about six to nine years. Health-focused breeding, good weight management, and attentive preventative care can significantly support their quality of life.

Which health tests must a breeder provide?

Ask to see at least the heart examination for DCM as well as reports on HD and ED for both parents. In the DDC, heart screenings are mandatory for breeding dogs. A reputable breeder will provide this documentation without you even having to ask.

Is the Great Dane a good family dog?

Yes, with the right care. Danes are considered gentle, affectionate, and patient with children. However, they require plenty of space, a solid budget, early and consistent training, and owners who can confidently handle their size.

If you are sure that a Great Dane is right for you, you can find verified breeders and current Great Dane puppies at HonestDog—presented transparently so that you can make an honest, well-informed decision in your own time.