How to Find a Great Dane to Buy

Finding the right Great Dane to bring home takes some research and patience. These gentle giants are incredible dogs, but because of their size, health considerations, and cost of ownership, you want to make sure you are buying from the right place and getting a healthy pup.

The three most common ways to get a Great Dane are through a reputable breeder, a breed specific rescue, or a local animal shelter. Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your budget, timeline, and what you are looking for in a dog.

Buying from a Reputable Breeder

If you want a Great Dane puppy with a known health history and documented pedigree, a reputable breeder is your best bet. Good breeders health test their dogs for conditions common in Great Danes, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and eye problems. They will be happy to show you health clearances, let you meet the parents, and answer any questions you have about the breed.

How to Find a Good Breeder

The Great Dane Club of America is one of the best starting points. They maintain a breeder referral list organized by state, and breeders on this list are expected to follow the club’s code of ethics. The AKC Marketplace is another resource where you can search for Great Dane litters from registered breeders.

You can also attend local dog shows to meet Great Dane breeders in person. This gives you the chance to see their dogs, ask questions, and get a sense of how they raise their puppies. Word of mouth from other Great Dane owners, breed specific Facebook groups, and your veterinarian are also good sources for breeder recommendations.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not all breeders are created equal, and there are some warning signs that should make you walk away. Avoid anyone who always has puppies available with no waitlist, refuses to let you visit their facility, cannot provide health clearances, sells puppies before eight weeks of age, or pressures you into buying quickly. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often produce dogs with serious health and behavioral problems that can cost you thousands in vet bills down the road.

What to Expect Price Wise

A Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Show quality dogs from champion bloodlines can cost significantly more. While this might seem like a lot, the investment in a well bred puppy from health tested parents can save you considerable money on veterinary bills as your dog grows older.

Adopting from a Rescue

Great Dane rescue organizations are a wonderful option if you are open to adopting an older dog or do not need a young puppy. There are breed specific rescues across the country that take in Great Danes who have been surrendered, abandoned, or pulled from shelters.

Rescue adoption fees typically range from $200 to $500, and most rescue dogs come spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and sometimes microchipped. Many rescue organizations also provide behavioral assessments so you have a good idea of the dog’s temperament before you bring them home.

The Great Dane Rescue Inc. and regional Great Dane rescue groups are easy to find online. Most have an application process that includes a home check and an interview to make sure the match is a good fit for both you and the dog.

Adopting from a Shelter

It is less common to find purebred Great Danes in general animal shelters, but it does happen. Great Dane mixes show up in shelters more frequently. If you are not set on a purebred and are open to a mix, checking local shelters and browsing adoption sites like Petfinder or Adopt a Pet can turn up some great options.

Shelter adoption fees are usually the lowest option, typically between $50 and $300. The downside is that you may have limited information about the dog’s history, health background, and temperament compared to what a breeder or rescue can provide.

Questions to Ask Before Buying or Adopting

No matter where you get your Great Dane, there are some important questions you should ask. Find out about the dog’s health history and any known conditions. Ask what vaccinations they have had and whether they have been spayed or neutered. If buying from a breeder, ask about health clearances for both parents, the breeder’s return policy, and what kind of support they offer after you take the puppy home.

For rescues and shelters, ask about the dog’s behavior around other animals, children, and strangers. Find out if the dog has any known behavioral issues and what kind of training or adjustment period you should expect.

Preparing Your Home for a Great Dane

Before you bring your Great Dane home, make sure you are set up for a very large dog. Great Danes can weigh 100 to 200 pounds and stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. You will need a large crate, a sturdy bed, heavy duty food and water bowls, and plenty of space for them to move around. Great Danes can live in apartments with enough exercise, but they do best with some room to stretch out.

Budget for higher food costs (Great Danes eat a lot), larger sized supplies, and potentially higher veterinary bills due to their size. Being financially prepared from the start makes the transition smoother for everyone.