If you’re considering adding a Blue Merle Great Dane to your family, you may be wondering how much they cost. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the price of Blue Merle Great Danes so that you can make an informed decision.
First, it’s important to note that there is no single “blue merle” price tag. Prices can vary depending on a number of factors, including the breeder, the dog’s parents, your geographical location, and even the dog’s individual markings.
How Much Does a Blue Merle Great Dane Cost?
How much does a Blue Merle Great Dane cost as a puppy? You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a Blue Merle Great Dane puppy. However, the total cost of ownership for a Blue Merle Great Dane over its lifetime will be much higher.
Puppyhood is the most expensive time for Blue Merle Great Danes. They require a lot of food and their vaccinations and vet care costs can be high. As they grow older, they will still need regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. They may also develop health problems that will require treatment.
The total lifetime cost of owning a Blue Merle Great Dane could easily exceed $17,000. So, if you are thinking of getting one, be prepared to budget for its care.
Read More: Standard Great Dane Price
Blue Merle Great Dane Price at a Shelter
Given the rarity of the Blue Merle color markings that are so highly desired in Great Danes, it’s highly unlikely you will be able to find this special dog at a shelter. You will have to get your Blue Merle Great Dane puppy (or adult!) from a breeder.
Blue Merle Great Dane Price from a Breeder
For the genetic risks associated with the merle coat color, it’s imperative that you go to a reputable breeder to buy your Blue Merle Great Dane. If you go to puppy mills or inexperienced breeders, there is a high risk that your dog will have health issues due to poor breeding practices.
About the Blue Merle Great Dane
Breed
The Blue Merle Great Dane is a variation of the popular Great Dane breed. They are characterized by their blue merle coat, which is a mottled mix of black and gray fur. These dogs are often large and imposing, but they are also known for being gentle giants.
If you’re thinking about getting a Blue Merle Great Dane, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, these dogs need plenty of exercise and space to run around. They also require regular grooming to keep their coat looking their best.
Similar to a Great Dane of any other coat color, a Blue Merle Great Dane is prone to overeating, so precautions must be taken to avoid this, as serious health complications could arise.
Genetics
The blue merle coat color in Great Danes is the result of a dilution gene. This means that the black pigment in the dog’s coat is partially diluted, resulting in a smoky blue color. The merle pattern is created by random spotting of the diluted pigment, which can create a mottled or dapple appearance.
The coloration is the result of the Merle gene, a recessive gene that affects pigmentation on any area of the puppy. The Merle coat color gene is rare, which is why the price of a Great Dane with Merle coloring is higher than a standard Great Dane.
While the blue merle coat color is beautiful, it does come with some potential health concerns. Because the dilution gene affects the pigmentation of the eyes, blue merle Great Danes are at an increased risk for vision problems. They may also be more prone to deafness.
double merle dogs
Double Merle dogs are a result of breeding two Merle-colored dogs together. While this can produce some stunningly beautiful patterns in the coat, it also comes with some serious health risks.
Double Merle dogs are more likely to be born deaf or blind, and can also suffer from other health problems such as skeletal deformities and heart defects. Because of these risks, it’s important to be very careful when considering breeding two Merle-colored dogs together.
blue eyes
The blue eye color in dogs is actually quite rare. In fact, less than 10 percent of all dog breeds carry the gene for blue eyes. The Merle gene is responsible for this eye color.
Dogs with blue eyes often have one blue eye and one brown eye, which is caused by the interaction of the Merle gene and the melanin gene. This combination is called heterochromia.
Some dog breeds that commonly have blue eyes are Australian Shepherds, Catahoulas, Collies, Great Danes, and Weimaraners. However, any breed of dog can have blue eyes if they carry the Merle gene.
While blue eyes are beautiful, they can also be a health concern for some dogs. Dogs with blue eyes are more prone to developing certain eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB).
Because of this, it’s important to have your dog’s eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian. If you notice any changes in your dog’s vision, be sure to contact your vet right away.
Is a merle the same thing as a harlequin great dane?
No, Merle and Harlequin Great Danes are not the same things. While they may share some physical similarities, they are two completely different colors. Merle is a coat color that can be found in many different dog breeds, while Harlequin is a pattern that is unique to the Great Dane breed. So, while you may see a Merle Great Dane, it’s not the same as a Harlequin Great Dane.
Read More: Harlequin Great Dane Price
Temperament
Blue Merle Great Danes are some of the most even-tempered and good-natured dogs around. They make great family pets and are known for their gentle dispositions. While they may be a bit aloof with strangers, they are quick to warm up once they get to know someone.
Blue Merles are also very intelligent and trainable, making them a versatile breed that can excel at a variety of activities. All of these personality traits make a Blue Merle Dane a wonderful dog to welcome into your family. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back companion or an energetic working dog, a Blue Merle Great Dane is sure to fit the bill.
Health Problems
Blue Merle Great Danes have a few predispositions to various health issues. Some of these are indicative of the Great Dane breed, and some of them are due to the Merle gene.
hip dysplasia
Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia, as they are big and lanky dogs with large bones. Hip dysplasia, however, is common in many different dog breeds, so this should not dissuade you from getting a Great Dane of any coat color. The price of treating hip dysplasia in Great Danes can be costly, however, so be sure to have your dog’s hips checked and take preventative measures.
Read More: Great Dane Hip Dysplasia Surgery Cost
gastric dilation volvolus (GDV)
Because Great Danes are notoriously heavy eaters, they are prone to a condition known as GDV, where they overeat and develop bloat. This bloat, in turn, causes the stomach to twist around itself and cut off blood flow to vital organs. The procedure to treat or prevent GDV is known as a gastropexy, or stomach tacking surgery. This can be quite costly for a Great Dane, but also lethal if left untreated.
Read More: How Much Does Great Dane Stomach Tacking Surgery Cost?
deafness and blindness
Deafness and blindness or other hearing and visual impairments are caused by the Merle gene rather than the Great Dane breed itself. The likelihood of your Blue Merle Great Dane having these issues is greatly lessened if you go through a reputable breeder who does not breed two Merle dogs together.
Happy Tail
As adorable as this health issue may sound, Happy Tail Syndrome, where your dog overly wags his tail, could lead to injuries and dead tissue that result in the need for a tail amputation.
Read More: Great Dane Tail Amputation Cost
Factors that Affect Blue Merle Great Dane Price
Breeder
As with anything else, the price of a dog can be affected by the breeder. Keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for when it comes to dogs. A higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog is of better quality, but it’s likely that the breeder has invested more time and money into making sure their puppies are healthy and well-bred.
Reputable breeders care immensely for their dogs and understand the potential risks associated with breeding Merle puppies.
Age
The age of a dog can have a big impact on its price. Puppy prices are usually higher than adult dog prices since puppies are in higher demand. Often, a family wants to get a puppy so that the puppy will grow and develop a bond with them from a young age. Other times, dog owners want to train the puppy themselves to avoid any unwanted behavioral issues. A Blue Merle Great Dane puppy’s price is likely to be higher than that of an adult Blue Merle.
Older dogs may be cheaper since they’re not as popular as puppies. Older dogs may cost less than younger ones simply because they don’t have as many years left to live. And, unfortunately, some older dogs may already have health issues that need to be treated by a veterinarian.
Geographic Location
The price of a dog can be affected by many factors, including geographical location. In general, prices are higher in more urban areas, where there is greater demand and less availability. In rural areas, the opposite is often true – there may be more breeders and sellers, and thus more competition, driving prices down. However, this is not always the case, as some rural areas may have less access to resources and therefore higher prices.
Merle Coat Color
While the Merle coat color is often considered to be very desirable, it can also affect the price of a dog. This is because dogs with this coat color are often considered to be more valuable than those without it. This is especially true if the dog has a rarer coat color, such as blue or silver, like the Blue Merle Great Dane.
American Kennel Club and Merle Great Danes
The AKC recognizes two types of merle coat patterns in Great Danes: true blue merle and blackberry merle. True blue merle is a dilution of a black Great Dane, while blackberry merle is a dilution of a blue Great Dane. Both types of merle coat color patterns are equally beautiful and there is no preference given to either type by the AKC.
They have only begun recognizing this color pattern in Great Danes as of 2019, so you will not need to pay as much attention to lineage as in other dog breeds that have been recognized by the AKC for far longer.
Lifetime Cost of a Blue Merle Great Dane
Feeding Costs
The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount you’ll need to spend on food for your Great Dane will depend on a number of factors, including the size and age of your dog, their activity level, and any health conditions they may have.
That said, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 per month on food for your Great Dane. And if you live in an area with a higher cost of living, that number could be even higher.
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Feed a Great Dane?
Medical Costs
As we mentioned above, Great Danes (Merle Great Danes especially) are prone to a myriad of health conditions. That is not to say that it’s guaranteed your Dane will have any or all of these conditions, but it’s smart to know what may lie ahead in the future. Take a look at our detailed guides to different medical procedures your Great Dane may need.
Standard preventative veterinary visits will cost between $500 and $700 per year depending on your vet’s practice and geographical location. You can expect to pay more for additional health issues and treatments that may arise or emergency vet visits.
Training Costs
Great Danes do not typically need extensive training beyond basic canine education and obedience training.
You have the option if you choose to train your dog, to hire a private trainer or participate in puppy training classes. A private trainer, who will presumably come to your home, costs roughly between $40 and $60 per session. In a group class, you can expect to pay between $25 and $80 per class.
Miscellaneous Costs
dog walking
Great Danes need a lot of exercise. If you aren’t able to provide your dog with sufficient exercise, you will definitely need to hire a dog walker.
You can expect to spend $15 to $50 per walk, depending on whether you need private walks or not and the duration of each walk.
Keep in mind that you will need more than one walk per day in most instances.
pet insurance
Pet insurance is a great idea for a Great Dane, who can encounter some unforeseen medical expenses such as hip dysplasia, happy tail syndrome, and GDV. While pet insurance is not cheap, it could actually save money, in the long run, should your beloved furry friend develop any of these unfortunate conditions and need treatment.
Many owners of this giant breed choose to get pet insurance for this very reason.
Pet insurance can cost between $300 and $800 per year.
Blue Merle Great Dane Price Summary
If you’ve decided on getting a Blue Merle Great Dane for your new dog, the average price for the first year of the dog’s life, including the cost of the puppy or dog itself, will be around $6000. This includes supplies, food, vet visits, vaccinations, sterilization, training, pet insurance, and any other potential first-year costs.
Each subsequent year, you can expect to spend around $3000 (on the high end) or around $250 per month. On the low end, it could be around $2000 per year.
Over the course of your dog’s lifetime, average costs are typically around $17,500.
Although they are a bit more expensive than some other dog breeds, these gentle giants make ideal family pets and have wonderful personality traits to make them a loving member of your family.
