Great Dane vs Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs
Great Dane owners spend $600-$1,500/yr at the vet. Yorkshire Terrier: $380-$900/yr. That's a $410/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Great Dane
$6,500-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (8 yrs)
high health risk
Lifetime Gap
$250
Great Dane costs less
Yorkshire Terrier
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Great Dane | Yorkshire Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $1,050/yr | $640/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Annual Range | $600-$1,500 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $425/yr | $280/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $650/yr | $300/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $50-$100/mo | $25-$50/mo | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $300-$650 | $150-$350 | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,500-$16,000 | $7,000-$16,000 | Great Dane |
Great Dane Health Risks
high risk · large, 110-175 lbs · 8-year lifespan · 3-4 visits/year average
- Bloat (GDV) (25-40%) $2,000-$7,500
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (15-25%) $500-$5,000
- Hip dysplasia (12-15%) $2,000-$7,000
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) (5-10%) $5,000-$15,000
- Wobbler syndrome (3-5%) $3,000-$10,000
Yorkshire Terrier Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (30-40%) $400-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) (2-5%) $3,000-$8,000
- Tracheal collapse (5-10%) $500-$4,500
- Hypoglycemia (10-15%) $100-$500
Breed-Specific Procedures
Great Dane
- Bloat prevention (gastropexy) $400-$1,200
- Echocardiogram $300-$600
- Hip screening X-rays $200-$400
- Wellness exam + vaccines $175-$350
- Senior blood panel $175-$400
Yorkshire Terrier
- Dental cleaning + extractions $400-$800
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
- Blood glucose check $30-$80
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Great Dane
$50-$100/mo ($600-$1,200/yr)
high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Yorkshire Terrier
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.