How Much Cost German Shepherd

The Cost Of Feeding A German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a big dog with a hearty appetite, so you should take note of food expenses when factoring out the total German Shepherd price.

Weighing anywhere from 50-90 pounds depending on gender, size, and activity level, the German Shepherd typically eats 3 1/2 to 5 cups of food a day.

For high-quality dog food, you can expect to pay about $2-$3 per pound. For example, say you get a 30-pound bag for $55, which is approximately 120 cups of dog food. If an adult German Shepherd eats 4 cups per day, the 30-pound bag would provide 30 days of food.

So thats about a month of food for $55, or $660 a year.

When looking at the German Shepherd price for food, dont forget about treats! A bag generally costs $5-$10 and will last about a month.

German Shepherd Cost: Initial Setup And Supplies

Aside from the dog itself, there are some one-time items you will need to buy alongside the dog. For example, you will need a dog collar, leash, food bowls, crate, bed, and standard veterinary care.

You may also want to consider other optional first time owner purchases, such as a microchip, getting the dog spayed or neutered, and other veterinary or surgical needs your dog may have.

Are German Shepherds Expensive To Keep

The initial price isnt the only cost associated with German Shepherds. You also need to account for additional expenses that come with owning these dogs.

Many of these costs will only come during the first year. This includes the cost of vaccinations, microchipping, and other necessary veterinary bills that are only conducted when puppies are very young.

There are also some subsequent year costs that youll be liable for during your dogs life.

For example, dog food needs to be bought every month, most supplies will need to be purchased again once they are worn out, and most vet visits are conducted annually.

These costs can vary greatly, as the cost of many items depends on where you buy them and their type. Also, not all are considered necessities.

Still, its important to be aware of them, so you can know whether you can afford to keep the dog you plan on buying.

Here is the German Shepherd price not many will talk about:

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Different Purpose Means Different Cost For German Shepherds

Lets take it down a notch when we say purpose, were simply referring to the role you expect your companion to fill. The truth is that many German Shepherd puppies are not bought solely to live in a family-like environment. Often, they have another role waiting for them after theyre purchased. For instance, youll spend less on getting an average German Shepherd dog versus a police dog. Generally, theyll cost between $500 to $1,500. German Shepherd puppies bred from show-quality parents, however, will cost much more.

In summary, youre paying extra for the privilege of getting a dog with a more superior lineage and cleaner health history. These German Shepherd puppies are less likely to deal with health issues later on in life. Due to this reason, its not uncommon to get German Shepherd puppies raised as show dogs for around $1,500 to $5,000. However, the most expensive German Shepherd puppies are the ones that are bred to become police dogs. The puppies in this category are generally given the required regimented training and are sold between $15,000 to $20,000.

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German Shepherd Price And Other Costs

There are many other costs to consider in the total German Shepherd price, including the initial expense, vet bills, and food.

Training is essential for dogs. You want your pup to be obedient, well-behaved, friendly, and enjoyable to be around.

We recommend you look into group lessons right away. On average, these range from $50-$125 for 4-8 weeks of one-hour sessions.

Then there is the cost of grooming. Fortunately, the German Shepherd is pretty low maintenance in this area.

The breed sheds, so there is no need to worry about getting haircuts. All you need to do is to brush them every few days and provide regular baths.

They will also need regular nail trims, which you can do at home or schedule an appointment for about $10 a session.

And dont forget the cost of supplies when you factor out the German Shepherd price.

To start, dogs need a collar, leash, toys, water and food bowls, a brush, and a bed.

Weve compiled a shopping list that notes everything youll need for your new bundle of fur.

See the new dog shopping list.

Your first temptation might be to run to the pet store and buy everything you can for your new furbaby. For the sake of your pocketbook, however, resist the temptation.

Buy the basics at first, and then youll slowly find out what your dog likes and needs. After all, your dog doesnt need a million new toys or the fanciest dog bed you can find.

If you can afford the initial German Shepherd price plus the ongoing expenses, we say go for it!

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Southeast German Shepherd Rescue

The Southeast German Shepherd Rescue has been running for over 30 years, with an operation area across the southeastern United States. They rescue all breeds and ages of German shepherds from puppies to seniors.

Any dogs older than 8 months from this rescue will be fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and heartworm tested.

Location: Mooresville, NC

Adoption Fee: $300

Get Ready To Become A Dog Parent With A Free Audiobook

It is primordial to be ready to raise a dog and develop an harmonious relationship between your furry friend and family members. I would not wait until I have the dog to start this process. See it as a parenting class.

The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with LoveZak 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.

German Shepherds are sensitive and sweet dogs. They can be a good family dog but can also form a strong bond with one person. They need a lot of exercise, mental stimulation and human interaction.

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. Animal Behaviorist

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How To Transition Your German Shepherd To A New Food

Puppy milk may not work on a three-month-old pup anymore. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd.

You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do.

From mothers milk to puppy food and adult dog food, there will always be a lot of food transitions when it comes to your puppy.

You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food.

Switching your dogs diet instantly will not only affect your dogs weight but can also cause digestion problems and loss of appetite. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually.

Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet.

According to the American Kennel Club , 25% of your dogs new diet is given in the first couple of days, with 75% of their old diet. Then gradually increase it to 50% on the third day, and 75% on the 5th day.

However, you must monitor your dogs response while switching the proportions of their diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly.

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Factors Affecting The Cost Of A German Shepherd Puppy

Purebred German Shepherds are one of the most expensive breeds out there, and you may be wondering why. Ive mentioned earlier that pedigree and coat color affects their price, but they arent the only factors that come into play.

Breeders are not only responsible for producing GSD puppies, but they also need to ensure that these pups are healthy and in their best condition before their new owners take them home.

And of course, these medical expenses are not cheap, not to mention purchasing food and other basic needs.

Check out this comprehensive list of factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd puppy:

Other minor factors can also impact the German Shepherd puppy price. These include the breeders location and the cost of shipping or transport.

Knowing these factors can also help you choose a trustworthy breeder who can offer you a puppy worth its price.

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Why Should You Get A German Shepherd

There is a reason why the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds. Intelligent and obedient, the German Shepherd makes a trusted companion that will stand by your side.

They say that the German Shepherd is a working dog. This goes back to their original purpose as a herding breed and is why they make great military and police dogs.

The German Shepherd loves to be active and have a purpose and will be ready to take on new adventures with you.

And lets not forget about how beautiful these dogs are.

The breed has a strong, yet sleek appearance, from the domed forehead to the square-cut muzzle to the trademark pointed ears. Their gorgeous two-layer coat is most commonly tan and black or red and black both beautiful combinations.

Without a doubt, the German Shepherds price is well worth it. But if youre not yet convinced, check out the video below.

Are All German Shepherds The Same

A factor that might need to be taken into consideration when choosing a German Shepherd as a service dog, is what kind of bloodline they come from.

They need to have the correct temperament, so that they dont become aggressive or temperamental.

Theyll have to be calm, and able to mix with different people in other environments.

The different bloodlines of German Shepherds will also help to determine whether or not they make good service dogs.

This is because some were bred for the specific purpose of serving others, whilst some were bred to be show dogs, as well as domestic dogs.

The East German line working dogs make the best service dogs, and theyre easily recognizable, as theyre the same ones which are used in the police force.

The only issue with these dogs is that they are incredibly high energy, and like to spend all of their time doing things.

This pent up energy could prove to be potentially difficult for some service based environments.

This is why its always important to choose a German Shepherd service dog with a cool, calm, and easy going temperament.

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Great Names For Your New German Shepherd

If the German Shepherd fits within your budget and you welcome this amazing animal into your home, you will need a name.

Youre in luck because we have plenty of ideas!

To start, take a look at our guide to German Shepherd names. Youll find hundreds of ideas fitting for your new four-legged friend.

Also, try our online name generator and find even more options. You can sort by your favorite styles and themes.

A Shedder Or Not That Is The Question

Even though this puppy has a short to medium length coat, its still a moderate shedder. There are great brushes for Great Danes on the market that you can apply to your Great Dane German Shepherd mix.

Its short coat leaves trails all over the house, so make sure your puppy gets a dog bed from the start. This way you will get your pet used to one sleeping spot and reduce the possibility of finding its hairs all over the place.

Weekly grooming is recommended for this hybrid dog.

A monthly bath is often enough. However, cleaning a puppys paws on a regular basis is mandatory, as this dog spends a lot of time outside of the house.

Make sure your puppy undergoes vet exams in order to determine whether or not it is allergic to some substances. The allergy is a common phenomenon for many canines, among which this hybrid dog comes at the top of the list.

Also, avoid dusty areas, such as beaches, sandy places, or deserts. If your dog has an allergy, dust can trigger severe symptoms that require an immediate vet reaction.

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Possible Lifetime Health Cost

Possible lifetime health cost is really something you should consider when purchasing a large dog breed like the German Shepherd. Because of their size, they are more prone to certain conditions such as elbow and hip dyplasia. This is why it is so important to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder that does the proper health checks.

Here is a rundown of all the potential health issues that could arise over the lifetime of a GSD. Keep in mind, most of these issues dont surface until after they are three years old.

While these conditions due tend to be more common in German Shepherds, it doesnt mean that your GSD will get any of these. There are also plenty of preventative measures that you can take to decrease the chance that your dog suffers from any of these health issues.

How Much Does A Purebred German Shepherd Cost

A purebred German Shepherd puppy can cost a lot. However, it is one of the most reasonable solutions to get such a puppy. In this way, you will avoid many problems with health and behavior. The best idea is to purchase your puppy from reliable breeders. This is the strongest guarantee that the puppy will grow healthy.

Purebred dogs have a number of phenotypic and genetic characteristics that come from their ancestors, making such shepherd dogs almost ideal. That is why you need to have an overall vision of what your dog should look like and what you expect of it. Responsible breeding results in a bit higher price but it is worth it. The average purebred German Shepherd cost can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on a number of factors. If the price is too attractive to be real, be cautious. You can see such offers from pet stores or backyard breeders. However, even if you save a good amount while buying, you may spend much more on veterinary help in the future.

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Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A German Shepherd

Bringing home a German Shepherd is a life-changing decision. Besides being prepared to love and care for them, there are profound cost implications and additional responsibilities. These responsibilities include:

• Maintain its health and well being
• Providing it with a shelter

Your German Shepherds health and lifespan depend on many of these factors. Youll also need to get your companion vaccinated, and that can boost up the cost of raising one quite a bit.

Where Can I Find A Responsible Breeder

Reputable and responsible breeders have a waiting list of potential puppy buyers. They usually dont place ads on social media or in newspapers. Of course, they do not have signs informing about sales in their front yards. So, what can you do? You can ask your friends or acquaintances who have already purchased a German Shepherd puppy. Word of mouth is a great recommendation. Or, if you are a member of a canine club or community, you can make inquiries there. Look for well-known canine associations online and contact them. They can recommend responsible breeders to you.

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German Shepherd Puppy Cost

When purchasing a new German Shepherd puppy, the cost can vary greatly depending on many different factors. This chart will give you a good idea of what you can expect with several different options.

This brings the total average costs for the first year of GSD supplies to $478.00. Obviously, this will vary depending on the quality of the supplies listed.

If you are wondering why a dog bed isnt listed, it is because German Shepherds are notorious chewers and they will destroy most dog beds. We recommend a large dog crate with a couple of blankets on the bottom. There are a few exceptions of extremely durable beds such as the Big Barker.

Is German Shepherd Dangerous

The German Shepherd is a breed that has been known to be one of the most dangerous breeds. They are naturally protective and if they were not properly socialized, then it can become too aggressive with strangers. With this in mind, there have been many fatal dog attacks involving them as well as catastrophic injuries from their attack on others. One thing you should know about these dogs before owning one is how important socialization training is for any pup or rescue dog!

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