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How Much Does German Shepherds Cost

Bringing Home A Puppychecklist

How much does a German Shepherd cost?

We have discussed everything you need to know about bringinghome your new puppy, but the following checklist will make things much, mucheasier since you could literally mark things off from it when you prepare foryour German Shepherd puppy, and when you bring it home too.

These supplies canadd up in price, so you may wish to purchase some of them after you have thepuppy, but this is a good, thorough list of everything you will need for dog ownership.

A Proper Sized Crate

How Much Are German Shepherd Puppies

Purebred GSD puppies can be found from breeders anywhere from $500 to $1500. The average price of a German Shepherd puppy is $1,000. This can vary depending on size, age, and breeder. Some breeders will charge more because they know the puppy is popular or in high demand.

On average, a GSD puppy from a pet store costs about $500 to $1600 with localized prices and popularity varying within that range. German Shepherd puppies found through a rescue group cost $150 $200.

Are There Other Costs With A German Shepherd Puppy

While the initial purchase of your German Shepherd might be the heftiest upfront cost you will have to fork over, there will, of course, be recurring expenses to raising and owning him.

Throughout his lifetime, your German Shepherd will incur costs for the following:

  • Puppy food and dog food
  • Bedding, toys, leashes, bowls, and other supplies
  • Obedience training or boarding

When you begin your search, you need to determine what type of German Shepherd you want.

While these dogs possess different physical qualities, none are superior and all can make great pets. There are 3 options:

A Show Quality Purebred German Shepherd is bred to match the American Kennel Clubs breed standard. If you are interested in showing, this is the type of dog that you would want to purchase.

Due to the careful breeding and extra efforts that show quality breeders must adhere to, these dogs are the most expensive. For a description of the AKCs breed standard for German Shepherds, .

A Pet Quality Purebred German Shepherd will not adhere perfectly to the breed standard.

This does not make them any less purebred, this just means they would not qualify to be shown because their anatomy is not what the breed standard requires.

Pet quality german shepherd breeders should breed their dogs with the same care as show quality breeders but may do so for the love of the breed rather than specifically to show.

Pet quality dogs are generally a little less expensive than show quality dogs.

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Types Of German Shepherd Lines

1. American & Canadian Show Line

This line is often seen in America and Canada and is the line most often seen as show dogs in these places. This line has smaller heads, thin legs, and back legs are shorter than the front. Additionally, they come in several colors, often a solid coat with some two-color combos. These include solid white, black, saddle sable, and black and tan saddles. This line is less suited to work and was developed for its looks. These pups run between $1,500 and $3,000.

2. DDR/East German Working Line

The Deutsches Demokratische Republik German Shepherd is a dog with an interesting origin. They were developed under the close watch of the East German government during the Cold War. They were bred explicitly to be loyal, hardworking dogs that could withstand harsh temperatures and were skilled at work with the military and police forces.

This breed was used to guard the borders between the two countries. They were bred for large bodies, large heads, and sleek dark-colored coats. When East and West Germany united, the bloodline was almost lost, as demand decreased rapidly for these canines. They are found occasionally as pets. This is not a good choice for new or inexperienced owners. These pups have a significantly higher price tag, about $2,500 to over $3,000.

3. Czech Working Line

4. West German Show Line

5. West German Working Line

Factors That Determine Cost

How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost  And Why They Are So Expensive ...

As you can see from the lists, the prices fluctuate with each rescue. Lets take a look at these factors that go into the final cost.

The dogs age: Puppies are going to cost more than adults, and adults are going to cost more than seniors. Puppies and adults are still full of life and still have many years left in their life, so theyll be more expensive. Senior dogs are cheaper because theyre on the last stretch of their life cheaper prices will increase its chances of adoption.

Location: The price will depend on where the rescue is located. Some states, such as New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut, have a higher average income, so prices are going to be more expensive compared to Mississippi and Arkansas.

Lineage: If the dog is a mixed breed, its going to be cheaper. Purebreds or show-quality dogs are going to cost big bucks. Adopting a regular GSD puppy or mixed breed GSD will cost you upwards of $500, but if you want a show-quality dog or top breed, then its going to cost anywhere between $2,300 to $10,000.

The breeder needs to make money: If youre thinking a breeder is overcharging a lot for a puppy, then youre not aware of the work- and money- that goes into raising a German Shepherd. A single litter often costs a breeder $8,000. They have to pay for training, food, utilities, and vet bills.

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German Shepherd Food Cost

Food is one of the main costs to consider when purchasing a German Shepherd. Due to their large size, they eat more food than some smaller breeds. Weighing anywhere between 60 and 100 pounds, GSDs can eat their fair share of kibble.

If you plan on taking the healthier route and feeding them an all-natural raw diet, it will be even more expensive. Either way, here are some options to consider.

Food
$150-$250 Per Hour $200

As you can see there is a huge range of options for owners to choose from. You will at least need some basic obedience training if you cant do it yourself. If you can afford it, a private trainer will be much more able to meet your dogs specific needs.

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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Costs Of Owning A German Shepherd: With 21 Examples

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Categories German Shepherds

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German Shepherd owners will agree with the saying, buying a dog is not a big deal the real deal is the cost to own it! As a proud owner of a German Shepherd, I can certainly relate to that, and potential new owners often ask me, how much does it cost to own a German Shepherd?

The cost of owning a German Shepherd can be around $85 per month once you have paid for your pup . Therefore, the lifetime cost of owning a German Shepherd over 10 years can be up to $12,230, for both the cost of the puppy plus all food and care expenses.

Buying your puppy is only the first of many ongoing costs of owning your GSD. The buying and caring costs make up the lifetime total cost of ownership.

To help you compute your figures for owning a German Shepherd, this article breaks down not only the buying cost but all other care expenses that bringing home a GSD will put on your tab, such as food, vet care, and grooming.

Ill do this by giving you real examples of costs for different care items and the real costs that others, including myself, have incurred when caring for German Shepherds. Ill also include a few examples of UK prices for my UK readers.

Finally, Ill give you 5 tips on how to reduce the cost of owning your German Shepherd.

Contents

Is It Cheaper To Purchase A Retired Adult Dog

What’s the price of a German Shepherd puppy?

Yes, this is one of the variants to save your costs. Breeders sometimes sell retired show or breeding dogs at a lower price. Such dogs can be 2-8 years old. The reasons why these dogs are on sale vary. That may be the end of their show career. Or, for a certain purpose, they can be spayed after producing several litters. Usually, the number of breeding dogs is limited because a responsible breeder needs to pay more attention and give optimal care to their breeding dog.

Purchasing a retired German Shepherd dog has several indisputable advantages.

  • These dogs have a perfect pedigree, and their parents were carefully tested.
  • They have got substantial socialization to take part in shows, so they can live together with other dogs and get accustomed easily to different people and conditions.
  • The canines are fit and strong because they have received high-quality food, appropriate veterinary care, and all needed shots.
  • Such dogs are sure to be far cheaper than purebred puppies with the same characteristics.
  • You can consider the German Shepherd cost about $400 for a retired dog or even the same $200 as for a yard-bred GS puppy with uncertain qualities. Though, finding such a dog for sale is a great luck. You will need to make inquiries from several breeders because most of them sell their precious dogs only once in a few years. In addition, they love their pets so placing them in a perfect home is their priority. So, you should become a good match with both a dog and its owner.

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    Owning A German Shepherd On A Budget

    If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses.

    The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills.

    Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones.

    How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost

    Have you wanted to own a German Shepherd Dog for the longest time? At this point, I assume you are already very well familiar with the breed and are ready to learn everything about the price and expenses of owning one.

    As extremely loyal and intelligent working dogs, its no wonder that German Shepherds consistently make it to AKCs list of popular breeds. This also makes them demanded by many dog lovers in the United States.

    To help you settle your budget for your GSD puppy, I collected all of the important facts about GSDs prices and maintenance costs. Hopefully, you will find this article useful as your financial guide when buying your future dog.

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    What To Know Before Buying A German Shepherd

    Your German Shepherd will without a doubt become part of the family within a few days and should live for more than 10 years, so be aware that this is a very long commitment, and not to be taken lightly.

    Whilst you may have to save up to buy your German Shepherd, you will need a lot more funds to look after and properly care for your puppy.

    The main costs will be when you first get a German Shepherd, as you will have to pay for the puppy itself, along with a crate, leash, dog bed, collar, good quality puppy food, grooming tools and other accessories such as puppy training pads and treats.

    That is without considering the cost of getting your puppy checked over by a veterinarian, or giving them their initial shots before they are allowed to socialize with other dogs.

    However, reputable breeders may have already arranged for their vaccinations to be completed before the puppy is sent to its new home.

    You also need to think about vet checkups, flea treatments and worming medication on a regular basis.

    German Shepherds are also very intelligent dogs that need lots of attention and so they will require proper training, schedules, toys and balls to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated!

    How Much Does It Cost To Get Everything For My German Shepherd Puppy

    How Much Do Full Breed German Shepherds Cost

    If you are just getting your puppy, plan to make several other purchases, including a crate, dog bed, car crate, bowls etc.

    The vet costs in the first year of a dogs life are usually much higher than later on, because the dog needs regular vaccinations and puppy wellness checks as well as a spay/neuter surgery. Because the German Shepherd is a large dog which frequently suffers from bloat , many owners elect to have the stomach tacked during the spay/neuter surgery. This will prevent future bloat episodes, but quickly hikes up the cost of this routine procedure to $1,000.

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    Is A German Shepherd Right For Me

    Before bringing home a German Shepherd Dog, consider the following:

    • Is anyone living in your house allergic to dogs?
    • If you are renting, does your rental property allow dogs? Can you afford the pet fee? Purebred German shepherd price can be around 2000$ so you have to add renting expenses to this number.

    According to ASPCA, a dog is a commitment of approximately 8 to 15 years sometimes more, sometimes less.

    The most important thing to do before purchasing a puppy or adopting a puppy or dog is to ensure that you are ready and able to give them the best home possible.

    According to The Telegraph, Dogs have the intelligence of 2-year-old human children. They are smart and will quickly become valued members of your family.

    According to VetStreet, You will spare yourself and the dog mental and emotional heartbreak if you are honest with yourself before bringing one home.

    Which German Shepherd Is Biggest

    The King Shepherd is one of the largest dogs in existence. They often reach heights up to 30 and weights around 150 lbs! In contrast, German Shepherds are a more standard size at 22-26. The difference height can be intimidating but dont let it get you down because owners say that theyre really low maintenance when compared with other large dog breeds.

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    How Much Do German Shepherds Cost

    A German Shepherd is one of the exceptional choices for pets. This dog is known for its bravery, loyalty, and protective instinct. It maximizes its full potential when trained properly. This makes it an excellent option for a working dog such as police dog, guard or search & rescue dog.

    However, just like anything else in the world, one needs to pay a great price to be able to own one of these adorable creatures. German Shepherds are popular in U.S and the world, making them the most sought-after breed. For this reason, they are a bit more expensive than other dogs.

    If you have been wondering how much does a german shepherd cost? you are in the right place. In this article, we will look at the cost of the German Shepherd and the factors that affect its cost.

    How Much Is A German Shepherd Puppy

    I Spent How Much As A German Shepherd Breeder?!

    Whether or not a puppy is purebred makes a significant difference in price. Bloodline, color, age, location, size of litter, and breeder expenses all come into play. Champion and prize-winning bloodlines will be significantly more. Additionally, the purpose of the canine, from pet, service, show, to work, etc., can make a difference as well.

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    For Those Families Seeking A Purebred Dog It Is Important To See The Parents Of The Puppy And To Understand The Breed Standard & Breed Conformation In A World Of Dog Shows A Dog’s Conformation Is Not What I Think Looks Good It Is A Professional Objective Given By A Judge Based On The Breed Standard & Breed Requirements While A Dog Show May Look Like A Beauty Pageant Its Not Dogs Are Not Being Compared To Each Other Theyre Being Measured By How Closely They Conform To The Standard Of Their Particular Breed And Given A Grade When It Comes To It When You Look At Parents Do They Look Like The Dog You Dream To Own

    For a German Shepherd, we must see SG, V or VA – a title earned at a Conformation ring.What do the titles mean?VA” – Vorzuglich Auslese- Excellent Select. Given only to a group of outstanding German shepherds at a Sieger show.V” – Vorzuglich- Excellent. Outstanding German shepherds with full dentition and good character.SG”- Sehr Gut- Very Good, Highest grade possible for dogs under 24 months of age or dogs outstanding merit missing a premolar.

    Other rating may include:”G” – Gut- Good. Really about average, given to typical but not exceptional animals.”A” – Ausreichend- Satisfactory. Given to below average dogs.”M” – Mangelhaft- Poor. Poor quality dogs but of tolerable character.”U” – Ungenugend- Unsatisfactory. Given to dogs with faulty character or serious faults, ungraded.

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