How Much Does A Purebred German Shepherd Cost
Where you want to obtain your German Shepherd and the age you desire, will dictate the initial cost of acquisition:
- German Shepherd Puppy Price: If you want a purebred puppy from a breeder who shows their German Shepherds, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the showing accomplishments of the parents. You should also consider travel costs to go get the puppy or have the puppy travel to you if the breeder is not local.
- If you look for a local breeder who breeds pet-quality purebred German shepherds, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
- There are many purebred German Shepherds who are in need of homes in animal shelters or German Shepherd rescues as well. If you want to rescue a puppy or an adult, you can expect to pay anywhere from free to good home to less than $1,000. The emotional and mental benefits of giving a good home to a puppy or dog in need are priceless, for both the German Shepherd and the rescuer.
How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost Ultimate Buyers Guide
The German Shepherd is a confident and hard-working dog that has rightfully earned the reputation of being one of the bravest breeds in around.
These gorgeous and devoted pups are highly sought after and are the second most popular breed in the U.S. They are so popular that weve come with a list of 300+ most common names for German Shepherds.
Because of this they can often be a bit more expensive than your average pup.
The exact cost of a German Shepherd will vary depending on their pedigree and color.
In this article we will discuss all the costs you can expect to run into when adopting one and how to plan for the expenses that will pop up throughout their lifetime.
Want to learn more? Keep on reading
Contents and Quick Navigation
Getting A Healthy Dog
If youre buying a German Shepherd puppy then youre probably going to have them in your life for the next decade. During this time you will build a strong attachment to them as they will end up being a big part of your life.
You will therefore want to look to find a puppy that is as healthy as possible. By finding a puppy that is as healthy as possible youre going to be able to spend more time with your new best friend but likely save yourself a large amount of money in vet bills.
When buying the puppy, try not to get lost in the puppys eyes straight away, give them a critical look. Do they appear to be healthy? Are they skinny? How about the rest of the litter, or the parents? You wont always be able to meet the father but you should be concerned if youre not going to be able to meet the mother
It is also worth asking the breeder about any genetic tests that have been done on the puppy or the mother. Not all will do the test but some do and if they have the information it is worth you getting it and understanding it.
Unfortunately, German Shepherd dogs are known for their health issues. While you may try and find a puppy that is as healthy as possible, they may still experience anything from a minor allergy to serious health issues.
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The First Year With Your German Shepherd Puppy
On average, the first-year cost that comes with a German Shepherd puppy ranges between $2,330 and $6,375. This comes down to an average cost of $3,815, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.
| First YearCosts |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $46,975 $98,770 | $70,290 |
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Can I Come And See The Puppies And Pick One On The Spot
This is a very important question. If the breeder says no, definitely avoid purchasing from them. A good breeder should have nothing to hide and have adequate facilities and conditions to take care of their dogs well. Just because the breeder says yes, that doesnt mean you should automatically trust them not to be a backyard breeder. You should still go and evaluate the conditions and their practices before being 100% sure.
There are also circumstances when visiting the breeder isnt practical, especially since they usually live in rural areas to have the space to accommodate their pups.
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German Shepherd Dog Price
Although many people crave the adorableness of a puppy they do not consider the amount of time these bundles of energy require.
Purchasing a puppy is very similar to welcoming a newborn into your home.
You will likely lose out on a lot of sleep and will have to diligently train them. You will have to put up with peeing in the house and chewing during their teething phase!
If you want to skip the loveable yet chaotic puppy years then adoption is an incredible option.
When you choose to rescue a dog from a shelter you are giving them a home and most importantly a second chance.
There are millions of dogs in need of homes so strongly consider adopting rather than purchasing a puppy.
Adult German Shepherds from shelters typically cost $50-$300 and these dogs are often spayed/neutered, vaccinated and sometimes even micro chipped so you will not have to worry about those extra expenses.
Adopting an adult dog is much cheaper than buying a puppy and there are also other benefits.
How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost A Year
The cost of purchasing a German Shepherd, however, is far less than the cost of maintaining a German Shepherd is. They are highly intelligent dogs with a clear sense of performance. Here is an approximate, average breakdown of the aggregate costs of purchasing a German Shepherd as well as the maintenance costs per year.
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How Rare Is A Pure Black German Shepherd
The Black German Shepherd is a pure German Shepherd and doesnt qualify as a separate breed, but it stands out because of its color 100% black. The Black German Shepherds are very rare, and for that reason, their price is much higher, you can expect to find a Black Shepherd puppy around $700 to $2000.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost
The German Shepherd Husky Mix, also known as the Gerberian Shepsky in the dog breeding world, is a mix of the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky. As a mix, this isnt considered a purebred, but rather, a designer mixed breed.
Recognized by both the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club, this mixed breed, as with any mixed breed, will receive its traits from either one its parents, making no two Gerberian Shepsky puppies the same.
Standing about 26 inches tall and weighing up to 85 pounds, this mixed breed is bound to draw attention when out for a walk.
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The Cost Of A German Shepherd A Summary In 7 Questions
1- How much is a German Shepherd puppy?
On average a German Shepherd puppy will cost $800 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $450 and $1,900. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dogs bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 Does a German Shepherd need training and how much will it cost?
Having a German Shepherd professionally trained is usually recommended and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, and positive leadership.
4 What is the cost of preventive medical care for a German Shepherd?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $830 for a German Shepherd puppy during the first year and around $425 to $925 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures .
5 How much food does a German Shepherd eat and how much will it cost?
A German Shepherd puppy will eat around 220 lb. and an adult close to 310 lb. of dry food yearly . Annual expenses should be between $180 and $520 for a puppy and $160 to $625 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
Are German Shepherds Expensive Factors Affecting The Cost Of A German Shepherd Puppy
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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The Cost Of The First Year Of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership
While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment.
Lets now take a close look at the costs you will likely incur during your first year of GSD puppy ownership.
It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you.
While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows:
How Long Do German Shepherds Live
You can expect a German Shepherd to live anywhere between 12 15 years. German Shepherds are very active dogs and can be expected to live a long life if provided with the care they need.
German Shepherd insurance is not required but may benefit those who purchase one of these beautiful creatures because German shepherds have a high risk of injury over their lifetime, which could result in serious costs for you. So, insurance may save money for you over a long time, including for long-term costs of vet care.
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Adult German Shepherd Price
A lot of people crave the adorableness of a fuzzy fluffy puppy, but unfortunately, they do not have the amount of time that these bundles of joy require in the early stages of puppyhood. Taking care of a puppy is similar to taking care of a newborn.
So if you decide to start raising your doggo from its earliest stages, you will need to be ready to lose out on a lot of sleep until you train it to sleep through the night, alone. Of course, you will have to put up with peeing and pooping in the house, and of course, during the teething phase, you will need to get used to chewed-up furniture, slippers, wardrobe, or even your hands.
This might frighten you since it sounds like a chaotic stage, but this stage is as well very loveable, and it will create a strong bond between you and your furball. Anyhow if you are sure that this is not the job for you, you can always purchase an adult dog or rescue an older dog from the shelter.
So how much do a German Shepherd cost?
To buy an adult German Shepherd dog that is not a show quality dog or a working dog, you can expect to pay up to $500 to $900 since people see an older dog as less desirable. In case you decided to save a life and adopt an adult German Shepherds from the shelter, they typically cost between $50 and $300. These dogs are often spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and in most cases, micro-chipped, so you will not have to worry about those extra expenses.
Calculated First Month Cost Of Owning A German Shepherd
Firstly, buying a German Shepherd is just the start of the costs of owning this dog. Secondly, as your dog grows, expect the cost to increase as well. Apart from food and accessories, there are other costs you must budget for.
Here is an estimate of the first months cost to expect when owning a German Shepherd.
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Miscellaneous Additions To Overall German Shepherd Price
If a German Shepherd owner travels often or has a very busy schedule, he may need to pay for pet sitters, groomers, dog walkers, and more.
So, what is the overall cost of buying and raising a dog? According to the American Kennel Club, it depends primarily on the dogs breed and size.
And the first year of owning a puppy is the most expensive, according to the University of Veterinary Medicine.
On average, smaller breeds will cost their owners around $2,674 in their first year while larger breeds, like the German Shepherd, will cost their owners about $3,536.
Of course, we always recommend that new dog owners prepare for their puppies. for the ultimate puppy-proofing checklist!
Now, are you ready to find out what the lifetime cost of raising a puppy is? According to the American Kennel Club, the overall average cost of owning a dog comes to be between $14,480 and $15,782.
Whew! So, how can you save some dough?
Which Kind Of German Shepherd Is Most Expensive
The German Shepherd is a breed itself, but there are sub-categories identified by the different coat and eye colors. There are even mini German Shepherds that have recently hit the scene, which we will talk about in a bit.
German Shepherds have various coat markings, some examples include the Panda German Shepherd, Black German Shepherd, and even albino German Shepherds. They can all be a purebred German Shepherd, with some of their asking prices going as high as $5000 and more! In general, the rarer and more unique a dog looks, the more you can expect to pay.
Our favorite is bi-eyed fur babies, which means one dog with different colored eyes. Most German Shepherds have dark eyes, but if you can find one with blue or a blue and a brown, then your pup is sure to turn some heads, and the price will rise as well.
Keep in mind that looking special isnt all that goes into buying a dog. A healthy puppy is priceless, so make sure to prioritize your dogs well-being above his markings.
As we said, new to the scene is the miniature German Shepherd. A mini GSD puppy is adorable, but be aware that these are not purebred dogs. Some breeders claim to have used selective breeding to breed the smallest dogs litter after litter, but others just breed adult German Shepherds with corgis, shelties, and other breeds to achieve a mini GSD.
These dogs can cost a lot as well since they are designer dogs, but its important to understand that they arent all purebred.
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Buying From A Reputable Breeder Vs Buying Online
As someone looking to find out how much German Shepherds cost, you have probably run across several search site ads that let you know you can buy a quality pup from them.
Some high-quality reputable breeders have online ads. There is nothing wrong with that. Online advertising is a very successful means of marketing. However, their ads are much different than those We sell German Shepherds! pop-ups you might see on sale websites.
These people are usually Backyard Breeders or other types of unregistered GSD sellers that dont follow the strict rules and regulations when it comes to breeding practices. This is why they are so affordable.
From a price perspective, youll certainly pay way less if you work with someone who made a listing on a sale site than if you were to go to an ethical, reputable breeder.
For example, while the average sale price for a GSD at a breeders is $1000, you might get one for as low as $130 on sites such as PuppyFind. Sometimes, these dogs are even sold on sites such as Craigslist!
It doesnt necessarily mean that there is something wrong with a pup you buy online. However, you also have no way of knowing the bloodline of that dog as well as whether hes predisposed for some severe genetic illnesses.
How Much Does A German Shepherd Puppy Cost
How much does a baby german shepherd cost Saving enough money to buy a German Shepherd puppyIf you cant manage an excellent German Shepherd at this time, dont worry. You may always begin saving today! Youll have enough time to construct your savings since most breeders of great pups only breed a few litters each year. Finding a breeder may take several months of research, as well. Expect to pay a non-refundable deposit to get on a waiting list.
Along with the cost of your puppy, dont neglect to factor in the initial costs of a crate, toys, veterinary appointments, training classes, pet grooming, a basic pet first-aid kit, good-quality food, plus a starter supply of flea and heartworm treatment.
Here are a couple of savings hints Ive used for a pup savings finance previously:
Is spending the money to get a high-quality German Shepherd pup worthwhile?
Following 19 years of owning and raising German Shepherds, and helping others with their GSDs behavior, I will say without a doubt that any money spent on a good-quality pup from a respectable breeder is well worth it. A German Shepherd having a stable, friendly character, in good health and properly socialized by a knowledgable breeder is priceless.
The remainder ensuring that your German Shepherd is a fantastic puppy citizen is up to you! But by investing upfront, youre going to be motivated to continue at which the breeder left off and also have a wonderful companion to share with the world.
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