How much does a German Shepherd cost and price? Well, that is determined by the German Shepherd price and where you get her. Should you just happen to know somebody who can not keep their German Shepherd (maybe they are moving or have discovered that their child is severely allergic to dogs), then you may be fortunate to get one at no cost.
Contents
How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost
A German Shepherd puppy purchased from a respected breeder will usually cost between $300 and $900 (or much more ), depending upon whether she is a typical German Shepherd, show-dog, or a working dog. Adult German Shepherds who are shown show dogs or function dogs cost $6,000 to $7,000 or more.
Remember that these prices include no more than the German Shepherd, no matter the costs of meals, supplies, or veterinary attention, which may in most cases equal or exceed the cost of the German Shepherd each year.
[su_note note_color=”#d8ecf7″ text_color=”#000000″ radius=”2″] As of this writing, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 US dollars to get a quality-bred German Shepherd puppy. [/su_note]
Why are German Shepherd puppies so expensive?
The main reason German Shepherd puppies cost so much is the cost of breeding German Shepherds and raising the puppies is not cheap.
Below may be a chart breaking down the approximate costs related to breeding.
Expense |
Approximate cost1 |
|---|---|
| Training and showing | $3,500/year |
| Health screening | $500 |
| Stud fee | $1,000+ |
| Whelping supplies | $100 |
| Vet bills | $750+ |
| Food | $100 per litter |
| Registration | $25 + $2/puppy |
| Utilities | $300 |
| Emergencies | $700+ |
Total (approx.) |
$6,985+ |
Why Do The German Shepherd Cost Vary So Much?
The price of a German Shepherd depends on where you get her breeding and what, if anything, he’s trained to do. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively cheap since these organizations charge just enough to cover their costs.
Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherds, must factor in the costs involved with breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. A puppy whose parents (and frequently grandparents and other relatives) are proven reveal or hunting champions has the capability to excel in these areas also and will cost more money than a puppy who’s the offspring of just average parents.
Mature German Shepherds from the proven show or hunting lines are somewhat more expensive than similarly bred dogs because of the additional costs of raising a puppy into maturity and since it is simpler to ascertain overall quality within an adult dog. Last, the most costly German Shepherds are those adults that have proven themselves as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. There is very little risk involved in purchasing a recognized German Shepherd — and these dogs will be priced accordingly.
How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost Annually?
The cost of dog-keeping varies substantially depending upon your German Shepherd (including size, age, and overall health), the standard of equipment and equipment, and even where you live. The following numbers should give you a good notion of what to expect.
For A German Shepherd Puppy In Her First Year:
- Veterinary care, including general care and laboratory tests: $100 – $200
- Immunizations: $50 – $100
- Spay or neuter: $50 – $200
- Internal and external parasite treatment and control: $100 – $150
- Food: $150 – $250
- Miscellaneous expenses, including collar, leash, bowls, toys, grooming supplies, and obedience training: $200 – $225
Total: $650 to $1,125 for the initial year only. Note that this total does not include the cost of the puppy.
For An Adult Dog The Annual Costs Would Involve:
- Veterinary care, including general care and laboratory tests: $50 – $125
- Immunizations: $40 – $75
- Internal and external parasite treatment and control: $100 – $150
- Food: $200 – $400
- Miscellaneous expenses: $100 – $125
Total: $490 to $875 per year.
German Shepherd Price
These amounts are estimates only and they don’t include expenses related to illnesses, accidents, demonstrating, competition, breeding, boarding, or travel. Elderly dogs generally require more healthcare than adults or puppies. From these figures, it is clear that the maintenance of a reasonably healthy German Shepherd living to age 12 to 14 years could easily cost $7,000 to $15,000 or more.
Based on estimates from “Price to Breed and Raise a Litter” and “Litter Costs.”
When you add this to the cost of feeding and keeping the dam for one year, a single mess is often setting breeders back by $8,000 approximately. (and of course the cost of purchasing an excellent bitch or sire and raising them to maturity!) Add to the the subjective cost of the breeder’s time and experience at whelping, raising and training that the litter.
I found GSD puppies advertised locally for $400. Why do I need a dog from a fancy breeder?
As soon as you start asking your $400-per-puppy breeder several questions, the response as to why anybody would want to pay more for a German Shepherd pup will become apparent.
Here are the questions to ask any breeder from whom you are considering purchasing a puppy:
- What health testing have you done on the parents (sire and dam)?
- Do either the sire or dam have allergies chronic ear infections, drippy eyes, skin problems, poor coats?
- What kinds of health issues might be typical in the lines which you strain?
- How old do the dogs on your lines have a tendency to live?
- Have your dogs growled at or bitten a person?
- How can your German Shepherds act around cats?
- Could I fulfill your dogs until I decide to purchase a puppy?
- What titles do your dogs have?
- Can you sell your dogs on a contract?
- Does your pup contract include a promise to take back the puppy at
- any moment in its life, if I could no longer keep him?
- Does your puppy contract include a stylish guarantee?
- Are your dog’s crate trained?
- How do you socialize with your puppies before they depart?
- What vaccinations will my puppy have before I take him home?
- Could I talk to some of your past puppy buyers?
Additionally, the breeder you are considering should ask you questions about your way of life and reasons for wanting a GSD. They should also ask you what your plans are for exercising and training your pet.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Puppy Cost
How much does a baby german shepherd cost Saving enough money to buy a German Shepherd puppy
If you can’t manage an excellent German Shepherd at this time, don’t worry. You may always begin saving today! You’ll 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, don’t 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 I’ve used for a pup savings finance previously:
- Set a savings goal. I really like SmartyPig, since it lets you split your savings account into targets and track them online. It’s absolutely free and features automatic withdrawals, too. However, you don’t need to find fancy — your regular savings account or a glass jar is going to do, also.
- Save all unexpected cash flow. Once your invoices and credit cards are paid, put any”jolt” income in your savings account.
- Set aside a certain amount each month. Even if it’s $25, that is an additional $100 towards vaccinations or a crate after only four weeks! Automatic withdrawals from your checking into a savings account will save you from remembering.
- Do extra work or odd jobs. Can you have a marketable skill that you are able to exchange for a few dollars? Would you wash automobiles, walk dogs, or help a friend with his or her web site? Adding $50 here and there can get one to your savings goal faster than you’d think.
- Give up an additional cost before your savings target is fulfilled. Whether it’s fast food, coffee, an internet subscription, or impulse buys at the grocery store, the majority of us can discover a way to save an additional $5 or more per week by skipping those buys. Remind yourself — it’s temporary and for a good reason!
- Sell something you own. Regularly clearing out things you no more use is not just healthy, but maybe rewarding as well! List your used products on eBay, or hold a yard sale. See if there’s a Facebook group that lists the exact stuff you’re attempting to sell, and join.
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, you’re going to be motivated to continue at which the breeder left off and also have a wonderful companion to share with the world.
