German Shepherd is one of the most common dogs in the world. Due to their immense popularity, many people are looking to buy this dog. The question is how much will it cost you?
Please note that buying a GSD puppy is not the only cost you have to bear. There are other expenses too which you will have to afford. We will break down the costs in detail which will occur after you buy the German Shepherd puppy.
In this detailed German Shepherd Price guide, we will be discussing how much does it cost to buy a GSD puppy? How much does a German Shepherd cost and what are their monthly expenses? How much does a baby German Shepherd cost? How to find a reputable German Shepherd breeder? What is the best place to buy a GSD puppy and where you can get a puppy for a cheap price? Without any further ado, let’s get right to it.
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 20 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
How much does a Purebred German Shepherd Cost?
Price of a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy can cost you anywhere between $1500 to $5000 (€1300 – €4500) depending on the breeder. If you get it from a breeder who shows their dog, it can cost you more than $1500. The full breed german shepherd puppies price is $1500 (€1300).
Getting a GSD puppy from a reputed breeder has a lot of benefits. The dog should be in good health and make sure that the breeder provides you with papers. Purebred puppy prices range from $1500 to $5000 (€1300 – €4500).
Adopting an Adult German Shepherd
You can also adopt an adult German Shepherd dog from your nearby local shelters. You can expect to pay an adoption fee ranging from $500-$1000 (€400 – €900). The cost of adopting a GSD is priceless as you will be giving a Shepherd dog a home.
However, be aware that adopting an adult dog from a local shelter can come with some problems. The dog may have been abused or not properly trained in the past. So, make proper inquiries before you decide to adopt a GSD dog.
You can find many great German Shepherds from local shelters. Just make sure to spend some time with the dog beforehand to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Why are German Shepherds so Expensive?
Breeding dogs is more than simply mating two dogs of the same breed. Reputed breeders take their dogs to dog shows, take proper care of them. They also constantly check their dogs for any health-related issues.
Great breeders also take time to socialize their puppies. Most reputed breeders also perform tests on their puppies to see if they have any diseases or not. Some of the diagnostics which are performed on GSD puppies are Thyroid tests, cardiac tests, Elbow X Rays, Hip X Rays, and Canine opthomolagist exams.
These tests and diagnostics are not cheap and are required by AKC for GSD breedings. These tests can be a factor in the price of a German Shepherd puppy. Make sure to get a healthy GSD puppy from a responsible breeder.
Is German Shepherd Right for you?
Before you buy or adopt a German Shepherd, please make sure to ask yourself if you are ready to handle this dog properly. Some of the questions you should ask yourself are:
- Do you have the time and patience to play with your dog?
- Do you have the time to properly train your GSD dog?
- Do you have enough space in your home or apartment so that the dog can roam freely?
- Do you have the resources to afford a GSD puppy? Many GSD owners have reported that they spend nearly $12,000 on the dog during its lifetime.
- Is anyone in your home allergic to dogs?
- Do you have the time to take the dog on walks or exercise? If not, can you afford a dog walker or dog trainer?
- Can you give the German Shepherd proper grooming? Can you take care of its coat, nails, and tail? If not, can you afford a dog groomer?
These are some of the questions which you should ask yourself before buying a German Shepherd dog. A GSD is a very energetic and excited dog. You must spend time with them and properly train them. If you are someone who doesn’t have a lot of time, then you should think twice before buying a GSD puppy.
If you like to stay indoors, this will cause problems with your dog. German Shepherds were originally used for herding purposes. You need to take them out daily so that they can have proper exercise. A GSD who stays indoors for a long time will get frustrated and become aggressive. It can start chewing on furniture or develop some other destructive behavior so make sure to spend quality time with your dog outdoors.
Where to find Cheap German Shepherd dogs?
If you are on a budget and want to get a GSD, then you can get a German Shepherd from marketplaces like Craigslist. Some people sell their unwanted puppies for a lot less. However, these are not purebred puppies but mixed breed puppies. They can cost around $200 to buy but you should be aware that they can come with questionable temperament and health.
If you do get a GSD dog from such places, you can end up spending a lot more money on vets than the price of a purebred GSD puppy.
Tips to Find a Good and Reputable Breeder
Here are some useful tips to recognize a reputable breeder.
- A good breeder is not looking to merely make money on the sales of German Shepherd puppies. A responsible breeder loves dogs and takes proper care of them. It will reflect when you go to their place to buy a puppy.
- The puppy’s mother should be living with them.
- A good breeder does not sell puppies under 8 weeks old. Those breeders who just want to make money fast will try to sell puppies who are younger than 8 weeks.
- A good breeder will ask you several questions to determine whether you can take care of the GSD puppy. They are not in a hurry to sell you the puppy. A nice breeder asks you many questions regarding your home and personality. They may also ask you to get in touch with them via social media.
- A responsible breeder takes care of its puppies even after the sale. If the puppy you bring home has any health problems, you can take the puppy back to the breeder and get it checked or exchange it. If you are having any issues with your dog, you can call the breeder and ask for information and guidance.
Initial Cost of Owning a German Shepherd Dog
When you buy a German Shepherd dog or puppy, you have to get some items too such as a bed, food bowls, crate, dog collar, etc. You should also factor in the regular vet check-ups. This can cost you anywhere between $150-$300.
Following are some of the one-time costs for your GSD puppy:
- Crate – $60-$150
- Brush – $8
- Toys – $50
- Bed – $50
- Water Bowls – $30
- Teeth Cleaning – $100-$300 (Optional)
- Nail Clipper – $7-$10
- Microchip – $45-$55
- ID Tag and Collar – $25-$50
- Spay/Neuter – $80-$500
- Ultrasound – $250-$500
How Much Does a German Shepherd Cost per month?
Maintaining a German Shepherd can cost you anywhere between $100-$500 (€90 – €450) per month. This can cover veterinary visits, dog food, and grooming. Some dog owners spend a lot of money on their dogs.
Training a German Shepherd can be a very draining task. If you can’t do it, you can enroll in a dog training class. A private training class can cost you $500 while a group training class can cost you $100.
Some German Shepherds develop aggressive behavior due to neglect. They can ruin your furniture or yard which can also cost you money.
However, according to most GSD owners, you can take good care of your dog for $100 (€90) a month.
German Shepherd Health Care Costs
GSDs are very healthy dogs and don’t require many vet visits. However, you can expect to spend $25 to $50 on their check-ups. With enough exercise and good-quality dog food, you won’t need to go to the vet a lot with your GSD.
German Shepherd Grooming Costs
If you take care of your German Shepherd dog properly, then you can save money on grooming. They don’t require much maintenance. If you buy a trimmer or clipper, then you can save additional money. If you can’t trim your dog’s nails yourself, then it can cost $60-$100 for a professional dog groomer.
German Shepherd Food Costs
German Shepherd is a large breed. It’s no wonder that they eat a lot. When they are in the puppy stage, you can expect to pay $50 per month. Once they are fully grown, the cost of high-quality food will be $100 per month.
German Shepherd Medical Costs
German Shepherd is naturally a very healthy dog. They were specifically bred for herding purposes. They don’t get sick easily so you can save money on their medication. However, you should get them checked annually by a veterinarian. This can cost you $100-$300.
Additionally, for prevention of lice, tick, heartworm, etc. you can expect to pay $100-$200.
German Shepherd Entertainment Costs
German Shepherd is a very active dog. You should provide them with ample entertainment or else they will develop aggressive behavior. You can buy heavy-duty toys for them which can keep them busy and entertained. This can cost you $25-$60 per month.
Pet Insurance for German Shepherds
Having pet insurance for your dog is not necessary. It’s completely up to you. Many insurance companies offer pet insurance for $60 a month.
How to Save Money When Buying German Shepherd Puppies?
You can save money if you want to buy German Shepherd puppies but please keep in mind that getting a puppy for cheap can ultimately cost you more in the long run. If you decide to get a ‘’cheap German Shepherd dog’’ for $200 (€180), there is no guarantee that the dog will be healthy. It could have been abused or neglected in the past and can be difficult to train or control. Buying a puppy from unregulated breeders will come with a lot of health problems and concerns.
We would absolutely suggest you avoid getting a German Shepherd dog for cheap. You should buy a healthy GSD puppy from a reputed breeder who takes care of its dogs. Do not hesitate to spend a reasonable amount of money on your puppy. It will be a wonderful companion to you when it grows up.
What to Know Before Buying a German Shepherd
Buying a dog is a commitment for at least 10 years. Make sure that you are ready mentally and physically to handle a German Shepherd.
A GSD is a very strong and excited dog so you must be able to keep up with them. You should be able to train them and get them to exercise.
If you have trouble finding time to spend with your dog, then it’s not a wise decision to get a dog. A lonely dog will get depressed eventually. Make sure that you have spare time to spend with your German Shepherd dog.
You need to have sufficient funds to take good care of your dog. The dog is like your family member so you must be able to spend money on them.
You may have to get supplies for your dog like a crate, dog food, toys, bed, grooming items, etc. Also, include the cost of regular veterinary check-ups.
You may also have to spend some money on dog training. If you can train the dog yourself, fine. If you cannot, then you may take them to training classes or hire a dog trainer.
German Shepherds are a very intelligent dog breed. It likes to play so you will also need some dog toys.
The main thing is that you need to spend quality time with them so that they feel loved.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are not cheap dogs. You can buy a purebred German Shepherd puppy for $1500 (€1300) from a reputable breeder. Add in monthly costs and it can become expensive.
If you have the means and resources to take good care of your dog, then go ahead and buy a GSD puppy. However, if you are on a budget and can’t provide your dog with a comfortable life, then you should avoid getting one as it won’t be fair to the dog.
We suggest you get a healthy dog from a reputable breeder. We do not recommend getting a GSD puppy from shady or questionable places as it can ultimately cost you more.
Take your time to research and find a responsible breeder. Communicate with them and once satisfied, buy a German Shepherd puppy. The German Shepherd price range from $1500-$5000 (€1300 – €4500).
Take note of the monthly expenses of the German Shepherd dog. You can expect to spend at least $100 monthly on your dog for the rest of its life.
When you buy or adopt a dog, spend a lot of time with them so they don’t feel neglected. A GSD is a very active and confident dog. It likes to play so make sure to get them to exercise daily.
We hope that this GSD price guide has answered all your questions. Now, if you are ready, you can go ahead and buy a healthy German Shepherd from a reputable breeder.
