If you’re thinking of bringing an Anatolian Shepherd Dog into your life, you probably already know that they’re big, strong, and loyal. But, before you welcome one home, you need to think about the financial responsibility that comes with owning one. After all, owning a big dog like this isn’t cheap, and from the initial purchase price to the costs of their ongoing care, there’s plenty to pay for each year. So, to help you plan ahead and decide if an Anatolian Shepherd is the right breed for your lifestyle and budget, we’ve broken down all the costs below.
You’ve got two options when buying an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, and each comes with a different price range. If you buy through a registered breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 -$4,500 for a purebred puppy, depending on their lineage, health, breeder reputation and more. The other option you have is adoption, which is usually more affordable at around $400 – $800.
Whatever you do, you should always steer clear of unregistered breeders. These are pretty easy to spot, as the puppies will be sold at very low prices, and while this may be tempting, these breeders often don’t carry out proper health checks, meaning you could end up with a dog prone to serious health and behavioural problems. So, stick to a registered breeder or adoption shelter, and you’ll be prioritising the health and wellbeing of both the puppies and their parents.
If you choose to buy your Anatolian Shepherd Dog through a registered breeder, the cost will likely be between $2,000 and $4,500. This might seem like quite a wide price range, but it will vary depending on things like the puppy’s bloodline, the health tests it has had, and even the breeder’s reputation. Age also comes into play, and Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies will always sit at the higher end of the price range because they’re more desirable than older dogs.
For a more affordable option, adopting an Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the way to go. The adoption fees average $400 – $800, and this isn’t so much a purchase price as a way of covering things like vaccinations, desexing, and microchipping, potentially keeping even more money in your pocket as you won’t have to sort these yourself. However, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs don’t often end up in shelters, so you may have to do a fair amount of hunting to find one. You can also register your details with online rescue shelters like Rescue Me, who will let you know when an Anatolian Shepherd becomes available in your area.
Prices for Anatolian Shepherd Dogs vary quite widely, especially when you’re buying from a registered breeder. But why is this? Well, there are actually a few factors that make up the purchase price, including:
Registered, reputable breeders invest heavily in health testing, socialisation, and responsible breeding practices. All of these are super important for healthy puppies and parent dogs, but this level of care increases costs, and these will be added to the price of the puppies. However, for this higher price, you’ll also be getting a healthy, well-adjusted puppy.
Anatolian Shepherd puppies that have been bred from strong working lines or champion bloodlines will also usually come with a higher price tag, especially if they have characteristics that meet the breed standards outlined by Dogs Australia. On the other hand, pet-quality Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies that don’t have a notable lineage are likely to be priced at the lower end of the $2,000 – $4,500 price range.
Unsurprisingly, puppies are more expensive than older dogs, and there are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, they’re simply more desirable. Secondly, puppies need a lot more care in their early weeks, and this means extra hours and costs are put into raising them, which are reflected in the price. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that while older Anatolian Shepherds may initially be more affordable, they can come with additional training and socialisation needs, potentially costing more in the long run in classes.
Something else that influences the price is that Anatolian Shepherds aren’t as common as some other breeds in Australia, and their demand tends to be higher among farmers and people looking for serious guard dogs. This high-demand, low-supply means that prices naturally sit a bit higher compared to more commonly-available breeds.
Bringing an Anatolian Shepherd Dog home also involves getting them everything they need for a comfortable life. Here’s what you’ll need to buy and how much you can expect to spend:
Dog crate: $150 – $300 for a sturdy, extra-large crate to use for training and to provide them with their own sanctuary.
Dog bed: $80 – $200 for a chew-resistant, orthopaedic bed that can support their large frame and joints.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $80 for a strong, well-fitted set that can withstand their size and strength.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $60 for a non-slip, slow-feeder bowl designed to prevent them from eating too quickly.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a canine toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste designed to prevent plaque buildup in larger breeds.
Dog car harness: $50 – $150 for a crash-tested harness that is strong enough to keep them restrained and safe on car rides.
Puppy treats: $10 – $40 per month for high-protein, natural treats to use for training and play.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for reusable or washable pads to help with the first few weeks of house training.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 – $60 for a gentle, hypoallergenic product that won’t irritate their skin.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $30 – $70 for a set of sturdy, large-breed grooming tools.
Buying these essential items aren’t the only costs you’ll need to think about. You’ll also need to budget for your Anatolian Shepherd’s day-to-day needs, including food, vet care, and more.
A healthy Anatolian Shepherd Dog should weigh between 40kg and 70kg, depending on their age and sex. This makes them pretty big, and they’ll need a diet to match, with around 500g – 1.5kg of food each day. This means, taking the below diet types into account, you may have to budget between $90 and $300 per month of dog food.
Naturally, the amount you’ll spend will depend on a few factors, like your dog’s age and activity level, as well as the brand and ingredients you choose. It’s always best to consult your vet before settling on which diet type is the right choice for your Anatolian Shepherd.
Something else you’ll need to budget for is vet care, especially for a large breed like Anatolian Shepherds, who are predisposed to several health issues. The costs of checking for these and for routine preventative care average:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a general health check, weight monitoring, and early detection of potential health problems.
Vaccinations: $100 – $250 per year for core vaccinations like C3, C5 and optional canine cough protection.
Worming and parasite treatment: $100 – $300 per year to protect your Anatolian Shepherd against fleas, ticks, and various worms.
Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 per session to remove plaque buildup and check for signs of gum disease.
Pet insurance: $500 – $1,500 per year, depending on your chosen level of coverage and if it covers accidents or hereditary conditions.
Even though Anatolian Shepherds don’t have long, thick coats like some other large breeds, they do shed heavily at certain times of the year, and this means they’ll need professional grooming to stay healthy. The average prices across certain grooming services are:
You’ll also need to invest in some training for your Anatolian Shepherd, especially since they are so intelligent and strong-willed. The price of this will vary depending on the courses you choose, but on average you can expect to pay:
Bringing an Anatolian Shepherd into your life is a big commitment, especially financially, and between the upfront costs and ongoing care, you’re looking at spending thousands of dollars each year to give them the life they deserve. But if you feel you’re able to foot this bill, you’ll get an incredible companion who will reward you with unwavering loyalty and protection for many years to come.
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