German Shepherds are winning family companions with a gentle but protective nature. If you’re thinking about adding one of these loving dogs to your family, you’re going to want to know how much they’ll set you back, so let’s have a look!
Several factors will decide the final cost of a German Shepherd puppy. You can expect to find German Shepherd puppies for sale for anywhere between $1000-$4000 when purchasing from a breeder.
Adopting German Shepherd puppies is a cheaper option, costing around $500-$1000.
Adoption is generally less appealing for buyers as they usually prefer to get a dog that has come from a responsible breeding program and doesn’t have the behavioural issues that can arise from being the victim of neglect or abuse.
That being said, adoption is still a popular and noble route and has seen countless dogs placed with loving families.
The most influential factor in the cost of a German Shepherd dog is its heritage. Purebred German Shepherd puppies from outstanding parents and traceable pedigree will always cost more than those from puppy litters from lower-quality stock.
German Shepherds can exhibit a tremendous variation in coat colours, with some rarer colours being an incentive to charge more.
Common colours like black and tan or black and red won’t drive the price up, but an all-black coat is especially rare, and some enthusiasts will pay extra for a German Shepherd all in stunning black.
If litters are small but demands are high, prices will remain the same. Conversely, if litter sizes are large and demands are high, then you can expect to pay extra for German Shepard puppies.
A good breeder, whether a pedigree breeder producing purebred German Shepherd puppies or a backyard breeder, either should have no issues with you coming along in person to meet them. If anything, they should be keen to meet you to ensure you’re taking their puppy to a safe forever home.
Ensure your breeder has their dog’s health checked. Responsible breeders will have all of their animals vet checked and should be able to provide documentation not only for their puppies but for their parents as well.
Be certain that you’re not buying your German Shepherd from a breeder that practices poor ethics when breeding, subjecting both mother and pups to poor conditions to maximize profit.
These dogs rarely have had any training and will not come with any certification; however, due to their low prices, it’s likely the market for them isn’t going anywhere.
A comprehensive nutritious blend designed for large breed dogs with high protein values is crucial to maintaining their energy levels, keeping their coats healthy, and preventing common physiological issues such as hip dysplasia.
Good quality dog food will cost you between $50-$80 a month.
Originally bred as a working dog, the German Shepherd breed is known for its robust constitution. However, there are costs you can expect to pay, which will total anywhere between $50-$300/month.
At the minimum, you should take your dog for a standard annual vet health check which can cost between $100-$300.
Flea and tick prevention costs between $100-$200, and the treatments last for 1-3 months at a time; this is also true of heartworm prevention which costs around $180.
German Shepherd’s long coats are relatively low maintenance, and as long as you clip their nails, brush their teeth and brush them regularly, you shouldn’t have to pay monthly fees.
If you can’t keep up with that, then monthly grooming costs can vary between $66-$100/month.
With the correct socialization and obedience training, German Shepherd dogs are more than worth the cost.
They have a stable temperament and get on well with other dogs, making best friends with their family, who they will naturally view as their teammates.
Originally used as herding dogs and commonly used as police dogs to this day, a German Shepherd will make a fantastic guard dog.
German Shepherds make wonderful family dogs and are especially suited to active families.
If you are selective and economical in raising them, they can be raised affordably for $100 a month; however, they can cost up to $175 in total monthly costs.
In any case, this big, handsome breed makes for a loving and loyal companion.
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