German Shepherd Prices In Australia

German Shepherds are winning family companions with a gentle but protective nature. For those thinking about adding one of these intelligent and loving dogs to your family, you’ll want to know how much they’ll set you back, so let’s look at all the costs involved in buying and looking after a German Shepherd!

How Much Does a German Shepherd Cost in Australia?

Several factors will decide the final cost of a German Shepherd puppy, like whether you buy a puppy from an ethical, registered breeder, adopt one, or buy from an unregistered breeder. You can expect to find purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale for anywhere between $2000-$7000. We encourage you to avoid purchasing a German Shepherd from an Unregistered breeder, as you might not know the dog’s bloodline or inherited issues. Usually, unregistered breeders will try to sell their puppies for a much lower price.

Adopting German Shepherd dogs is an excellent alternative to buying a puppy from a breeder—it’s also more affordable. You may get a German Shepherd puppy for around $500-$1000 if you’re lucky.

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 option, and countless dogs have been placed with loving families through it.

Average price of German Shepherd when buying from a registered German Shepherd Breeder in Australia

You can expect to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from a registered breeder for between $2000 and $7000 dollars or more, depending on the specifics. Keep in mind that the costs of a German shepherd rely heavily on their pedigree, breeder reputation, bloodline, and lineage.

Average price of a German Shepherd when buying through an adoption shelter in Australia

Adoption costs vary greatly depending on where the shelter is and how old the dog is. On average, you can expect to pay under $500 to almost $3000 depending on age and on whether the shelter can track the lineage and bloodline.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a German Shepherd

The price of your German Shepherd puppy relies on more than one would expect, as there are many factors that actually determine its cost. Here are some of the most important factors that are considered:

1. Bloodline

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 puppy litters from lower-quality stock.

2. Coat colour

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.

3. Litter size

If litters are small but demands are high, prices will remain the same. Conversely, if litter sizes are large and demands are high, you can expect to pay extra for German Shepard puppies.

Cost of essentials for your German Shepherd

Like with any dog, there are a few essentials you would want to get to make their life more comfortable and your life easier. Purebred German Shepherds are typically long-haired, high-energy dogs that shed and must be groomed regularly and stimulated. To do this right, here is what you would need:

• Dog crate: Prices range from $100 – $1000 for a strong, good-quality crate suitable for a German Shepherd
• Dog bed: Cost anywhere between $20 – $500, depending on the quality of the bed. Heavy-duty and orthopaedic dog beds suitable for German Shepherd’s will be more expensive
• Dog collar/lead: Combination costs around $20 – $60 for durable and adjustable dog collar and lead
• Feeding bowl: $20 – $100 is what you can expect to pay for stainless steel or ceramic dog bowls that won’t break or topple over easily when your dog is using it
• Dog toothbrush: Prices range from $15 – $20 for a good quality toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your German shepherd’s teeth and gums healthy
• Dog car harness: Average costs are around $50 – $150 for a crash-tested car harness to keep your dog safe while driving around
• Puppy treats: Cost between $10 – $60 per month, depending on the brand of treats you buy
• Puppy training pads: Prices range between $25 – $40 per pack of disposable training pads and $30 – $135 depending on whether the pads are absorbent
• Dog shampoo & conditioner: Anywhere from $10 – $120, depending on the size and type of shampoo or conditioner
• Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $5 – $70, depending on the brand and the tool

German Shepherd Maintenance Costs

On top of the initial cost of buying your German Shepherd, you must also include the general maintenance costs. This can include everything from food to training to vet bills and grooming. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for German Shepherd maintenance.

How much does it cost to feed a German Shepherd?

A comprehensive nutritious blend designed for large-breed dogs with high protein values is crucial for maintaining their energy levels, keeping their coats healthy, and preventing common physiological issues. Good quality dog food will cost you between $50-$80 a month for your adult German Shepherd, weighing 31kg to 39kg. However, raw food diets can cost more. Here’s what you can expect to pay roughly to feed a healthy adult German Shepherd:

• Cost per day on a dry kibble diet: This cost approximately $2 to $3
• Cost per day on a wet food diet: This will cost approximately $2 to $5
• Cost per day on a raw diet: This will cost approximately $14 – $18

These are only estimates, as normal, and these prices would vary based on brand and the quality of the food you feed your German Shepherd. The cost to feed a puppy will differ from that of an adult.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for a German Shepherd?

Originally bred as herding dogs or a guard dog, the German Shepherd breed is known for its robust constitution. However, there are some general veterinary costs you can expect to pay, which will total anywhere between $50-$300/month or sometimes nothing at all. At the minimum, you should take your dog for a standard annual vet health check which can cost between $100-$300.

Costs of routine preventive care

General preventive care for your German shepherd would involve taking them for their annual vaccinations, vet check-ups, deworming, or tick and flea protection medication. Here’s an estimation of what you can expect to pay:

• Annual vet checkups: $50 to $300 per visit to get your German Shepherd vet checked
• Vaccinations: for puppies, the vaccinations can cost $170 to $250. Adult dogs cost $90 every 1 to 3 years
• Worming and parasite protection: Depending on treatment type – $10 per month to $400 per year
• Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 to $800 for a professional cleaning and scaling under anaesthetic
• Pet insurance: $25 to $80

How much should I expect to pay for German Shepherd grooming?

German Shepherds’ 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.

However, if you’d like for the grooming to be handled by a professional, then monthly grooming costs can vary. Here’s what you should expect in regards to price:

• Hydrobath prices: $20 to $70
• Full groom prices: $70 to $200
• Face, feet & tail groom prices: $90 to $150

These prices are only estimates and might vary depending on the region, dog parlour, and service you get.

German Shepherd Training Costs

German Shepherds are among the most intelligent dogs in the world. With their intelligence and high energy levels as working dogs, they can get restless fast and need training to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Here’s what you can expect to pay for training your dog:

• Basic obedience training prices: $200 to $300
• Puppy training class prices: Between $200 to $600
• Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $300 to $500

The figures above are estimates and vary based on how many training sessions you take and your chosen school.

Understanding the full costs of owning a German Shepherd

Before bringing your new German Shepherd to their forever home, we encourage you, as a responsible dog owner, to consider the full costs of owning a German Shepherd. Up front, German shepherd puppies go for roughly $2000 to $7000. Then you will need to get the essentials, which will cost another few hundred dollars but don’t need to be bought immediately.

Finally, there are average vet bills, which can cost between $50 to $300 a month and feeding, which will set you back under $100 a month depending on the meal plan you choose for your dog. Either way, you’re investing in a lovely family dog who’ll be best friends with your kids and fit perfectly into your home.