How Much do German Shepherds Cost?

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Are you considering adding a cute, lovable, and hardworking German Shepherd to your family? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. Like: how much do German Shepherds cost? Great first question! …but I caution you to not forget that dogs have ongoing costs if you want to keep them happy and healthy.

So, how much do German Shepherds cost? German Shepherd puppies can cost as little as $300 or as much as $5,000 (or more), depending on the GSD’s pedigree. Keep in mind you will also need to pay for other things including vaccinations, veterinary visits, food, toys, training and more. This could add up to around $500 or more a year.

If you’re set on adding a German Shepherd to your home, then you need all of the details in terms of cost. Always make sure you can afford a dog before bringing them home. We’re going to breakdown initial cost, why the German Shepherd cost the amount they do, and other things that will come out of your wallet while owning a German Shepherd.

German Shepherd Price Range

Anyone looking to add a German Shepherd to their home should know that an average German Shepherd bought from a reputable breeder will likely cost anywhere between $300 and $5,000.

This number can be much higher depending on a multitude of factors.

Any German Shepherd that is born from show dog or working dog parents can easily be over $5,000.

This is due to the simple fact that they will likely possess the same qualities and skills as the parents and can easily become show dogs, K-9 dogs, etc. following the footsteps of their parents.

German Shepherd from Germany Cost

The German Shepherd originated in Germany, thus giving him his name ‘German Shepherd’. That being said, it’s not uncommon to find German citizens walking about with their German Shepherd as a pet.

In fact, Germany is known to be a very dog-friendly country and most dogs are allowed just about anywhere including restaurants and transportation.

But what about in terms of cost? How much does a German Shepherd cost in Germany? Well, in Germany you can expect to pay anywhere between  €800 and  €1,500 GEL.

Calculating to USD, that’s around $300 to $500, which is around what you would pay in the United States.

Why is a German Shepherd so Expensive?

A German Shepherd is priced depending on the breeder and anything they are specifically trained to do.

It also boils down to whether or not the German Shepherd is an ‘average’ dog or if he comes from parents that have specific talents like show or work.

On the other hand, a German Shepherd that was rescued from a shelter will be relatively cheaper as you’re only paying for rehoming costs.

There is a multitude of things that factor into the price of your German Shepherd puppy, including:

  • Overall expenses involved in the breeding process of the dogs.
  • Raising the German Shepherd puppy until adoption.
  • Training the puppy (this could be as simple as general obedience training to something more specific).
  • And showing their dogs to potential clients.

Remember: Any German Shepherd puppy that is born to parents that have specific jobs or skills, such as hunting, working, or show, will generally be more expensive.

This is because the puppy has a high chance of growing to be a successful job, following in the path of their parents.

This gives the buyer more confidence when purchasing, especially if you are buying a German Shepherd for a specific role. If you are willing to shell out a few thousands for this type of puppy, then you shouldn’t be disappointed.

Other Costs Related to German Shepherds

It’s not just about how much a German Shepherd puppy costs when you are first buying. You also need to keep in mind that you will be spending money on your dog monthly, and these costs can add up pretty quick.

So what should you expect to pay when having a German Shepherd in your own home?

1. Veterinary visits

Your dog is going to need general care regularly as well as laboratory tests in some circumstances.

If your dog becomes hurt or sick, he will also need to take a trip to the vet. This can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the situation.

2. Immunizations

German Shepherd puppies need immunizations to keep them healthy and strong, and these cost anywhere between $100 and $200 on average.

3. Spaying or neutering

If you are planning to spay or neuter your dog, and you should unless you’re going to breed your pup, then you are looking at another cost of $50 to $200 dollars.

4. Parasite treatment

It’s great to have protection for your dog, but it definitely costs money.

Whether you’re trying to fend off fleas or fighting them away, you’re going to need to spend around $100.

5. Dog food

Food is another important factor to consider when getting a German Shepherd. He requires high-quality food to remain in good health.

You never want to go the cheap route because that can lead to health issues. And health issues cost a lot more than dog food! Roll up your sleeves and find the best dog food for your German Shepherd’s age, size, and health-specific issues.

You can find some really great dog foods for your GST starting around $50 per 28 pound bag.

6. Miscellaneous

You’re going to want to provide your German Shepherd with a few other things like:

  • A collar
  • A leash for walking (remember your German Shepherd needs plenty of exercise)
  • Bowls for water and food
  • Toys to keep him occupied
  • Grooming
  • Obedience training

Depending on what you buy, this could easily be over $200.

As you can see, there is a lot of money that goes into buying and handling a German Shepherd. Make sure you are able to cover these costs to give your dog the best life possible. 

Common Costly Problems Associated with German Shepherds

It is also important to mention the common health problems associated with German Shepherds, as dealing with these issues can cost a pretty penny. Some common health issues to note include:

  • Hip Dysplasia ($1,500+)
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans ($2,000+)
  • Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, otherwise known as bloat ($1,500+)
  • Cardiomyopathy ($500+)
  • Aortic Stenosis ($500+)
  • Elbow Dysplasia ($1,500+)

These are health concerns that affect plenty of German Shepherds regularly. As you can see, these health problems come with a big price tag, so make sure you are prepared to cover these costs for your dog in the future.

Related Questions

How much does it cost to train a German Shepherd?

Training from a professional German Shepherd Dog trainer will cost you anywhere between $200 and $400. Further training, such as K9 advanced classes, can be over $1,000. It is important to train your German Shepherd so they do not become bored or rambunctious. Basic obedience training can be done at home as the German Shepherd is a good, quick learner, but some may prefer professional training.

How much do black German Shepherd puppies cost?

Black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, so you can expect to pay more for them. The average cost of a black German Shepherd puppy is another between $700 (lowest amount) and over $2,000. The cost depends on the breeder, how they have been trained, and if they have parents in professional lines including show, work, or hunting.

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