How Much Does a German Shepherd Cost?
A German Shepherd, also known as an Alsatian, is a larger sized dog breed that originated from Germany, weighing up to 100 pounds. The German Shepherd is known for herding sheep as well as guarding them. Close to 5% of these breeds are actively registered with the American Kennel Club.
How much does a German Sheperd cost?
On average, a puppy can cost anywhere from as little as $350 to as much as $4,500 for an AKC bred puppy. The costs will all come down to the quality, age, the breeder, where you live and the parent’s history.
Rescue dogs, for example, will be the cheapest, usually costing $75 to $500. While puppies can be found here, most of the time, the dogs will be older and will be rehabilitated to go to a new home. For example, the BrightStar German Shepard rescue group charges $325 for all dogs, including the puppies.
With no paperwork, a German Shepard should cost about $300 to $900 from a breeder, who, at a minimum, includes the vaccinations, deworming and other fees.
If the dog is considered a working line and has a fantastic bloodline, these puppies can be anywhere from $1,000 to more than a few thousand. If already fully trained, the costs can easily surpass the $10,000 price tag.
Lastly, dogs for show will tend to be the most expensive as they will be AKC certified and will adhere to the breed standard. These dogs can cost anywhere from $2,500 to more than $5,000, depending on the pedigree, its history, the parents and bloodline. Adults that have been trained and have hip certifications can easily cost $10,000 or more.
A white German shepherd, which is referred to as an Alsatian, is a mutation of the regular German shepherd, so why it isn’t technically this breed, people still search for the white color. These dogs are known for their cream-color coat and resemble that of a shepherd. The costs, according to Cuteness.com, is about $750 to $1,000. A white-colored German shepherd can’t be registered with the AKC.
Another type often searched for — the panda German shepherd — can cost close to $1,000, but like the white/albino, this is yet another dog that isn’t considered a true German shepherd. It is 35 percent white and came into existence due to a gene mutation.
What is going to be included?
Any reputable breeder will include registration papers, a health guarantee, a health checkup via a vet, up-to-date vaccinations and a travel crate if shipped. Some breeders may also include a microchip, a starter kit that includes sample dog food and it may be spayed or neutered.
Types
American / Canadian Lines
This line today dominates the national kennel clubs and will conform strictly to each governing kennel club. Popular in North America and Canada.
Czech Working Lines
Originated from Czechoslovakia, this line was commonly used for border patrol work. This bloodline revolved around the Czechoslovakia Army and tend to have a high working drive and tend to be very agile.
DDR / East German Working Lines
Developed after World War II from the remaining war dogs, this breed was originally maintained by the East German government. This dog has a distinct look: a larger head and bone structure, as well as a correct working structure. These bloodlines are also known for being very sound.
West German Show Lines
This is the most popular type of GSD in Germany and is bred to conform to the SV standard, which requires the dog to gain health clearance for the hips, elbows and a working title. The look will be very specific and will typically be uniform, most commonly in the black and red saddle back.
West German Working Lines
These dogs will have working blood and are said to be the closest of all German shepherd breeds to be produced under Max von Stephanitz. These dogs excel in many sports, real working jobs and positions of service.
What are the extra costs?
If the dog has to be shipped via an airline, this can cost an additional $200 to $400, depending on how far the dog has to travel and which airline is being used.
German Shepards are rather easy to train, but many opt to enroll them in obedience classes. It is ideal to send younger dogs to classes before they get too old. Typical classes can cost $50 to $125, depending on where they are trained.
Recurring dog costs such as food, shelter, vet visits, and more will incur a monthly cost. The average dog owner should be prepared to spend $800 to $1,200 per year. Of course, this price can be much higher if you were to have an unnecessary hospital visit.
If the dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, it’s highly recommended this is done at six months old. Most of the time, this will cost less than $250.
Tips to know
Experts always recommend a breeder, at a minimum, tests for hips/elbows and for vWD. If these two tests aren’t included, it may be ideal to look elsewhere.
With good care, the average German Sheperd can live 10 to 13 years.
These dogs are rather large when compared to other breeds, measuring 24 to 26 inches tall. Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, measuring 22 to 24 inches. The average German shepherd weight is anywhere from 66 to 88 pounds for a male and 49 to 70 pounds for a female.
As for traits, the dog is known to be strong, courageous, loyal and high intelligence.
How can I save money?
Consider checking out local adoption centers or German Shepard rescue groups to adopt older dogs. Oftentimes, these dogs will be younger than two years old can be as little as a few hundred dollars. This is a great way to offer an older dog a home and help out the local community.
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Average Reported Cost: $34
How much did you spend?
- Mary Taylor (Wittman, Arizona) paid $1,200 and said:
Czech German Shepherd.
Was it worth it? Yes
- kelsey paid $1 and said: said:
I love a little female pup please of a German Shepard age 9 and name called charlotte and can ut be 4 stone and can u deliver it over to Ireland my mum will love it u never got her nothing for her birthday or Christmas please
Thank u
KelseyWas it worth it? Yes
- Tina (Satanta, Kansas) paid $100 and said:
Was it worth it? Yes
