Not only are German Shepherds recognized as diligent dogs, but they are also renowned for their unwavering allegiance and courage, which is why they are the second most sought-after breed in the U.S. Given their widespread popularity, it should come as no surprise that most breeders command a high price for these dogs.
The cost of a German Shepherd typically exceeds that of an average puppy, but the price varies depending on the dog’s pedigree and color. The type of pedigree, whether it be a working or show dog, also affects the cost of the dog.
Despite everything, this article will cover the precise expenses associated with owning this breed, such as food, veterinary care, and supplies. By the conclusion, you will have a comprehensive understanding of whether you possess the financial preparedness to adopt a German Shepherd puppy.
Why Are German Shepherds So Expensive?
Similar to various other dog breeds, the cost of a German Shepherd can vary depending on its origins, breeding, and whether it has undergone certain training like serving as a police dog or service dog. Inexpensive German Shepherds can be found in animal shelters as the organizations only charge a sufficient amount to cover their expenses.
It’s important to be mindful that when determining the cost of a German Shepherd, respected breeders always factor in the expenses associated with breeding, raising, training, health testing, and showcasing the dogs.
Opting for a German Shepherd puppy with show or hunting champion parents entails a higher price compared to a puppy from an average litter due to their potential to excel in those fields.
If you wish to avoid the initial stages of raising a puppy, you have the option of purchasing a fully grown German Shepherd from a reputable lineage recognized for either hunting or show purposes. This acquisition will be considerably pricey, as it includes all the expenses associated with raising a pup until it reaches maturity. Additionally, they will be quite costly since the breeder is now capable of assessing the overall quality of an adult dog.
If you are interested in acquiring a German Shepherd, be prepared to shell out a significant amount of cash, especially if you want one that has already been trained for shows, K9 work, or breeding purposes. The most expensive ones fall under these categories.
German Shepherd puppy price
What is the cost of a German Shepherd puppy?
If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a breeder, be prepared to spend between $900 and $2000, with the typical cost for a German Shepherd puppy being around $1000. However, reputable breeders who devote more time, effort, and resources to the care of their breeding dogs and puppies may charge even higher prices.
The average cost for a breeder to properly care for a litter of German Shepherd puppies is about $8,000, while the cost can jump up to $24,000 for a show litter during their first eight weeks of life. This total amount covers expenses for veterinary care, pregnant mother care, food, essential genetic and medical tests, and all other required supplies.
If you have made up your mind to purchase a German Shepherd puppy, avoid the temptation of visiting a pet store that offers low-cost animals or looking for the most affordable puppies online. This is because such puppies often develop numerous health problems later in life, which can potentially cost you considerably more than buying a top-quality dog.
Adult German Shepherd price
Many individuals desire the cuteness of a soft, fluffy puppy, yet they lack the necessary time to devote to these delightful creatures during their early puppyhood. Caring for a puppy is akin to caring for an infant.
If you choose to begin the training process for your dog at a young age, you should prepare yourself for a significant lack of sleep until you can train it to sleep independently throughout the night. Additionally, it’s expected that you’ll have to deal with incidents of urination and defecation within your home. During the teething phase, you should be prepared to accept damaged furniture, shoes, clothing or even injuries to yourself.
Although it may sound like a tumultuous phase, don’t be alarmed as it is also an affectionate stage that will strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. However, if you are certain that you are not up for the task, there is always the option of acquiring an adult dog or adopting an older dog from a shelter.
What is the price of a German Shepherd?
If you wish to purchase an adult German Shepherd that is not a show dog or a working dog, you may have to shell out $500 to $900 as mature dogs are perceived as less appealing. However, opting to rescue a German Shepherd from a shelter would set you back by $50- $300 approximately. Besides, these dogs are usually spayed/neutered and vaccinated and come with a microchip, eliminating additional expenses.
It would be advantageous for you to inquire about the dog’s temperament and personality with shelter workers, as they can provide you with valuable insight into the type of dog you will be interacting with.
German Shepherd service dog price
The cost of German Shepherds varies based on whether they are intended as pets, for showcasing, or for working purposes.
Due to their industrious disposition, German Shepherds are widely recognized as an outstanding option for K9 law enforcement or military duties. These canines exhibit a remarkable level of concentration and possess an enormous amount of physical power. Hence, German Shepherd pups are exceptionally suited for any task they are taught to perform.
To fill these roles, dogs are bred meticulously, with breeders being very selective about the parents they choose. The temperament of the parents must be flawless so that their offspring can be trained from a young age. Raising a German Shepherd service dog requires an incredible amount of attention to detail, which is reflected in their price. If you are interested in owning one, be prepared to pay between $10,000 and $20,000 for an adult dog.
No need to be concerned as such a price ensures that you will get a diligent dog that will stay reliable for the rest of its life. Keep in mind that you will be required to pay for continuous training over its life, but I will discuss it later.
BONUS: How to buy the best dog treats, according to veterinarians
Pet owners often enjoy pampering their dogs with toys and snacks, particularly as a way to encourage positive behavior or provide additional energy. Dogs are often drawn to treats due to their novelty, as they differ in scent, taste or consistency from their regular pet food, as explained by Caylee Freels, a licensed veterinary technician at VCA White Lake Animal Hospital.
If you’ve been offering your dog table scraps during meals, it could be wise to reconsider the type and amount of food you’re providing. Dr. JoAnn Morrison, who serves as the director of veterinary science at Banfield Animal Hospital, has cautioned that some human foods, even in small quantities, can significantly increase your pet’s daily calorie intake and contribute to unwanted weight gain.
Dog treats come with clear calorie information on the packaging, which means you can be confident about not giving your pooch too much food. We reached out to veterinary professionals and animal specialists to gain insight into how to choose the most suitable dog treats and where to locate high-quality ones. We have also put together a list of a few top-rated options and Select staff favorites to consider according to advice from our experts.
How to shop for dog treats
According to the professionals we interviewed, it is advisable to consider treats as a portion of your dog’s daily nourishment and provide them in moderation. Consequently, your dog may not receive them every day. Dr. Lori Teller, a veterinarian certified by the board and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, advises that an overabundance of treats may disturb the equilibrium of your pet’s fundamental diet, and it is suggested that treats make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie consumption.
Our pet specialists suggested evaluating the constituents, dimensions, and calorie content of every canine treat to determine the optimum one. Furthermore, they analyzed alternative varieties such as dental and grain-free treats to ascertain their advantages for your beloved animal.
Determine nutritional balance
Bear in mind that treats are typically not formulated with complete nutrition. The primary concern when selecting treats for your furry friend is figuring out how they fit into their overall diet. Dr. Joe Wakshlag, a clinical nutrition and sports medicine professor at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine advises, “If you substitute a lot of treats for your dog’s kibble, you may encounter nutrient deficiencies.”
Freels suggests that selecting treats with clear calorie information and feeding recommendations on their packaging is crucial as excessive treats consumption can lead to diarrhea and occasional vomiting. In case of uncertainty, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center has a useful pet daily calorie calculator available.
To ensure that the dog treats you give are healthy, watch out for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy label, which is usually found in small font on the packaging. Nevertheless, unlike dog food, treats are not obligated to have the AAFCO label on their packaging, since the association acknowledges that treat products don’t satisfy the nutritional adequacy standards for a complete and balanced meal. As a result, they must show the words “snack” or “treat” prominently on the front packaging.
Analyzing good (and bad) ingredients
According to Freels, it’s important for owners to steer clear of fake sweeteners such as xylitol, along with artificial dyes, too much salt (which can cause increased thirst), and sugary syrups and molasses when choosing treats for their dogs. Nelson also recommended being cautious about certain foods like grapes or raisins that may be nutritious for humans but toxic to dogs. In case of doubt, the ASPCA has compiled a roster of foods that can be hazardous to pets.
According to Wakshlag, incorporating dog-safe fruits and vegetables such as bell pepper, carrots, green beans, apples, and bananas into a dog’s diet can significantly reduce their calorie intake while providing necessary nutrition. This is a healthier alternative to high-calorie treats like commercial treats or steak, as they contain fewer calories and can be given in larger quantities.
Find the right-sized dog treat
While watching a puppy struggle with an oversized bone looks adorable, giving a dog a treat that’s too big or too small for them can be dangerous. “The size of the treat should be appropriate to the size of your dog — very small dogs shouldn’t have large treats and [vice versa],” Nelson said. She also suggested keeping an eye on your dog while they’re chewing larger treats like rawhide chews that can break and turn into choking hazards and recommended breaking up big biscuits to cut down on the calories per treat.
The size of treats varies based on their intended use, whether it be training or mental stimulation. In the case of training treats, smaller sizes are preferred as they can be given in abundance to positively reinforce behavior. On the other hand, larger treats like bully sticks, bones and dog chews are meant for mental stimulation or enrichment and should be given sparingly to avoid any potential gastrointestinal issues. For training purposes, treats the size of a thumbnail are preferred to ensure a higher quantity can be administered without any negative effects. According to Freels, moderation is key when it comes to treating your dog.
