How Much is a German Shepherd Puppy? Buying Guide

Knowing how much is a German Shepherd puppy and the factors that affect the cost to help you decide whether to buy or adopt one.

If you are considering bringing a German Shepherd into your family, the quick answer is that you should plan to spend between $1,500-$3,000 for a German Shepherd from health-tested parents. While it is possible to find puppies without papers for much less (in some cases as little as $200), these typically originate from lines without health and temperament testing.

The price of a German Shepherd puppy, where to purchase or adopt one, as well as costs for the dog’s initial care, food, and supplies will all be covered in this guide to the cost of owning a German Shepherd.

The Average Cost of a German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dogs are a very well-liked breed in the US; according to the American Kennel Club, they are the third most popular breed in 2020, only behind Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. With their beauty, loyalty, and intelligence, they are one of the dog breeds that every child can name and recognize. They make excellent companions and watchdogs.

But a properly raised German Shepherd is not inexpensive. A puppy without papers typically costs $800. While it might be tempting to jump on a “bargain” like this, don’t do it: There are several breed-specific health problems that affect German Shepherds.

The healthiest dogs will only be used for breeding by responsible breeders who test them and make that decision. The average AKC breeder’s price for a German Shepherd puppy starts at $1,500 and can go as high as $3,000. This means that these health-tested, papered puppies will cost much more than $800. You Might Also Like: How Much is a Husky Puppy?

Factors Affecting the Cost of a German Shepherd Puppy

You might be wondering why purebred German Shepherds are among the most expensive dog breeds. Pedigree and coat color, which I’ve already mentioned have an impact on a dog’s price, aren’t the only considerations.

• Bloodline: Naturally, purebred show-quality German Shepherds cost more than regular companion dogs. In order to keep these dogs in peak condition for competitions, breeders invest more in them.
• Breeder’s Reputation: You should anticipate that a breeder’s litter will cost more than others if they have a long history in the field and have won awards for their superior breeding methods. Always select reputable breeders that are acknowledged by different kennel clubs and organizations.
• Coat Color: As was already mentioned, GSDs with uncommon coat colors like white, black, and blue cost more than those with common colors. This is a result of the selective breeding procedure used to create these special puppies.
• Size: Despite the fact that GSDs are considered large dogs, miniature and even enormous GSDs can be purchased for a higher price. The giant variety, on the other hand, is a mixed breed that is misrepresented as a purebred dog. A dwarf or miniature German Shepherd, on the other hand, is actually a GSD with dwarfism.
• Training Received: Some breeders help their GSD puppies get socialized and trained to go potty early. Additionally, the price they computed includes this service. Paying more per session would be necessary if you wanted to provide them with specialized training.
• Registration Papers: To participate in shows or competitions, German Shepherd puppies are frequently registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC). For a GSD puppy, breeders offer either limited or unlimited registration.

The cost of a German Shepherd puppy may also be impacted by other less important factors. These include the location of the breeder and the expense of shipping or transportation.

Knowing these things can also assist you in selecting a reputable breeder who can provide you with a puppy that is worth the cost.

How Much Do German Shepherds Cost from a Breeder?

A German Shepherd from a breeder may cost anywhere between $1,500 and $2,500. Cost is influenced by bloodline. How German Shepherds were initially bred as working dogs, but they’re divided into working lines and show lines.

The American/Canadian Show Line was bred for their appearance, but they’re still obedient, playful, and friendly. The price of these puppies ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.

The West German Show Line is bred based on the breed standard. They are sociable, excellent house guardians, and heavy exercise consumers. They make good family dogs as well. This doggo will set you back $5,000 to $8,000 in total.

Working-line German Shepherds are highly skilled and have excellent obedience. the Czech Working Line, the DDR/East German Working Line, and the West German Working Line. From $1,500 to $3,500 is the price range for each.

German Shepherds with unique appearances can cost a lot of money. For example, this pooch can come in a few rare coat colors.

Panda, Isabella, or Black are a few possible color options. Additionally, some German Shepherds may have one or both blue eyes. In addition, the Albino German Shepherd could cost up to $5,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a German Shepherd from a Rescue?

If money is tight, you might consider adopting a German Shepherd puppy or adult from a shelter or rescue. The adoption fee typically ranges between $150 and $300.

You don’t need to worry about the dog’s general health because this amount typically covers the cost of alteration, vaccination, deworming, and microchipping.

Initial Cost of German Shepherd Ownership

You can consider the additional expenses that will arise after purchasing or adopting a German Shepherd now that you are fully aware of the cost of them.

I’ve also provided a breakdown of these purchases because we all know that the initial costs are expensive.

In general, it’s a good idea to be prepared for these initial expenses before bringing your GSD puppy home:

• Food and Treats: Large and voracious, German Shepherds are canines. Once your dog is here, you should get a big meal of premium dog food and treats ready. You could spend between $100 and $120 on a bag of dog treats and dry kibble.
• Food and Water Bowls: Investing in a high-quality food and water bowl will help you give your dog the right amount of food and ensure that they are properly hydrated after each meal. These bowls typically cost $15 to $35 each.
• Bed: Your GSD needs a sturdy bed for a peaceful, undisturbed night’s sleep. This is one of the things you should invest in to guard against future joint-related problems like hip dysplasia. A quality dog bed typically costs $50 to $200.
• Crate: If your GSD is still a puppy, it’s best to have a dog crate where they can be segregated during housebreaking. Additionally, it will lessen separation anxiety, which frequently leads to negative behavior. Each sturdy crate costs between $60 and $500.

• Leashes and Collars: You’ll need a high-quality leash and collar to take your purebred puppy for walks. Prices for these range from $15 to $50 frequently. In case your dog goes missing, collars can even be personalized with your phone number and the name of your dog.
• Toys: The development of their facial muscles and the prevention of floppy ears are two things that your GSD puppy will gain greatly from chew toys as they grow. The typical price range for these toys is $30 to $50.
• Grooming Essentials: It’s crucial to have a hairbrush to regularly remove tangled hair whether you own a German Shepherd with long or short hair. Price ranges from $40 to $180 are offered for brushes, nail clippers, shampoo, and other grooming tools.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: The majority of breeders also charge for deworming when they sell puppies. You can hire a professional to deworm them if not. This costs between $50 and $200, along with medications for fleas and ticks.
• Initial Vet Visits: You should take your new German Shepherd puppy to the vet for a checkup right away after purchase. By doing this, you can be sure that your puppy will become a healthy adult dog. You should have a few hundred dollars set aside for vet costs, which typically range from $100 to $300.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: The initial vaccinations that your German Shepherd puppy needs are frequently provided by the breeder, but the subsequent vaccinations will be on you. You could spend $75 to $200 on this.
• Neutering or Spaying: The majority of dog rescue groups and breeders pay for sterilization procedures. Nevertheless, you’ll have to take your GSD to a veterinarian for surgery if they didn’t include this service. You should budget between $50 and $500 for this procedure.
• Dog License: A dog license is necessary for your GSD, just like it is for other dog breeds. In the event that your dog gets lost, having this will increase the likelihood that it will be safely delivered back to you. Dog licensing agencies frequently charge between $10 and $20 for a dog license.
• Microchip: Your GSD will benefit greatly from microchipping whether you buy it as a family pet or a guard dog. A dog with a microchip has a higher chance of being returned to its owner than a dog without one. The average cost of microchip implantation is $40 to $60.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: German Shepherd dogs may unintentionally urinate while out for a walk. Due to this, owners ought to buy cleaning equipment like poop scoopers and urine cleaners. At a cheap pet store, these items should cost between $15 and $30.

Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption

You are prepared to look for places to buy your German Shepherd puppy once you have completed your financial planning. You can purchase inexpensive German Shepherd dogs from backyard breeders or puppy mills.

You can’t be sure that they are selling purebred dogs because the majority of German Shepherds from these sources are raised in appalling conditions. The best way to get healthy puppies who will mature into sturdy adult dogs is to purchase from responsible breeders.

To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies:

• Vom Ragnar German Shepherds is a small kennel in Illinois that specializes in breeding German Shepherds with sound temperaments and the best physical health because they put their puppies through health testing. This breeder works hard to place its GSD puppies in the best possible homes.
• Mittelwest German Shepherds – As a reputable breeder, the owner makes sure that only German Shepherd puppies of the highest caliber are produced. These puppies are suitable for use as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9s, and a variety of other roles. Additionally, they import and ship their dogs around the world.
• If you reside in California, West Coast German Shepherds can provide you with a health-tested, top-breed German Shepherd puppy. Similar to the aforementioned breeders, West Coast GSDs are currently breeding dogs in accordance with German SV standards.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, it can be tempting to purchase the cheapest puppies online, but you might end up spending more in the long run due to medical costs.

Conclusion: Have a German Shepherd Puppy Now!

You will spend between $1,500-$3,000 for a German Shepherd puppy. So, if you are on a budget, you’d better adopt one rather than buying.

Despite their high price, German Shepherds make excellent family pets. They are extremely loyal and intelligent dogs that will defend you at all costs. An expensive purchase from a reputable breeder is preferable to one from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill if you don’t worry about the money.

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