Before buying a German shepherd puppy, consider if it’s the right one for you. Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD.
German Shepherd Puppies Price Range
The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high.
How Much Does a Purebred German Shepherd Cost
The average purebred German Shepherd costs around $1,300 USD.
Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners.
Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. These kinds of dogs often cost upwards of $5,000 USD and can sometimes sell for even more depending on their bloodline and history within the breed.
Purebred GSDs have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics.
Czech German Shepherd Price
Czech German Shepherds tend to have wolfish features. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. That’s why they are often preferred by both military and police forces.
If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. The usual price range for a Czech German Shepherd puppy is $500 to $1,500 or more.
Black German Shepherd Price
Like the Czech GSDs, they are widely used by the police and the military. All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood.
If you want to buy one, buy an adult black GSD to be sure it won’t change its color.
For the black GSD, you can expect to pay anywhere from $700-$2000 or more for a puppy. Since black GSDs are not common, expect to be on the breeder’s waiting list. That means you’ll need to wait even longer to get your puppy.
Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD.
Black German Shepherd Puppies
As with the Czech GSD, expect to pay an arm and a leg for a purebred, show quality black German shepherd puppy. Breeders sell their puppies for anywhere from $2000-$4000 or more depending on the quality of the sire and dam.
If you’re looking for a puppy from a breeder, make sure to get on their waiting list before you purchase one.
Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color.
Why Does the Cost Vary
First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy.
Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only.
But it doesn’t mean that German shepherd puppies bred for companionship are unhealthy. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color.
Adult GSDs and their offsprings with proven bloodlines or hunting lines are more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget and you want inexpensive GSDs, you may obtain a GSD from animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. The cost is usually around $50 to $300. It’s cheaper than other GSDs sold by breeders.
The Cost of Caring for a German Shepherd Puppy
After buying your chosen GSD, expect that you’re going to spend on their basic needs and wants. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD.
Food
The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats.
Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat 3-4 smaller meals each day.
For nutritious high-quality dog food, you can expect to pay about $63 each for a bag of GSD food. You can spend around $1,000 per year just for the food only because quality foods are more expensive than foods with lots of fillers. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy.
Shelter
Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. A dog bed costs $70 and a bed liner costs $15. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt.
Health
It’s your responsibility as an owner of a GSD to take your dog to the vet. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. Your vet might prescribe supplements like probiotics and multivitamins in addition to your GSD’s meals.
However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first.
Other factors to consider
Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider.
Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials (brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo) toys, and other unforeseen problems.
How to Avoid Buying from Bad Dog Breeders
Even though their price is very low, avoid purchasing a German shepherd puppy from a pet store, puppy mill, commercial breeder, or backyard breeder because you’re not sure if they are legit. It’s better if you ask for referrals from trusted veterinarians and friends.
You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs.
Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications.
Do not trust a seller who hides any of this information and doesn’t talk openly about the GSDs’ bloodlines and health.
Conclusion
Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression.
Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams.
