The average price of a German Shepherd puppy or dog can vary depending on several factors (which we list in the guide below)
We also list what you might expect to pay by buying or adopting a GSD dog or puppy in different ways.
This is a guide only though – location and other factors can have a big impact on price.
Do your research to ensure you are getting a good deal, but also that you’re doing the right thing.
Let’s jump into it …
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost? (Average Price Of Puppies & Dogs)
German Shepherd Price & Cost Summary
A family pet type German Shepherd might cost between $500-$1500
A working or show title German Shepherd can cost thousands of dollars, depending on a whole range of factors about the quality of the dog, and the breeding program
German Shepherds from breeding programs from rarer GSD bloodlines that are well regulated and professional can be extremely expensive – up to $20,000 (some are only available to law enforcement)
German Shepherd mix breeds are generally cheaper than a purebred GSD (a couple of hundred dollars), but designer mix breeds like German Shepherd Husky mixes can be very expensive up to thousands of dollars
Adopting or rescuing might cost you anywhere between $50-$500 for a rescue or shelter dog. Rescues and shelters still have costs to pass on, and usually still require payment so they can ensure the dog is going to an owner that values the dog
Buying from a previous owner might be cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder – especially because owners might need to move cities, and because people generally want puppies
Consider the costs, time and knowledge that go into breeding or caring for German Shepherd puppies and dogs for sale and adoption
You generally pay more for German Shepherd puppies vs. matured or grown dogs – people want a puppy
Factors That Might Generally Impact Cost
Might include:
– Geographic location
– Demand for the type of German Shepherd you want vs supply
You might pay much more for the rarer types of GSD, or certain lines of GSDs
– Quality of breeder you are buying from, and the time, effort, cost, regulation and experience that goes into their breeding program
Good breeders are generally more expensive, but that’s because they put time and money into ensuring the puppies are healthy, have suitable temperament and a range of other factors the owner might be looking for
– Quality of the dog you are buying
– The type of rescue or shelter you adopt from
Consider The Ethics That Can Go Into Buying Or Adopting
Whether buying from a breeder, previous owners, or rescuing, understand that there are time and financial investments that go into breeding or passing on a healthy, happy and high quality dog or puppy to a new owner.
There’s a big difference for example between a backyard or first time breeder, and someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with breeding, dog genetics and the specific breed of dog.
Backyard breeders can intentionally or unintentionally put the health and well being of the parents and puppies at risk – by not knowing what they are doing, not having safe regulations and a lot of the time doing it for money or out of convenience.
So yes, you might pay a bit more to buy from a well established and reputable breeder or adoption centre – but it’s usually because of factors like experience, quality, assurance, and so on.
This guide outlines the steps in finding a good GSD dog or puppy:
What To Look For When Buying A German Shepherd Puppy: Ethical Step By Step Guide
This guide outlines considerations for adoption or rescuing:
Things To Consider When Adopting or Rescuing A German Shepherd
Costs That Go Into Breeding & Running Adoption/Rescue Shelters
In terms of costs, these are the things to consider that go into breeding and adopting:
Breeder
Costs that are paid for by the breeders prior to you buying a puppy might include:
Registration
Spaying and neutering
Vaccinations
Flea Treatment/Preventatives
Microchip
Food costs
Equipment Costs
Cost of health check and certifications of the puppies, and parents
Health, care and shelter costs for the parents
Time costs involved with caring for the parents, regulating the breeding + other time costs
Paying for the experience, knowledge and quality of a good breeder
+ other micellaneous costs
Rescue Shelter
Costs that are paid for by the rescue or adoption centre prior to you adopting the dog might include:
Registration tag
Spaying and neutering
Vaccinations
Flea treatment/preventatives
Microchip
Food, shelter and staff costs (although most are volunteers)
Extras like equipment such as leads and collars etc.
Miscellaneous medical and health/care costs
Consider giving respect to a good breeder or adoption centre, do your research on prices in your area and on what each breeder offers of buying from a breeder, and pay accordingly.
Price Of GSD Puppy vs. Adult Or Senior GSD
Puppies are generally more expensive because buyers want the cute puppy experience.
The exception to this is a dog from a professional breeding program that has been professionally trained.
These dogs might be anywhere from 2-5 years old and cost tens of thousands of dollars if they have deep working experience for example.
Price Of Regular Family Pet German Shepherd
On average, you might pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a pet, or family dog type German Shepherd from a breeder.
Price of German Shepherd With Show Titles, or Working Titles
It really depends on a range of factors as to how much you pay for a dog with a show or working pedigree.
Factors might include:
– the dog’s family tree and pedigree in the show and/or working fields
– the dog itself – are they already showing a desirable appearance, or a high ability to be a working dog
– any training or programs the dog has had e.g. do the dog’s come from a program where they are already taught working skills and already have qualifications
– obviously the breeder or breeding program itself – if they have good experience and a long history of breeding high quality show or working dogs, you’ll pay more
People can and will pay $1000’s of dollars, and even tens of thousands of dollars for German Shepherds with top quality working or show lines and titles.
Price Of German Shepherds From Different Bloodlines
The American Show lines in America, and the German Show lines in Europe are probably the most common bloodlines in those countries.
You can expect to pay around that $500 to $1500 mark.
Obviously if they have show or working titles or pedigrees you’ll pay more.
The East German/DDR working lines, and in particular Czech working lines are super expensive because of how rare they are, the level of time that goes into keeping breeding lines regulated, and the experience the breeders usually have.
It’s not uncommon when looking at the private breeding program, the Z Pohranicni straze, dogs are thousands of dollars, up to around $20k for professionally trained police dogs or working dogs for example (some are not available to normal citizens).
Consider shipping and passport/immigration costs
You’d want to ask for full breeding history, family trees, health certifications, qualifications and titles, shipping arrangements etc. before paying this much though.
Spend a lot of time to make sure you are getting what you are paying for.
Price of German Shepherd Mix Puppy or Dog
German Shepherd mixes tend not to cost as much as purebreeds.
They are not as highly desired by buyers. You might only pay a couple of hundred dollars for them.
The exception to this are designer German Shepherd mix breeds like German Shepherd Husky Mix, or German Shepherd Labrador Mix breeds.
This dogs are highly desired in some areas and will sometimes cost MORE than a purebreed GSD – up to thousands of dollars.
Price Of Adopting A German Shepherd From A Shelter Or Rescue
When adopting a German Shepherd, you might pay anywhere from $50 to $500 – which covers adoption fees.
More Information & Facts About The German Shepherd Dog Breed
We’ve put together this guide with over 100 interesting pieces of information and facts about the German Shepherd Dog Breed.
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