Cost of Owning a German Shepherd (2024): Purchase, Vet Bills, and More

German shepherd puppies from American Kennel Club (AKC)-accredited dog breeders cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500.^[1] Adoption and non-accredited breeders usually have lower prices, but you can still expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars.^[2] After all, German shepherds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States.

These dogs are known for being loyal, protective, and agile. The breed has a history as a working dog but is usually a family pet today, though some German shepherds still work as military and police dogs.

How much does a German shepherd cost?

Costs for German shepherds vary depending on the dog’s age and health. Puppies from a good breeder are the most expensive German shepherds, usually costing anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500. You can adopt or rescue German shepherds for much less, but you can generally expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars.

This breed weighs up to 90 pounds and is best for active owners who can walk and train their dogs regularly. German shepherds generally live for 12–14 years, which is standard for large breeds.

Dogs, including this breed, are a long-term financial and lifestyle commitment, so it’s important to understand what ownership entails.

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German shepherd: Best for trainability

German shepherds have a long history as herding dogs that dates back to the 1800s. In the late 19th century, a breeder worked to develop the ideal German canine, which resulted in the German shepherd. Since then, these dogs have served on the police force and in active combat zones.

The breed’s history makes it one of the top dogs for trainability. Whether you want to train your German shepherd to complete tricks, work as a show dog, help as a service dog, or protect your land, these dogs are quick learners and eager to please. At the same time, German shepherds are family dogs who enjoy quality time with the adults and children in their lives.

Costs of owning a German shepherd

Purchasing a German shepherd is only the first expense. Once you own a dog, you’ll face additional costs for basic needs like food, medical expenses, and grooming.

Here’s what you might spend on your German shepherd over its lifetime.

• 

  Vaccinations and vet visits

  Routine veterinary care for dogs costs $250 per year, while the average cost of surgical expenses is $472. Dog owners can expect to spend about $722 per year on their pet’s health.^[3]

  But German shepherds often have unique health concerns that require additional treatment, which might cost you more. Common health issues include arthritis, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Many purebred dogs have health concerns, so it’s not specific to German shepherds, but dog owners should prepare for the costs.

• 

  Food and supplies

  Pet owners spend about $354 per year for dog food — but can spend as much as $7,000 per year— depending on the type of food they buy and the amount their dog eats. The wide range of costs highlights that some pet owners prioritize specialty food or a particular diet.^[1]

  Even though German shepherds are large dogs, and food costs for the breed can add up, annual prices aren’t likely to reach $7,000 unless you purchase specialty food.

• 

  Grooming and maintenance

  German shepherds don’t have specific grooming requirements beyond regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming. Some pet owners groom their German shepherds at home, while others pay for a professional service. This breed has relatively low maintenance grooming requirements, so each owner handles it differently.

• 

  Pet insurance

  Many pet owners opt for pet insurance, which costs an average of $676 per year for an accident and illness policy and $204 per year for an accident-only policy, according to data from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Pet insurance can help pay for emergency vet visits, blood tests, accidents, health testing, and annual wellness exams.^[2]

  It’s a recurring monthly cost that can pay for itself depending on how much medical care your pet needs. The sooner you start coverage, the more effective it can be. If you wait for a health issue, it might be too late to establish coverage. It’s usually best to set up a policy within the first year of ownership if you plan to do so.

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Factors influencing the price of a German shepherd

German shepherds can cost a few hundred or a few thousand dollars depending on where you get the dog from and the dog’s characteristics. The following factors affect how much you’ll pay.

Where you purchase from

Prospective dog owners have different options for where to purchase a dog, including animal shelters, pet stores, and German shepherd breeders. How you buy your German shepherd affects how much the dog costs. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes breeders of merit who are the best in the field. These quality breeders adhere to strict purebred breeding requirements, puppy registration, and health screenings. Due to the accreditation, dogs from these breeders are the most expensive. 

On the other hand, adopting German shepherds from local shelters is usually the cheapest way to purchase a German shepherd, since the dog isn’t certified as a purebred. Adoption fees are typically a few hundred dollars.

Age and gender

A German shepherd puppy is usually more expensive than an adult dog since it has no known health issues. Younger dogs typically have a longer life expectancy than older dogs, which can also affect the cost. Older dogs, especially seniors, usually cost less since they may have health conditions and fewer years to live.

Gender can also affect the price of a German shepherd, but it’s rare. Some breeders prefer buying female dogs, but most trustworthy breeders price male and female dogs the same. Similarly, coat color doesn’t usually affect the price.

Common health issues in German shepherds

Like any purebred dog, German shepherds are prone to certain health issues. These are some common conditions to be aware of before you buy or adopt a German shepherd:

• Degenerative myelopathy: This neurological disorder affects a dog’s spinal cord, causing hind-end weakness, difficulty standing up, and eventual paralysis of the dog’s hind legs.

• Eye diseases: German shepherds commonly inherit eye diseases, such as cataracts, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), pannus, and multifocal retinal dysplasia.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat or torsion): When a dog develops bloat, its stomach fills with too much gas and can start to twist. This can be very painful for the dog, and you should take it to a vet right away for diagnosis and treatment, as this condition can be fatal.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Large dog breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, where the elbow or hip sockets don’t form properly, which can cause pain and lead to other issues, such as arthritis.

Comparing costs: German shepherd vs. other breeds

German shepherds cost a similar amount to golden retrievers, another popular dog breed. But German shepherd prices are higher than those of similar breeds, like Belgian Malinois and border collies.

The total cost for a specific breed varies. Puppies from AKC-accredited breeders cost the most, and senior rescue dogs tend to cost the least. The following average prices are for purebred puppies from AKC-accredited breeders.

German shepherd FAQs