German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are brilliant, loyal, and good with families. They also look great. But they can be expensive. If you are thinking about getting a German Shepherd, be prepared to spend a lot of money. They are worth it, though! You will have a dog for life that will make you happy.
The price of a German Shepherd can range from $500 to $1,500. This price can vary depending on the breeder and the dog’s ancestry. The monthly maintenance cost for a German Shepherd is around $200. Keep in mind that these dogs are meant to live in colder climates, so factor in the cost of air conditioning if you live in a hot region.
What is it that makes them so pricey? Let’s dive into all the factors that determine the price tag and what makes them worth investing in.
How Much Do German Shepherds Cost Monthly?
German Shepherd puppies go for as little as $500 to $1,500 while trained adults fetch incredibly high prices ranging from $30,000 to $40,000.
Fortunately, German Shepherds are a relatively cheap type of dog to maintain. You will spend around $1,580 per year on them. That is about $100 per month.
Even though the price is low, you need to consider whether the low maintenance cost is worth getting one of these dogs. Here is why German Shepherds cost so much and what makes them worth the price.
German Shepherds Are Easy To Train
German Shepherds are intelligent animals, making training them much more manageable than other breeds. You can potty train them or teach them new tricks with relative ease. That is why they are so valuable; they can learn so much by the time they are ready.
German Shepherds Are Versatile
German Shepherds are expensive, but they are worth the price. They are very suitable for working dogs. You can use them in different settings like personal protection or law enforcement. They also make good pets because they have a soft side.
German Shepherds Are A Great Long-Term Investment
German Shepherds are an excellent investment and definitely worth the price. As time goes on, they cost less and bring so much joy to their owners that you will soon forget how much you spent.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live?
German Shepherds live on average for 9 to 13 years.
German Shepherds are an excellent investment because they live for a long time. German Shepherds can live up to 18 years or more, but this is not very common.
They stay healthy and strong because of their build and good health. However, there are some things you should know about their health before you get one. Some of the most common health issues of a German Shepherd are:
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a condition that affects how blood clots due to the lack of a specific factor in the process. It could lead to severe complications, including hemorrhaging and infections, in case of injuries or even surgery.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia significantly affect the mobility and posture of the German Shepherd, especially as they grow older. It could result in arthritis and therefore needs proper treatment through medical interventions and maintaining a healthy diet for the dog.
Pancreatic Failure
Pancreatic Failure is usually a spontaneous and irreversible process that could be life-threatening for the dog. The German Shepherd will often have to be put on lifelong supplements to replace the crucial hormones and enzymes produced by the failing organ.
Degenerative Myelopathy
German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to degenerative myelopathy due to a genetic mutation found in some bloodlines. It results in gradual and irreversible degradation of the protective sheath around nerves and the spinal cord white matter. It affects the ability to walk and significantly reduces the German Shepherd’s quality of life.
How To Take Care Of German Shepherds?
German Shepherds can be a lot of work due to their size, but they can also be great fun. It is crucial to have a routine and figure out what the dog needs to stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to take care of your German Shepherd.
Pick The Right Time To Take Them Home
Timing is everything if you want to give your dog a happy start. In particular, with German Shepherd puppies, it is best to wait until they are at least 8 to 12 weeks old before taking them away from their mother and siblings. This gives them enough time to develop physically and socially and prevents issues like trauma and separation anxiety.
Give Them Access To Outdoor Spaces
German Shepherds are outdoorsy dogs. They love to run free and explore and should be given this pleasure if you want to keep yours happy. If you do not have a yard space where they can play in the open, find a park or trail to take them to regularly.
Establish A Healthy Diet For Them
Another thing you need to figure out before bringing your German Shepherd home is what you will feed them. They are generally not very picky eaters. Therefore, your job is to find something with great nutritional value for them to enjoy.
Pet Plate has the most to offer in this regard. They make customized meal plans with human-grade ingredients ensuring that your German Shepherd is getting the best flavor and health benefits.
Include Multivitamin Supplements
German Shepherds also need multivitamin supplements to be healthy. Multivitamins help with the dog’s circulatory system, bones, and joints.
Will A German Shepherd Turn On Its Owner? Temperament Of German Shepherds
German Shepherds have a unique set of temperament traits that makes them so versatile. Here are some of them and what they could mean for you, whether you want one for protection or companionship.
Loyal
German Shepherds are easily some of the most loyal dogs of dog breeds. They are instinctively bonded and protective over humans who show them kindness and love from an early age. A German Shepherd is very likely to protect you from threats even without training.
Affectionate
German Shepherds are known for their intimidating personalities. Therefore, it may come as a surprise that these dogs can be quite affectionate. Male German Shepherds, in particular, tend to be more affectionate and clingy than their female counterparts.
Alert
These doggies were bred to help guide and protect sheep from dangerous, wild predators. They developed very sharp senses and a talent for maintaining focus for long periods. This is particularly handy if you want your German Shepherd to also serve a protective purpose.
Mistrusting Of Strangers
German Shepherds may be loyal and affectionate to their owners, but they do not always extend this kindness to strangers. Female German Shepherds tend to be warier than strangers and more protective of their owners. To avoid attacks in the future, you have to start socializing your dog as early as possible.
Intelligent And Obedient
German Shepherds are easy to train. Professional sessions could cost you between $125 to $400 for basic training or up to $10,000 for advanced training. You can also do it yourself, in which case Brain Training for Dogs is the best tool to have on your side.
Potentially Aggressive
German Shepherds have an aggressive side that starts to show as early as their first few weeks of life in their new homes. Unless they have undergone proper training, they are not the best dogs in homes with young kids.
Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot? Grooming Tips For German Shepherds
One of the best things about owning a German shepherd is how low-maintenance they are. Even though they are large, grooming them only costs around $60-$100. You can also do it yourself with some tips from professionals.
Brush Their Coat On A Regular Basis
German Shepherds have very dense coats in either long or short varieties. They shed moderately and require regular brushing. 2 to 3 times a week should be enough to deal with the shedding and prevent matting in the long-haired varieties.
Wash Them Once Every 2 Months Or So
German Shepherds tend to stink if they are not washed for a long time. However, washing them too often may strip their skin and fur of much-needed protective oils. A bimonthly washing interval would hit that sweet spot and clean them without damaging their coats.
Clean Their Teeth
German Shepherds need help cleaning their teeth, preventing tartar formation, and keeping their breath fresh. You can buy water additives to put in their water that will help kill bacteria and keep their breath smelling good. You can also give them chew toys to play with, so they can clean their teeth.
Clip Their Nails On A Regular Basis
Finally, you need to keep your German Shepherd’s nails trimmed mainly for their own sake as they can be very aggressive scratchers. You can do this once a month or in higher or lower intervals depending on how fast, and long they grow.
Related Questions
What Is The Rarest German Shepherd’s Color? Blue and liver-brown coat colors are the rarest in the German Shepherd dog breed. Solid black German Shepherds are also very hard to come by. All of these are caused by recessive genes, meaning that both parents must either be that unique coat color or carry the necessary genes.
What Are The 5 Types Of German Shepherds? There are 5 different German Shepherds distinguished from each other through their coat characteristics. The 5 types are:
- Saddle Coat German Shepherd
- Black German Shepherd
- White German Shepherd
- Panda German Shepherd
- Sable German Shepherd
Does Police Only Use German Shepherds? Police forces do not just use German Shepherds. However, this is the most commonly used breed where both males and females are utilized in the force. They are preferred to other intelligent and aggressive breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and Pitbulls because they tend to be more obedient, which makes them easier to train and control.
