Cost Of Owning A Trained German Shepherd Protection Dog

A muscular, highly intelligent, and agile breed, German Shepherds are ideally suited as personal protection dogs. German Shepherds are brave and confident dogs, and they’re known for their fierce loyalty and eagerness to protect their loved ones. They’re also gentle with children, making them excellent additions to your family.

So how much does a German Shepherd cost? Read on to learn more about German Shepherd protection dogs and why they’re a valuable investment for you and your family.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a German Shepherd For Sale

So how much are German Shepherds when used for protection? First, it’s important to know the standards for the breed and what to expect so you know whether you have a well-bred dog.

Appearance

German Shepherds are similar in appearance to Belgian Malinois, and some people confuse them. They have similar qualities, and both can have coats in varying colors, from tan to black to red. However, you can typically identify a German Shepherd by weight, as they are heavier than Malinois. Additionally, German Shepherds are typically longer than they are tall, while Malinois are more of a square breed.

Size

German Shepherds are large dogs. Their height typically reaches up to between 22 and 26 inches at the shoulder. Female German Shepherds are smaller than males, running on the lower end of the height between 22 and 24 inches and weighing up to 70 pounds. A male German Shepherd will be on the upper end of the height measurement, between 24 and 26 inches, weighing up to 90 pounds.

Temperament

Originally bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds are known for their fearlessness, versatility, and direct nature. They are confident and alert, ready to stand their ground, but are also approachable and poised, prepared for any job. They love to work, and their agile bodies are made for strenuous exercise. As such, they are happiest when they have a job on which to focus their energy. Additionally, they are extremely intelligent and quite serious, so they are always ready to learn and respond well to a new task or challenge.

How Much Do German Shepherd Puppies Cost?

You might be wondering: how much does a German Shepherd cost? That depends on a lot of different factors, and you should consider each one before deciding on a dog. Here’s what to look for when it comes to your German Shepherd.

Breeder’s Location & Reputation

The location of your breeder is important as you may want to meet potential dogs before you select one. You’ll also need to pick up your dog once you’ve chosen them. If your breeder is far enough away that you’d need to fly to get to them, that will add a significant cost for you. Beyond the location of your breeder, it is essential that you know the reputation of any breeders you’re considering working with. A well-regarded, experienced breeder often receives a higher price for their puppy, but you’re also paying for the assurance that your dog will be of the highest caliber.

Litter Size & Lineage

Breeders with excellent reputations are selective about how often they breed their dogs, so there will be a limited number of puppies per season. They are also careful about who they send their puppies home with, ensuring their reputation for impressive dogs remains intact. Some puppies may even be spoken for before they’re weaned. This higher demand, combined with the desirable lineage, will lead to higher prices per puppy.

Training & Socialization

By comparison, how much is a trained German Shepherd? If your dog will be specially trained in any way before you receive it, whether it’s trained for protection or otherwise, you should also plan for a higher cost. However, if your dog is receiving specialized training, it may also be socialized, which is particularly advantageous for a family dog.

What Can You Expect to Pay for a German Shepherd Puppy?

So, how much does a German Shepherd cost? A German Shepherd puppy with papers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on lineage, show lines, and breeding rights. A show-quality German Shepherd with desirable lineage will fetch a top price. It is important that you choose a dog with papers from a reputable breeder. Sadly, because not all breeders are not careful, they can produce puppies with health problems and undesirable personalities.

How Much Does a German Shepherd Cost?

How much is a trained German Shepherd once they’re fully grown and trained? A trained adult German Shepherd can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on the lineage of the dog and the caliber of training you’re seeking. It’s definitely a significant investment, but you’re investing in a dog that’s capable of much more than your standard family pet. An expertly trained protection dog will command a higher price, but it will also arrive ready to do the job. These dogs respond to commands immediately, and they are ready to put themselves on the line to protect you and your family. They arrive knowing how to quickly and effectively identify, warn against, and neutralize a threat.

If you’re looking for a fully trained personal protection dog that can also serve as a family companion, you’ll want to be absolutely certain that your dog has been trained extensively and can be trusted around your loved ones. You should be able to trust that your personal protection dog is ready to protect you when necessary, and will offer unconditional loyalty, warmth, and love to your family. In this case, when you’re asking, “How much are German Shepherds?” you’re not just asking about an average family pet. The higher cost reflects both the higher expertise and the absolute peace of mind you’ll get with expertly trained German Shepherds.

Annual Expenses for a German Shepherd Protection Dog

How much are German Shepherds per year? The annual cost for a personal protection dog will vary depending on several different factors. While the numbers provided below are average estimates, costs will vary depending on the needs of your particular dog, the area in which you live, and the frequency of high-risk situations your dog encounters. Here’s what to consider.

Type of Dog Food

Because German Shepherds are large, active dogs, you’ll need to provide high-quality dog food. Whether you feed your dog high-quality kibble, canned, or raw food, you’re likely to pay somewhere between $700 and $1,200 per year for dog food. Don’t forget to include treats when you’re calculating costs, too. Those could cost up to $500 a year, depending on how much your dog’s training relies on treats.

Veterinarian Fees

Regular veterinary care is essential for your protection dog’s health. Your German Shepherd will need annual check-ups, updated vaccinations, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention to maintain overall health. Additional health care may also be necessary, including treating any injuries or illnesses, along with dental care. You may also opt for grooming in order to care for your German Shepherd’s thicker coat during shedding season. Altogether, these services can cost about $600 to $1,000 per year.

City You Live In

As with anything, the cost of living in your area impacts the costs associated with your German Shepherd. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you’ll pay more for goods and services for your protection dog. If you live in a more remote location, you’ll need to travel to get your dog what they need, which adds costs as well. You’ll also need to license your dog. The cost of your dog’s license will vary by city, but it’s generally between $15 and $60 per year.

Insurance

How much are German Shepherds to insure? Since your German Shepherd has a higher-risk lifestyle providing protection to you and your family, consider adequate pet insurance. This can help cover unexpected medical costs in case of injury or other unforeseen situations. Pet insurance can cost anywhere from $360 per year up to almost $1,000 per year.

Life-Long Commitment

If you’re interested in a German Shepherd protection dog, know that it’s a life-long commitment. A German Shepherd’s life span is typically 12-14 years, so you’ll incur unexpected costs in that time. As such, when you’re asking, “How much is a trained German Shepherd?” know there is a significant financial commitment. You should be prepared to care for your protection dog completely, as long as you have them.

Is a German Shepherd Right for You?

Deciding whether a German Shepherd is right for you should go well beyond asking, “How much does a German Shepherd cost.” German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs that enjoy having a job on which to focus their intellect and energy. They are extremely loyal and will want to be obedient and helpful, but they also require regular exercise and stimulation so they don’t get bored. With their needs met, German Shepherds are excellent family dogs. They are gentle with children, fiercely loyal, and defend their loved ones vigorously. An expertly trained German Shepherd is a phenomenal personal protection dog, and at Scott’s K9, we offer the very best protection dogs for sale.

Sources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShepherdDog.pdf
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog-vs-belgian-malinois/
https://iheartdogs.com/monthly-cost-to-own-a-german-shepherd/