Average Yearly Expenses Of Your New German Shepherd
Are you looking for a four legged fur ball to keep you company? If yes, we wiuld strongly suggest choosing a German Shepherd. German Shepherds obviously originated in Germany in the late 1800s. And from then on, they have become one of the most popular dog breeds not only in the United States but also the rest of the world. These energetic dogs are perfect family dogs because they are lovable, caring, and friendly. But at the same time, if you train them well, there are also the perfect guard dogs. This is one of the our favorite breeds for sure.
Regardless of the breed you choose, it is important to know that coming to a decision of bringing home a dog is not a big deal, it is the cost of owning a dog that you need to focus on more. Your pet dog is like an additional member of your family. And as a pet parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that all your dog’s needs are met in the best possible manner. And as you know, you may need to spend a considerable amount of money for the same. However, if you have a basic idea about the financial requirements, you will be able to plan your finances appropriately. In this article, we are going to talk about the average yearly expenss of your new German Shepherd.
How much does a German Shepherd puppy cost?
There are two most popular ways of finding the right dog to bring home. You can either browse through multiple dog shelters and adopt one or you can get in touch with a breeder for a puppy. While a lot of people suggest adopting, know that the chances of finding a puppy in shelters in very low. You may have to make-do with an older German Shepherd. And the cost of adoption could be between $150-$400. When you choose to go the breeder route, the cost may vary depending on numerous factors. Some of them include bloodline, age, breeder’s reputation, registration papers, and so on. The cost of buying a pup from a breeder will probably be between $400 to $2000.
Quality food
You need to understand that German Shepherds are large and energetic dogs. They need their daily doze of exercise. This natural means that their appetite is bigger due to their physical capabilities. And as a parent, you need to make sure that you will feed them only the best quality food since this is vital to their health. The average yearly cost of feeding a German Shepherd is $800.
Toys and chews
German Shepherds are known to be working dog and they tend to get bored when they have nothing to do. This also cause some destructive tendencies to emerge. So unless you want your German Shepherd to start nibbling on your furniture and carpet, you should strongly consider getting your dog some chew toys to keep them occupied. Chew toys are also important if you have a German Shepherd puppy because they help the puppy while teething. You may need to spend $150 to $200 per year on toys.
Personal grooming
German Shepherds are hairy dogs. So unless you want your dog to look like a wild animal right out of a jungle, we recommend taking your dog to a professional groomer. Regular brushing, washing, nail clipping, and hair trimming once a while are a must. The cost of grooming will depend on the services you choose. But the average yearly cost may be north of $350.
Training
German Shepherds can at times be aggressive and territorial. This is why it is always better to start training them from a very young age. In fact, proper training could also help with separation anxiety. Annual cost of training could be as much as $500.
Accessories and supplies
You need to buy things like dog bed, water and food bowls, leashes, and so on. These things are important for daily use. A dog bed will roughly cost $70. Water and food bowls may cost another $30. And a leash will probably cost $30.
Vet expenses
This is one of the most important aspect of your dog’s expenses. You need to keep up with regular vet visits to keep your dog healthy. The average yearly expenses of vet visits will $800. However, if your dog gets diagnosed with any health problems, you will charged additionally for treatment. This is why you should consider investing in a pet insurance policy.
These are some of the most basic expenses you will have to incur if you choose to bring home a German Shepherd.
