Accommodating a new German Shepherd in your home is a major decision, and it’s reflected in the amount of research you did to find out what it costs to breed, raise, and adequately care for the puppy itself.
It has become too common that many pets end up in the hands of shelters simply because the folks who own them got sick of them or could not provide them with the care they needed. This is simply because of the less time they’ve spent researching the dog they want to buy.
To help you from not making such a less informed decision, we have invested our hours in putting together all the nitty-gritty details you should know before buying a German Shepherd dog. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
How Much Does the German Shepherd (GSD) Cost in India?
A German Shepherd’s cost significantly depends on the breeder and the area it’s purchased from. The median price for a German Shepherd in India is INR 25,150, with prices typically ranging from INR 20,000 to 72,800.
Check out the table below to get an idea regarding the cost of German Shepherd in your location.
| City | Price |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 21,500-56,000 |
| Delhi | 21,000-55,000 |
| Banglore | 21,500-54,000 |
| Hyderabad | 21,500-53,500 |
| Ahmedabad | 20,000-52,500 |
| Chennai | 21,000-52,500 |
| Kolkata | 20,000-52,500 |
| Surat | 18,000-47,500 |
| Pune | 18,000-46,500 |
| Jaipur | 18,000-46,500 |
| Lucknow | 17,500-46,500 |
| Kanpur | 17,500-46,500 |
| Nagpur | 17.500-46,500 |
| Indore | 17,500-46,000 |
| Thane | 17,500-46,000 |
| Bhopal | 17,500-46,000 |
| Visakhapatnam | 19,500-51,000 |
| Patna | 17,500-46,000 |
| Vadodara | 17,500-46,000 |
| Ghaziabad | 17,500-46,000 |
| Ludhiana | 17,500-46,000 |
| Agra | 17,500-46,000 |
| Nashik | 17,500-46,000 |
| Srinagar | 17,500-46,000 |
| Allahabad | 17,500-45,500 |
| Howrah | 17,500-45,500 |
| Ranchi | 17,500-45,500 |
| Coimbatore | 19,500-50,500 |
| Vijayawada | 17,500-45,500 |
| Chandigarh | 17,500-45,500 |
| Mysore | 19,500-50,500 |
| Gurgaon | 17,500-45,500 |
| Bhuvaneshwar | 17,500-45,500 |
| Noida | 19,500-50,500 |
| Kochi | 19,500-50,500 |
Factors That Influence the Buying Price of German Shepherd in India
Buying Puppy vs. An Old Dog (Age)
Purchasing a pet can be hard, but it is especially confusing if you aren’t certain whether you need to go with a puppy or an adult dog.
Older dogs often have more experience living in a household and may be better adjusted than puppies. They may also know how to behave around other family members and children. Puppies may not understand these dynamics yet and could get overwhelmed.
Puppies that are only 8-12 weeks old will cost the most. Dogs at this age are most impressionable and can be trained to their owner’s liking. When a puppy turns 12 weeks old, its value will decrease. Adult dogs will fetch lower prices as they are thought to be less appealing.
Adopting a GSD vs. Buying
Adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter does not mean receiving a deficient dog. If you take your time and consider all shelters in your area, your chances of finding a purebred GSD puppy are pretty good.
Furthermore, you can also feel good about adopting or rescuing a dog from a shelter, as any money received through adoption fees directly goes for the welfare of the shelter.
One potential setback is the time it takes to locate the right pet for you. Whereas a breeder can provide you with certain delivery dates, there is uncertainty about the availability date of GSD when it comes to shelter houses. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted very quickly, so if you choose this option, you must be diligent and persistent.
Breeder Factor
It is essential to research the breeder carefully before getting a puppy from them because many unscrupulous people out there will sell puppies without giving them the care they need.
GSDs are predisposed to congenital conditions, like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. You must be sure your GSD puppy does not have any of this fatal hereditary disease. So, where to buy it? There are many options, some of which we’ve mentioned below.
Buying a German Shepherd (GSD) From Puppy Mills
(Please don’t go with this option)
Puppy Mills are businesses that breed dogs in high volumes for the pet trade. You should refrain from buying your German Shepherd puppy from such mills. They purchase genetically weak and crossbred German Shepherds of low value for a lower price and use them for their breeding programs. Most of these breeders want to make a quick buck.
You can easily identify a puppy mill merchant by his GSD selling price, which is generally low, and he is coy about letting you see the puppy with its mother.
You may encounter significant health setbacks if you buy a dog like a German Shepherd from such places. Your dog may have inherited genetic flaws or, even worse, turned into an aggressive dog.
Buying a GSD From Pet Shops
Don’t make the mistake of window shopping for a GSD puppy. We recommend that you never rush into buying a puppy. GSDs are large dogs that will soon become part of your family. Don’t be hasty and pick up a puppy from a pet shop because it looks cute.
Not all pet shops are bad. Some pet shops belong to reputable breeders, but pet shops, in general, are not the place to get your GSD puppy. Never pay for a GSD puppy if you cannot see it along with its mother.
Buying a GSD From Middleman or Brokers
Dog breeders in India earn a majority of their earnings via brokers. A good broker can get you in contact with the breeder directly and answer every question you have. However, middlemen typically charge a commission of 10% to 20% on each sale they make, adding up to a significant portion of the purchase price.
Buying a German Shepherd from Reputable breeders
When searching for a suitable breeder, take care to do proper research. An excellent breeder will want his puppy to go to a kind, loving home. He will be least interested in making a profit.
Responsible breeders will offer a puppy with a full warranty, allowing you to give the puppy back if you can’t look after it. They will allow you to meet the pups in person and won’t let them leave their mom until they are eight weeks of age. Puppies from a qualified breeder tend to cost more, but the price is still reasonable.
Questions to ask from a breeder
When buying a German shepherd, there are a few key questions to ask a breeder. These questions can help ensure that you’re getting the best dog possible and that you’re prepared for any eventualities.
- What kind of temperament do your dogs have? Are they gentle giants or independent thinkers?
- Do the dogs have any health issues that we should be aware of? For example, are they prone to certain diseases or allergies?
- What kennels do you operate, and from where do they originate?
- Do any dogs in your breeding program have known aggression issues or tendencies?
- When do German shepherds need to get vaccinated?
- Is this dog comfortable living in an apartment?
- Can I meet the dog’s mother?
- What is the average lifespan of a German shepherd dog?
- How much is the maintenance cost of a German shepherd dog?
Gender
Both males and females will cost according to their strengths because both are popular for different reasons. Male GSDs have much power and stamina, so they are perfect with families that will take them on many exciting adventures. On the other hand, female GSDs with softer dispositions tend to go well with families with children. There is no such difference in the prices of GSD basis on gender.
Size
Size affects the purchase price of a GSD significantly. German Shepherds are large dogs whose prices tend to increase with size. If measured, the height of a male GSD is roughly 24 to 26 inches, whereas the size of a female GSD is approximately 22 to 24 inches. These are the standard size of both male and female GSD and may be different in some cases due to genes inherited by their parents.
Mix Breed or Purebred
Purebreds are descended from specific lines of German Shepherds and have been selectively bred for many generations to look and behave a certain way.
Mixes, on the other hand, are simply dogs with some German Shepherd ancestry – usually because one or more parents were a German Shepard.
A purebred is generally more expensive than a mix because it is less likely to have genetic defects.
Bloodline
A good bloodline will guarantee that the puppy has good breeding characteristics. This means that the pup will be obedient, intelligent, and have a strong temperament. It will also be healthy and have a long lifespan.
Coat Colours and Markings
German shepherds are more expensive if they are available in rare colors like white.
Location
Where you’re buying the German Shepherd also influences the selling price. For instance, Smaller areas with less demand will frequently charge lower fees than densely populated urban communities. Some states and cities also have more regulations on the breeding of dogs that may raise the purchase price.
Certification and Warranties
When checking out a breeder, remember not to trust their certifications entirely, as this is one of their gimmicks to put up a high selling price. Instead, do your own research and then make an informed decision.
Making sure your puppy is healthy enough before buying is one of the most effective strategies for avoiding future medical treatments.
But you can ask your breeder or an agent to provide KCI Certificates for lineage verification.
Yearly Keeping or Maintenance Cost of owning a German Shepherd in India
Owning a German Shepherd is a big responsibility and requires regular maintenance to keep the dog healthy and happy. This includes food, vaccinations, deworming, routine checkups with a vet, and many more.
The average cost of maintaining a German Shepherd puppy year-round can range from INR 38,000 to INR 40,000, whereas for adults, it can reach up to INR 50,000 depending on the level of care desired. To have a clear idea, let’s look at these costs briefly.
| Sr. No. | Cost Header | Type | Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dog Food Cost | Monthly | 7,500 to 9,500 |
| 2 | Vet Visit Costs | ||
| 2.1 | Vaccinations | Yearly | 750 to 2,500 |
| 2.2 | Deworming | Recurring | 600 to 1500 |
| 2.3 | Neutering or Spaying Surgery | One Time | 5,000 to 10,000 |
| 2.4 | Preventive Medications | Yearly | 2,000 to 12,000 |
| 2.5 | Antiseptic Spray, Cotton, and Band-aids | As required | 300 to 500 |
| 2.6 | Ticks and Flea powder | As required | 500 |
| 2.7 | Ear drops | As required | 150 |
| 3 | Housing and confinement Cost | ||
| 3.1 | Crates for puppy | One Time | 500 to 1,200 |
| 3.2 | Bed for adult dogs | One Time | 1,500 to 2,000 |
| 4 | Accessories Cost | ||
| 4.1 | Collar | One Time | 200 to 1,000 |
| 4.2 | Leash | One Time | 600 to 1,000 |
| 4.3 | Training Harness | One Time | 1,400 to 1,500 |
| 5 | Toys Cost | One Time | 250 to 500 |
| 6 | Grooming Cost | ||
| 6.1 | Top-quality brush | One Time | 200 to 500 |
| 6.2 | Nail clippers | One Time | 200 to 500 |
| 6.3 | Shampoo and Conditioner | Monthly | 400 |
| 6.4 | Towels | One Time | 300 to 700 |
| 6.5 | Professional grooming service | Per visit | 500 |
| 7 | Walker Cost | Monthly | 1,500 to 5,000 |
| 8 | Training and Socialising Class Cost | Per session | 500 to 1,000 |
| 9 | Treat Cost | Recurring | 500 |
| 10 | Insurance Cost | Yearly | 5,000 to 15,000 |
| 11 | Travel Cost | ||
| 11.1 | Domestic Travel | Per visit | 5,000 to 20,000 |
| 11.2 | Internation Travel | Per visit | 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 |
| 12 | Daycare Cost | Per Day | 250 to 500 |
| 13 | Registration Cost | One Time | 400 to 800 |
| 14 | Miscellaneous | One Time | 2,500 to 4,000 |
Dog Food Factor
German Shepherds are very energetic dogs, and as such, they require a high level of nutrition. Puppies younger than 4 months old will require at least 80-90 calories per pound of body weight to develop. Whereas an average adult German Shepherd requires around 1200-1500 calories per day.
While there are many factors to consider when calculating your dog’s food costs, some of which are mentioned below:
Home Food vs. Purchased food
Dogs have been known to eat various homemade and purchased foods. While some people believe that providing their dog with homemade food is the healthiest option, others believe buying food for them is better because it eliminates the risk of toxins or unhealthy ingredients.
Whether homemade or store-bought, what’s most important to remember when feeding your dog is to provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water.
Home-cooked food can be more economical as it won’t add up to your dog’s monthly expense, whereas a year’s supply of store-purchased food can cost you up to INR 7,500 to 9,500 a month.
Portion Size and Daily Frequency
When it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, most veterinarians will tell you to watch the dog, not the bowl. The reasoning is that dogs are pack animals and will often overeat if they feel insecure or are not getting enough attention from their owners.
German Shepherds must have a balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Large mature dogs are prone to bloat, and large foods are the main reason for this. Feeding grains can work to remedy the sensitivity or loose stools in your dog.
Look at the table below for age-wise cup size and per-day meal details.
| Age | Total Cups of Dry Kibble | Number of Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks old | 1 – 1 ½ cups | 4 |
| 12 weeks old | 1 ½ – 2 cups | 4 |
| 6 months to 9 months old | 2 – 3 cups | 3 |
| 9 months to 12 months old | 3 – 3 ½ cups | 3 |
| 12 months old and above | 3 ½ – 4 cups | 2 |
Vet Factor
Like kids, small puppies are prone to getting sick frequently because their immune system is still in a developmental phase. As a result, they require a vet checkup every two to four weeks. Once they grow old, you can expect a decrease in vet visits.
Veterinary care for dogs can range from routine checkups and vaccinations to more serious treatments such as surgery. Below are some of your recurring vet costs.
Vaccination Cost
One of the first things you want to do after you bring home your GSD puppy is to vaccinate it. GSD puppies need vaccination against parvovirus and rabies. Talk to your breeder to know which vaccines are due, and get a vaccination card from your vet. GSD puppy vaccines costs between ₹750 to ₹2,500.
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Spay/neuter surgeries that remove the dog’s reproductive organs, which can greatly reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies in a community. In addition, it also helps prevent some types of cancer in dogs. In India, depending upon your location, it can cost you anywhere between INR 5,000 to 10,000.
Remember, spaying is a surgical procedure. If you don’t have competent veterinary care in your city, we are not for it.
Deworming Cost
Deworming is a common process of removing parasitic organisms such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc., from a dog’s body to control the spread of infections in dogs. The decision of when to perform a deworming procedure depends on the dog’s age, weight, health, and behavior.
Although it is recommended to start early, deworm them every two weeks when they are younger than eight weeks. Once they are eight weeks to six months old, deworming them every month is recommended. Dogs older than six months are recommended to deworm four times a year.
Still, we recommend consulting your vet on the worming medication and dosage. Deworming tablets can cost you around Rs. 200-500 in India.
Preventive medications cost
Preventive medications for diseases like heartworms are required for your GSD overall health and your own. Prices for these preventatives vary between INR 2,000- 12,000 for a year’s supply.
Antiseptic Spray, Cotton, and Band-aids are some of the most common supplies used to treat injuries in dogs. This can cost you around INR 300 to 500.
Ticks and Flea powder: Dogs are susceptible to the same infections as people caused by ticks and fleas. These parasites can cause various health problems in dogs like gastroenteritis. So, treating it with ticks and flea powder is important, which costs approximately INR 500.
Ear drops can help relieve pain and inflammation in the dog’s ears and stop the spread of infection. It can cost around INR 150.
Housing and Confinement Cost
A crate is a must for any pup. Crates provide a safe place for your pup to sleep and play and can be used as a travel carrier. In India, a good quality crate can cost around INR 500-1,200.
For adult GSDs, It’s important to create a designated dog bed area where they can relax and stay clean. A good quality bed can cost you around INR 1,500-2,000.
Accessories Cost
From collars to leashes, there is a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to keeping your GSD safe and comfortable. Consider your dog’s size, temperament, and activity level when shopping for accessories. Here are some of the more common accessories that dogs require:
Collar and leash
A basic collar starts at around INR 200 to 1,000, but many options are available, from nylon collars to leather ones. You can get a retractable leash or an extended leash to help keep your dog with you wherever you go. A collar and leash set can cost you around INR 600 to 1,000.
Training Harness
A harness can be a useful tool for training your dog. It helps keep them under control and makes it easier to control their movements. A good quality harness can cost you around INR 1,400-1,500.
Toys Cost
The four main toy categories are chew toys, dental toys, interactive toys, and plush toys. Interactive toys are intended to be played with when you’re playing with your pet, so they will likely last quite a while but chew toys, dental toys, and plush toys will need to be replaced more frequently. These toys come in a standard size, making them suitable for puppies and adult GSD use.
It totally depends on you how much you want to spend on this, but you can get two to three toys a month, roughly costing you around INR 250-500.
Grooming Cost
Grooming accessories can make the process of caring for GSD much easier. From getting rid of dander and hairballs to cleaning up their teeth and nails, having the right tools can make all the difference in keeping your pup looking their best. Below are some accessories you can consider buying for your GSD-
Top-quality brush – INR 200 – 500
Nail clippers– INR 200 – 500
Shampoo and Conditioner– INR 400
Towels- INR 300-700
You can groom your GSD yourself, but many people choose to have their GSD groomed by a professional. Necessary tasks like nail trimming are intimidating to first-time owners and could hurt the puppy if not performed properly.
In that case, you can hire a professional grooming service. Based upon your dog’s age and breed, grooming in India can cost anywhere between INR 500 to 2,000.
Walker Cost
Like humans, dogs also need fresh air to keep their mood happy. Furthermore, GSDs are considered in the working dog category, which means they require a lot of movement and exercise to be fit and happy.
Also, these dogs don’t like to be confined. You can find a good walking service for your dog in India, which can cost anywhere between INR 1,500 to 5,000 per month.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Establishing a positive relationship between your puppy and you is one of the best ways to set up your puppy with good behavioral patterns. With appropriate training and socialization, you can prevent many aggression concerns you might have later.
German Shepherds usually respond well to firm leadership, so it can be easy to train them if you’re calm and composed. On the other hand, if you show them you don’t deserve to be in direct command, these intelligent dogs will swiftly take up the post.
Personalized training sessions with a dog trainer can bring much joy to you and your beloved pet. Having a dog that can perform complicated feats and obey commands is fun. Most of these training classes would cost you INR 500- 1,000 per session.
Treat Cost
While treats are not expensive, they are highly effective in training your dog. You can use them as rewards for good behavior, which will help them associate a positive experience with good and bad behavior.
Commercial dog treats can be costly. We prefer homemade treats. They are inexpensive and healthy for your dog. We recommend homemade treats such as boiled eggs, cheese, and cooked meat.
Insurance Cost
It is important to provide financial coverage for your pet in case of health-leading complications. A good insurance policy will also cover pet hospitalization costs and emergency veterinary care in case of an accident or injury. A yearly insurance premium can cost you anywhere between INR 5,000 to 15,000.
Travel Cost
Suppose you frequently plan and travel to different places too often. In that case, taking your German Shepherd with you everywhere is impossible since this greatly limits your range of movements and can be expensive.
Domestic travel is usually within INR 20,000. Many airlines charge INR 94 per kg on domestic routes, and rates vary based on destination, route, and size of the crate.
The fare for international travel can vary from INR 2 lakh to INR 3 lakh for a medium-sized dog.
Daycare Cost
Daycare facilities offer a safe environment for your furry friend while you are away. These facilities can include play areas and feeding areas and often provide dog-walking services. Depending on your location, these daycare facilities can cost around INR 250 – 500 daily.
Registration Cost
A domesticated dog must be registered before being bred, exhibited, or exported. Suppose both guardians have the proper INKC registration. That way, non-members pay INR 500, and members pay INR 400.
If the parents are unknown, then non-members to get their dog registered costs INR 1000, and for members, it costs INR 800. Similarly, if parents are known, and one of them is approved under KCI, then the registration for non-members costs 500, and for members, it is INR 400.
Remember, GSD registered with KCI tends to cost more.
Miscellaneous
A food, water dish, poop bag, pee cleaner, food storage container, and pet cot are other miscellaneous items costing you around Rs 2,500 – 4,000.
Hidden and Related Costs of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership in India
While we’ve provided a detailed overview of what to expect in terms of the money you spend in the first year and yearly maintenance of German Shepherd puppy ownership, additional related costs appear not so obvious.
You must assess the time commitment of owning a German Shepherd, especially when a puppy is very young. You must devote most of your time to them during this period, so they’re raised well.
GSDs are known to be potentially aggressive and assertive dogs, and that’s where your time comes as an additional cost factor; training them for qualities like obedience and socialization will be your responsibility.
So use less energy catching up with your friends to use more power to spend quality time with your furry friends.
Important Things to Consider Before Buying A German Shepherd in India
Okay, you may now understand the upfront and yearly costs of owning a German Shepherd. Now it is time to think and see, is GSD the type of dog you want?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- German shepherds should not be viewed as guard dogs. Just like humans, they also need love and affection.
- As these dogs are big and powerful, you ought not to get these dogs for your children because they may not necessarily work well as play companions. They may be loving and gentle, but you are accountable for your dog, not your children.
- If you’re a weak leader, it is not recommended to get a German Shepherd Dog. They’re determined and hardworking and will have trouble accepting a boss who is not strong-minded.
- You shouldn’t get a GSD dog if you’re unwilling to train them. German Shepherds have a strong mind and hunting instincts, so they may be hard to control without proper training.
- If you want a German Shepherd Dog but dislike dog hair, you should not get one. They will shed a lot of hair, and at the same time, they will blow their coat.
- If you’re going to acquire a German Shepherd Dog, be advised that it needs space, and it can sound very noisy.
Benefits Of Bringing A German Shepherd Puppy To Home
They are known as the Smartest Breed of Dog
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and obedience skills. They make great pets and are often chosen as working dogs due to their acute sense of smell to track and find things of potential dangers.
Loyal and Protective
German shepherds are a keen breed of dog. They are always prepared to stop any physical threat on behalf of their owner and family. They are warm, welcoming, and eager to be part of whatever is happening around them.
Big Personality
German shepherds, at times, are aggressive but get along well with the family. Their character is entirely brave, obedient, and watching. They’re courageous, obedient, and hardworking. They make a great family pet since they’re lively, watchful, and insightful.
Energetic
The German Shepherd breed is one of the biggest in the world. They like being spirited and need a lot of stimulation and exercise. They are herding dogs with a lot of physical stamina. If you live in an apartment, take your dog for a walk or run it to keep them active and amused.
Need Less Bathing
Bathing in German shepherds is necessary for fighting off flea seasons, but it is often required to control pests. Bathing them too often will weaken their coat, and natural oils from the body will be stripped off and affect other important bodily functions. Bath them every ten days; this amount is more than sufficient.
Summing it Up
In conclusion, German Shepherds are popular in India, and their prices reflect this. With the information in this article, you can make an informed decision and raise a dog well. They will get along well with your family and will easily strive in India’s climatic conditions.