German shepherd at a glance
| Adult weight | 30 to 40kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Typical lifespan | About 11 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Well-known breed health problems |
What a German shepherd costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,957 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £2,104 |
| A month, after year one | £175 |
| Over about 11 years | £24,997 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £65 a month of mid-range dry food for a 35kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
German shepherds are known to be prone to:
- Hip and elbow problems
- Spinal cord disease (degenerative myelopathy)
- Stomach and gut problems
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every German shepherd will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a German shepherd?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £8,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about hip and elbow problems.
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Next steps
- Check which insurance a German shepherd needs
- See how big your German shepherd puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a German shepherd puppy
- Check a German shepherd breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a German shepherd cost a month?
About £175 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a German shepherd cost in the first year?
About £3,957, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a German shepherd?
Our starting figure is £60 a month for lifetime cover for a young German shepherd, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £8,000 a year.
How long do German shepherds live?
About 11 years on average.
Labrador £1,912 a year
Golden retriever £1,888 a year
Goldendoodle £2,322 a year
Boxer £1,996 a year
Dobermann £2,164 a year
Weimaraner £1,948 a year