$500 German Shepherd Puppy For Sale: Does it Make Sense?

The time has come to get your German Shepherd puppy, but what is the correct price when looking? Anyone on the internet could throw prices around, and knowing what you should pay can be challenging. While a $500 German Shepherd puppy might be a dream come true, does the price make sense? 

A $500 German Shepherd puppy for sale does not make sense. Any reputable breeder would not sell a German Shepherd for less than $1500. However, you can find a German Shepherd puppy for $500 or under via adoption or a backyard breeder. 

We’ll break down the total cost of what a German Shepherd puppy will cost you and how to determine if you’re being scammed. Read on to learn all about German Shepherd puppy sales. 

Where to find a German Shepherd puppy?

There are a ton of options when looking for a German Shepherd puppy. Here are some of the more reliable sources

• American Kennel Club Market Place
• Rescue organizations
• Mission K9
• Referral from vet, dog clubs or groomers

American Kennel Club Market Place is a trustworthy source for finding dog breeders with AKC-registered dogs and litters. 

Your second choice is to find a rescue that might have a German Shepherd puppy. Depending on your area, there are various reputable rescues with guarantees and warranties on the puppy that will be joining your family. 

A third option is to go through Mission K9, which has retired military German Shepherds available for adoption. While these dogs are not puppies, you’ll get a fantastic dog that deserves a good home. 

Your last option is to ask for a referral from a few different sources. Your vet, dog clubs, boarding kennels, or groomers can all have advice on great options for a puppy. They will know reputable breeders around town and send you to a trustworthy source. 

What is a reasonable German Shepherd puppy prize?

A German Shepherd puppy from a reputable source will cost between $1,800 to $3,000.

Different factors like age, color, location, and breeder cost will apply. 

If you’re fortunate and find a German Shepherd puppy in the shelter, you’re looking at around $150 to $500 from the rescue to adopt. These fees also differ depending on the rescue and organization you find your puppy through. 

Now, if your friend or neighbor has a German Shepherd puppy for sale, you will probably still have to pay for the puppy. While it won’t be as much as a breeder, you can still expect to pay around $1000 for the puppy. 

What affects the price of a German Shepherd puppy?

The main contributor to the price is the dog’s age. Puppies will cost the most because they’re easier to introduce into a household and train. As puppies get older, the price begins to decrease. 

Other factors that can contribute to the price of your German Shepherd puppy are the following:

• Coat color: a rare white German Shepherd will cost more than your standard black and tan. 
• Lineage and bloodlines: puppies that come for a line of show dogs and pedigrees will cost more money. 
• Location: Populated cities will have a higher price for puppies than smaller communities. 
• Certificates and warranty: Reputable breeders will have a lifetime warranty on their dogs and provide adequate documentation. 

Why should you buy a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder? 

When buying a German Shepherd puppy, a reputable breeder is one of the most important things to look for.

There are several reasons why it is important to buy a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder:

1. Health: Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic health problems and only breed the healthiest animals. This can help reduce the likelihood of your puppy developing certain health issues later on.
2. Temperament: Reputable breeders strive to breed for good temperament and work to socialize and expose their puppies to a variety of people, sights, and sounds. This can help ensure that your puppy grows up to be well-adjusted and confident.
3. Ethical breeding practices: Reputable breeders follow ethical breeding practices and have the best interests of the breed at heart. They do not overbreed their dogs or breed animals that are too closely related.
4. Matching a dog with the owner: Good breeders know their breed and know their puppies. They will help match you with the best puppy for your lifestyle.
5. Lifetime support: Reputable breeders are a good resource for information and support throughout the life of your dog. They can answer questions about training, nutrition, and general care and are often willing to help with any problems or concerns you may have.
6. No worst-case scenario: Reputable breeders will almost always take a puppy back, for any reason and at any point in the dog’s life. It’s comforting to know that your breeder will be there to help you in the best interest of the pup they bred.

How do I choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder? 

A reputable breeder will make it known they care about the puppy. They will want multiple visits from you and your family to see how you interact with the breed. You’ll be encouraged to meet the puppy’s parents to see what your future looks like. If you rent a house/apartment, they’ll ask for evidence that you’re allowed to have a dog. 

You want to choose a breeder that offers information on genetic testing of the parents and certificates for their hips, elbows, eyes, and knees. Unless otherwise discussed, responsible breeders will have you sign a contract for spaying or neutering your dog. Breeders will also ask for the dog back at any part of their life if they can’t keep it. 

For more information, read our guide below:

Things to avoid when buying a German Shepherd puppy online

While finding a puppy for $500 or less might seem like a good deal, there are things you want to avoid when looking online. Here are a couple of places to stay away from:

Online classified websites

Websites such as Craigslist and eBay Classifieds often have listings for German Shepherd puppies. However, be aware that these websites can also be used by scammers and unethical breeders, so you will need to be careful when considering a puppy from one of these sources.

Pet stores

Some pet stores may have German Shepherd puppies for sale. However, be aware that pet store puppies may come from puppy mills and may not have been raised in the best conditions.

Backyard breeders are popular online and try to sell their dogs for a steal of a price. Typically these breeders don’t understand the breed and sell underpriced or overpriced dogs. You won’t see photos of the parents or relatives, and they could use the wrong terms, like “full-blooded” instead of “purebred”. 

If they breed multiple types of dogs or tell you that a German Shepherd puppy is for everyone, that’s a red flag. Another red flag is if they’re unfamiliar with a German Shepherd’s health concerns or say their dogs have no health issues. 

You know you’re being scammed if the breeder doesn’t show pedigree or registration paperwork for their dogs. Breeders will always have a contract; if you’re not offered one, or they refuse to take the dog back, that’s another red flag.

Things to avoid when buying a puppy

Another thing to be aware of is puppy mills. According to Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, these are a few signs to look for when buying a puppy:

• Puppies are unclean or unhealthy
• Puppies aren’t vaccinated
• Owners won’t meet at your home or theirs to sell a puppy
• Puppies parents aren’t present
• Multiple breeds are available
• There is a considerable variety of litter
• Puppies have behavior issues
• Puppies are too young to leave the mother (they should be at least eight weeks old) 

What’s the annual cost of owning a German Shepherd?

In the first year of owning your German Shepherd puppy, you’re looking to spend around $1,100 to $2,350. This includes veterinary care, vaccination, spaying or neutering, food, and other expenses. From there, you can expect to pay around $1,300 to $2,550 per year, depending on your dog’s needs. This does not include emergency vet visits. 

Before buying a German Shepherd: Consider this

There is no denying that the German Shepherd Dog is one of the most wonderful dog in the world. Hands down. German Shepherd puppies are the cuttiest (and one of the most mouthiest) thing you can expect.

Mind you there is a lot of work in owning a big and energetic dog like the German Shepherd. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask yourself just to make sure you are well-prepared:

• Are you willing to spend most of your time with your GSD for the next 10 years or so?
• Will you give your love and care to a child that never grows?
• Do you have an active lifestyle?
• Are you willing to train your dogs from an early age? 

See the full list: Before Getting a German Shepherd: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself

To determine if you’re ready for a German Shepherd you can always foster, volunteer, or even walk your neighbor’s German Shepherd.

This can give gives you the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to have a GSD in your home and to see if you are ready for the commitment of dog ownership.

This can help you determine if the breed or size of the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle.

Alternatives: How to get a German Shepherd under $500 near me?

If your mind is still set on getting a German Shepherd under $500, rescue or adoption can be your option.

The good news is, we already have a list where you can find a German Shepherd rescue and adoption list in your area.

Another option is to adopt from a family member or friend who can’t take care of theirs anymore or knows someone who is offering theirs for adoption.

Final thought: It’s your choice

While buying a German Shepherd puppy for $500 might sound like a dream, it’s usually not feasible. You want to get your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder to help ensure your puppy’s best life and health. Remember, you’re investing in these dogs, so finding a breeder or organization that cares for German Shepherds is your best bet to have a healthy and happy pup.  

Further Questions

Should I only get a German Shepherd with papers? 

It will need papers if you want to guarantee your dog’s purebred or enter it into competitions. Papers will also show your puppy comes from a reputable breeder.

Can I adopt a German Shepherd puppy for free?

It’s improbable to find a free German Shepherd. Even through a shelter or rescue, getting the dog comes with a fee. 

What is the cost of a rescue German Shepherd? 

Depending on the rescue or organization, puppies usually cost around $350, adults are $300, and seniors are $250.