Most people adore the fluffy nature of German Shepherd dogs. Unfortunately, most do not understand the cost of raising these bundles of joy into fully trained pets. Purely bred and trained German Shepherds are considered hardworking dogs due to their aggressive nature, hunting prowess, and other positive traits beyond an average dog.
If you’re looking for a dog, you should not be worried when settling for this breed. Even though these dogs are most popular in the United States and Europe, there has been a growing demand for them in Kenya, making them one of the most sought dog breeds in the country.
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Here’s why these dogs are expensive:
Unique
German Shepherds are neither too large nor too small, unlike other dog breeds. This makes them easy to handle, as they adapt well to any space or family situation. German shepherds are also great learners. Whether purebred or cross, this dog breed learns throughout its life. Consequently, you can teach them new tricks even in their old age.
Training
Due to their eagerness to please their handler, German shepherds are easy to train. They have longer attention spans and love being near their handler.
The training of these dogs is insanely focused on tailoring them for hard duties, making German Shepherds an excellent choice for policing and military operations.
The average cost of training a German shepherd dog per class for this dog ranges between Ksh 5,000 – 20,000 for basic obedience classes, and the prices can exceed depending on the complexity of training. The training is essential to help the dog assertively stand its ground in whichever situation.
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Vet Care
When planning to have a German Shepherd dog, you’ll need to learn basic care practices like spraying and cleaning your pet. It would help if you also planned for the long-term care of your pet.
This includes enrolling the dog in veterinary care. Annually, it might cost you up to Ksh 50,000 for general care, including laboratory testing and treating internal and external parasites.
Supplies
As an active breed that requires proper care, a pure German Shepherd dog requires high-quality nutritional care. These foods and other supplies needed should be sourced from trusted vendors for credibility.
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You’ll be required to continuously balance your dog’s diet to protect it from nutritional health issues. Expect to spend at least Ksh 10,000 a month on dry food and other supplies, translating into Ksh 120,000 annually.
Insurance
It usually is best for pet owners and parents to insure their German Shepherd dogs from a young age, preferably after birth. Some diseases, like hereditary health conditions, can be scary if left untreated.
For a pet insurance policy, you’ll spend at least Ksh 30,000 annually catering to groom appointments and vaccinations.
Conclusion
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is purchasing or adopting a German Shepherd dog without understanding the financial costs involved.
It would be best if you were financially prepared since, like most dog breeds, a German Shepherd dog requires critical care and nutrition to make it a bundle of joy for yourself.