Adopting a dog is life-changing joy but also comes with responsibilities. With so many breeds out there, GSDs are distinct with their smartness, loyalty and versatility. German Shepherds are arguably most widely known as police dogs and military working dogs, but they make great family companions too, although their particular needs should not be overlooked. If you are in India and thinking of getting one home, below is the cost, care needs, and if this active breed will suit your lifestyle.
How to Know About German Shepherd
German shepherds are large-to-medium-sized working dogs that are noted for their strength, agility and trainability. Originally, they were bred in Germany to herd and protect sheep, but now they have developed into versatile working dogs. This is a very smart dog which learns quickly and is great at obedience, as well as search-and-rescue work. On the flip side, their intelligence makes it a necessity to keep them mentally occupied or else they can become bored and lead to destructive behavior. German Shepherds are happiest in environments where they have a role to fulfill and ample familial interaction.
Their temperament is loving, loyal and protective which means they will form close bonds with their owners. They are amicable to their family members; however, they tend to be suspicious of strangers making them great watchdogs. There is a combination of affectionate liveliness emphasized with alertness and this duality will be common in all visitors to the home which make them very attractive control for many artistic minds.
The expense of getting a German shepherd in India
The most immediate factor when getting a German puppy dog will be the purchase price of your animal. The German Shepherd price in India ranges between ₹15,000 to ₹80,000 depending on pedigree, lineage and breeder details. Championship pedigree and certified breeders can increase the price of pups up to several thousand dollars.
While most people are aware of the purchase price, it is important to realize there are both ongoing and one-time expenses associated therewith. Being a large breed, German Shepherds have demands when it comes to nutrition and so material of top quality is necessary in-order to keep them healthy. Feeding dogs from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 a month depending on the brand and type of food you are giving (dry kibble or wet food, home-cooked).
Pet insurance and vet costs are also a major thing. You will need to get them vaccinated, dewormed, and examined by a vet every year without any compromise which may cost ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year. And finally, German Shepherds are susceptible to a few health problems including hip dysplasia and D egenerative myelopathy. Treating such conditions can be expensive costing ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the severity of the disease and treatment.
Their double coat finds most of the hair on their body during seasonal transitions, though grooming is relatively low-maintenance thorough this breed relative to different breeds. It requires regular brushing, and occasional baths. Even professional grooming services for the periodic feeding of your feline friend will go one more ₹1,000 — ₹2,000 a month if needed.
Especially for first-time dog owners training is a must-have for German Shepherds. Fees of a professional trainer can range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per session based on experience and type of training you need.
The Commitment Of A German Shepherd Owner
German Shepherds have each of such are laborious running canines and want lots of physical activities. That means they need daily walks, runs or playtime with a human to keep the body and mind in shape, as well. They can become problem barkers, diggers or chewers without enough exercise. It helps if you have a large, fenced-in yard, but it does not replace interaction and exercise outside of the home environment.
Another duty is socialization. To develop into the well-adjusted, confident adults needed by your family, German Shepherd puppies must experience a variety of people, pets, and environments as soon as possible. Ignoring this detail can create too much aggression or fearfulness.
Although this breed is smart, it does need mental stimulation. Preventing boredom with puzzle toys, training sessions and games. As a potential owner you have to ensure that you are going to spend time training and playing with your dog every day.
This makes sense because Shepherds are not ideal for all housing situations; They do best in homes where they are treated like part of the family and given plenty of attention. Even those who live in a small apartment and do not have much time to spend with their dog will know that this is not the right breed for them. Being protective, they need to be handled confidently and consistently so they don’t develop territorial tendencies.
Should You Get a German Shepherd?
So given that German Shepherds do require a decent amount of time and space, you want to make sure before settling on getting one, that your lifestyle, living situation and ability to meet their needs is appropriate. Are you ready for exercise, training, and socializing with people? Can you meet the financial commitments of good food, vet care, and grooming when needed? Do NOT get a German Shepherd if you are an occasional dog owner — they are not low-maintenance pets and will likely be more than you can handle.
All that having been said, if you have the time and resources to really invest in one, those three are some of the most rewarding pets around. They are the most loyal, and they can develop strong bonds with their owner thanks to their smartness. From a buddy, a guard dog to an upbeat playmate, this breed can do it all and much more.
Conclusion
Acquiring any kind of dog is a huge decision, and German shepherds certainly aren’t right for everyone. Once you are prepared to take on the hard work that comes with such a big, high-energy, and intelligent dog, a German Shepherd will make a wonderful companion for life. Especially in India, the expenses associated with raising a German Shepherd are significant — but so is the joy of having a loving companion to share life with.
When buying a German Shepherd, go to the best breeders or adopt them in order to get a healthy and properly raised puppy. Providing your German Shepherd with the proper care, training and love they deserve will not only reward you with a new pet but also a life-long friend.
