So many things go into producing a high quality dog that includes more than just throwing two pure bred dog together. You're paying for the quality and experience of the breeder, which usually translates into a much better dog.

Also, for working lines that the trainer hopes to compete with at a very high level: It's the difference between a thoroughbred and a barn horse. Cost goes up with proven genetics. Not everyone needs a dog that is the son of a world champ. Not everyone needs a GSD that can compete. MOST people don't. Most people might think they want a dog like that, but wouldn't be able to handle them. Just think about what it would have been like to only use Man o'War to take quiet relaxing walks through the woods once a week or so.

 Quote: susan tuck

Some say it's because of the great distances breeders in the USA have to go to title & breed survey dogs (schutzhund is not big here like it is in Europe)

I think there's a lot of validity to this theory. The majority of GSDs in the States are not of the quality that they should be. Bad or mediocre breeders seem to be producing more pups than the excellent ones do. And the law of supply and demand states that the harder it is to get, the more expensive it is.

Just what makes sense to me...

This is an interesting thread and I agree with you all. It also has seemed to me, that the Shepherds are the least expensive of the Schutzhund breeds. You can get a Shepherd for less than a simarly capable dog of another breed. Or it will be a better Sheperd than other breed for same price.

Edited by Alex Corral (06/24/2007 06:18 PM)
Edit reason: Spelling

Really? When I was looking into this a couple years ago, I found Mals & Dutchies to be much more reasonably priced than GSD's, I guess times have changed.

I think the high prices in the US are attributed to two things, primarily. One is the boutique attitude some have in regards to pure bred dogs. The second is educated owners/breeders have developed what they consider a bs threshold where there time, effort, and skill require dogs to exact a higher price because of what goes into developing great dogs.

I'll use this as an example. I'm a pro musician. Plenty of rich folks buy incredible instruments but they can't play them or really appreciate them because they're not musicians--they're enthusiasts or wanna-be's. On the other hand, plenty of great musicians also purchase incredible instruments and pay pretty much the same price...however, it takes them sometimes years to save the money to purchase a multi thousand dollar instrument--- but to hear it played by someone who is great at their craft makes all the difference in the world.

 Quote: susan tuck

Really? When I was looking into this a couple years ago, I found Mals & Dutchies to be much more reasonably priced than GSD's, I guess times have changed.

I agree with Susan here, Mals and Dutchies (at least the ones I know of) are coming in less than a GSD. Not sure about other breeds though.

At the end of the day you get what you pay for (most of the time at least), especially in the U.S. Titles cost lots of time and money to obtain due to few quality clubs around. Proper health testing and certifications cost money, proper raw nutrition costs money, and most of all experience and knowledge cost time and money. Nothing is ever a guarantee with a puppy, but I want the deck stacked as much in my favor as I can from both a health and temperment standpoint. When I take good genetics (which will cost) and add proper nutrition (which will cost as well) I end up saving money at the Vet's office, as well as end up with a sound animal physically and mentally. Worth every penny to me.

John is totally right. All that stuff costs money, especially time, and it takes a lot of time and hard work on both parts to get those titles.

Susan & Carol, I could be totally wrong on the Shepherds. From googling here and there and looking at all the beautiful dogs & titles, I thought the Shepherds were less. There are so many variances on dogs & their handlers & accomplishments. It seems really difficult to compare apples to apples. Add different breeds to that mix and it gets more difficult.

My two sense may offend some people (but I hope they understand it is my opinion). I think here in the States we have so many back yard breeders that a good/great breeder is at major advantage for pricing. Another point I call is pedigree pricing, alot of people price dogs on pedigrees. The pedigree is a starting point. The dog will tell you what he/she is all about.

It is to bad that there are alot of people that prey on ignorance to gain finacially.

Oh Kevin, I couldn't agree more with your statement about the byb's. That's a real hot button issue with me. I hope there is a special place in hell for the byb'ers & puppy millers.

There are a few people here where I live with GSD’s. Most paid no more then CAN $1200.00 a pup. Thats a lot cheaper then what I paid for my Dutchies, but I have to say after seeing and hearing some cases it’s good to pay that extra for good genetics.
I never bought my dogs because they were expensive, actually I never thought of looking at the price tag. I did my research for a few years before buying a dog and I must say these guys are pretty fast, agile and easy to train.

my answer to your Q on "why GSD's are expen$ive?"
It's because people will pay $1200.00+ a puppy.