How Much Does an American White Shepherd Cost in 2024?

Depending on the breeder, location, and bloodline, the price may vary but you may be able to get an American White Shepherd for around $1000-$1500.¹ There are several other expenses that you will have to budget for in their lifetime. We will try to give you an idea of the costs in this article, but first, let's get to know them a bit more.

Characteristics of an American White Shepherd

You can call them an American White Shepherd or White German Shepherd or American Canadian White Shepherd Dog. This breed is considered a white version of the German Shepherd. This breed originated in Germany, but breeders in the US and Canada found the white color appealing and began breeding them specifically for their white coats. The German Shepherd Club of America refused to recognize solid white shepherds, so in 1999 the United Kennel Club recognized them as an independent breed.²

These Shepherds are very intelligent, fearless, and courageous. At the same time, they’re devoted to family, great with children, and are loyal companions. This breed can come off as aggressive at first, so it’s important they get proper training and socialization.³

What is the Price of an American White Shepherd?

Adoption or Buying: $500 – $2500 

On average, the cost of purchasing an American White Shepherd can range from around $1000-$1500.¹ This price may vary based on a few factors like the reputation of the breeder, the lineage, the location, and whether you adopt or purchase one. There are only 2 color options here; white and creamy.

Adoption from a rescue shelter is a more cost-effective way to get an American White Shepherd. There are various shelters in the US where lost or abandoned dogs are looking for their forever homes. This breed may be difficult to find at a shelter due to their rarity, so it’s a good idea to call around. Adoption fees typically cover the health costs incurred before adoption, which could be about $100-$250.

Monthly Costs for an American White Shepherd Puppy

Diet: $30-$60

American White Shepherds should eat about 3 cups of food per day. It is recommended that you feed them a high quality, nutrient-rich diet. You can expect to spend about $30-$50 per month.² Keep aside an additional $10 for treats.

Grooming: $20-$100

This breed is a heavy seasonal shedder. A slicker brush, metal comb, and deshedding brush used once per week, to help minimize the amount of shedding.² During seasonal shedding, you will have to brush them daily. Bathing, ear cleaning, dental hygiene, and nail trimming should become part of a regular grooming routine. If you groom at home, you can expect to spend about $20-$30 per month on supplies. If you choose to go to a professional groomer, each session could cost $50-$100.

Medical Costs: $50-$100

The monthly medical costs for an American White Shepherd can vary depending on several factors such as the dog's age, overall health, and any specific medical conditions it may have. On average, routine vet visits can cost between $50 to $100 per visit.

There are some medical conditions that an American White Shepherd is prone to in their lifetime.² Some of these conditions and their related on average treatment costs are as follows -

Insurance: $30-$120

Unexpected expenses for a medical condition or an accident can occur at any time. The costs for to treat these can run into the thousands at times. It is advisable to get your pets insured to help prepare you for an unexpected vet bill. Pet insurance premiums typically depend on the type of coverage, the pet’s age, breed, and location.

One-Time Costs for an American White Shepherd

Initial Costs: $300-$700

When you bring a dog home, you need to help make it feel like a home. You would need a crate, leash, collar, food and water bowls, poop bags, poop scooper, toys, and a first aid kit. These items can cost you around $200-$300, depending on your choices. Most of these would be one-time expenses but some can be recurring as well. Toys do get old! Neutering or spaying is also recommended, which could add another $100-$400 depending on the facility.

Microchipping: $60-$80

As important as any medical expense, a microchip can help others identify your dog in case they get lost. On average, the cost of microchip implantation along with registration will be in the range of $60-$80.

Vaccines: $75-$150

Core vaccines like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus may cost you $75 to $150 per year. Non-core vaccines like Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and Bordetella (kennel cough), would be around $20-$50 per vaccine. Talk to your vet about what vaccines your dog should get.

Miscellaneous: $100-$150

Dog walking, dog sitting, park visits, and vacations could also have some costs attached to them. You should plan to keep around $100-$150 or more aside per year depending on your needs.

Lifetime Cost of an American White Shepherd

The lifetime cost of an American White Shepherd depends on a few factors like their health, lifespan, and needs. Each pet has a different set of needs that need to be considered. The estimated lifetime cost according to their average lifespan 14 years¹ is around $18,000 to $22,000 or more. Some of the potential expenses to own an American White Shepherd are as follows:

These costs may differ based on the health of the pet and your purchasing decisions.

How can Spot Pet Insurance help?

Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options here. Get in touch with us to know more!

Conclusion

The White German Shepherds or, the American Canadian White Shepherd, is a beautiful, fun-loving, strong, and extremely obedient breed, just like their German cousins. This breed is great with kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.² The cost of owning one isn’t comparable to all the love and memories they can give you and your family.

Happy Parenting to you and lots of love to your pup or your pup-to-be!