Last year I spent over $5,000 on my 5 year old female GSD....Most of it coming from OSU (Oklahoma State University Vet Hospital) ....Ended up being cancer, and had to put her down... That doesn't include all the X-Rays...She had moderate/severe HD and ED....BYB mistake on our part....We trusted someone and it bit us in the ass....But I would do it again if needed
This year (starting in November of last year) Just got our new GSD pup, $1,500 for the pup, $55 per bag of kibble, 100's on toys, $100 for kennel, leashes, harnesses, treats, (I make most of my own treats now using venison), training materials, books, videos, it adds up.....
I would think if you just want a "companion pet" and not have any interest in sports, etc, you could save a little....I'm just a novice, but trying to learn as much as possible....I'm wanting to make my new GSD the most confident, loyal, dog I possibly can....Whether it's search and rescue, SchH, IPO(not much knowledge on this), but I def plan on putting the time in and doing things right to the best of my ability and I fully plan on seeking professional help when the time comes..