The German Shepherd Husky mix, also called Gerberian Shepsky, is a great companion and working dog. Large and in charge, taking the beauty and active lifestyle of both breeds, this dog is fiercely loyal and protective. So, if you are looking to add this spirited designer breed to your family, you may be wondering how much a German Shepherd Husky mix costs.
German Shepherd Husky mix puppies (or Shepskies) can cost between $1,000-$2,000. Mixes with registered parents will be more expensive. The estimated start-up costs for the first year will be $1,500-$4,000. An owner should expect to spend about $1,391 per year to keep a Shepsky healthy and happy for the rest of its lifetime.
We have put together a comprehensive guide to the cost of a German Shepherd Husky mix. This includes the cost of the puppy, start-up costs, feeding, and upkeep. Read on to learn more!
What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Husky mix?
To determine the cost of buying a German Shepherd Husky mix, you should consider age, breeder reputation, documentation, health record, litter size, and location. Although a cheaper dog may be tempting, you may pay more in the end if the breeder has not taken good care of the dog.
Age
Shepskies are ready to leave their mother and littermates at about 8 weeks old. The youngest ones will be the most expensive because this is the most desirable age.
As the puppy gets older, the price may become a bit cheaper. Breeders tend to have several litters of puppies staggered over time. If they have a puppy who is a few months old from a previous litter they often lower the cost of that puppy when a new litter is born.
You can also rescue older Shepskies. Adult Shepskies are usually vaccinated and cost less than a puppy. They may or may not be well-trained, depending on the previous owner. However, it is more difficult to verify an adult dog’s parentage since most of them are being rehomed.
Breeder reputation
You will pay more for a well-known breeder. The better the breeder, the more demand there is for their dogs. So, this will cost more. Also, if the parent dogs are well-known, their puppies will also cost more.
You should always check to see what kind of reputation a breeder has. Some breeders keep their puppies in poor living conditions. Look at reviews online or ask others who have completed business with them.
Documentations
German Shepherd Husky mixes are a fairly new designer-breed that were first bred in the 1990s. So, as a crossed breed, these dogs won’t have pedigrees. However, it is important to get offspring from pedigreed parents.
Ideally, you want a first-generation dog with one full-blood German Shepherd parent and one Siberian Husky parent. When purchasing a Shepky, ask to see the parents and their documented pedigree to assure you are getting a first-generation German Shepherd Husky mix.
Second and third generations may lose much of their designer look. They can also be less healthy because of selective breeding.
Health record
A dewormed and vaccinated puppy will cost more than one that is not, but this cost is worth it in the end.
If you get your puppy without these medical checks, you will have to get them on your own. The vet bills will end up costing you about as much, if not more than the additional adoption cost.
If you adopt Shepsky puppies from a shelter, they often go ahead and neuter them, which will be factored into the cost.
Also, reputable breeders screen their parent dogs and their puppies for health defects, which ensures you have a healthier dog. These costs get transferred to the buyer, but they are worth every cent.
Location
Some places have a higher cost of living, and as such, the cost of a Shepsky will be higher in those places. Also, if you travel a long distance to get your dog, you may have to factor in those costs.
In general, both the German Shepherd and the Husky are pretty popular breeds, so their offspring are usually readily available in most locations. You can check local breeders and online pet-finding sites to find Shepskies near you.
Litter size
Larger litter sizes are usually more difficult for the breeder to sell. So, if you can find a breeder who has a large litter size, they may give you a deal.
You can also sometimes negotiate with a breeder to adopt two puppies for a slightly cheaper price than getting each one individually. This can help you save on the overall cost of the adoption, and it will give your puppy a companion.
Coat color
Shepsky puppies come in a variety of color patterns, but generally, they have a combination of two colors. These can be black, white, cream, brown, red, or blue. Most people prefer German Shepherd Huskies which have a combination of white and another color, which may drive up the cost of that particular coat color.
Gender
Female dogs usually cost more than males, whether you are getting a puppy or an adult. Females cost more because they are able to provide many litters of puppies throughout their lifetime. Since they can get pregnant, they will have more medical costs throughout their lives.
Even the process of spaying a female is more costly and invasive, adding to the cost of the female. Males will be slightly cheaper.
How much should you expect to pay for a German Shepherd Husky mix?
You can expect to pay between $1,000- $2,000 for a German Shepherd Husky mix, according to their age and sex.
Price of Shepsky puppies
From a reputable breeder, the average cost for a healthy, properly bred Shepsky puppy without papers will be about $800. However, prices will vary according to how popular Shepskies are in your area.
In most places, you will not find a Shepsky for under $1,000, even without papers. Papers refer to the proof that the parents were registered as purebred dogs. This ensures you are getting what you are paying for. A Shepsky with pedigreed parents could cost you up to $2,000.
Puppy mills, a breeding facility that focuses more on profit than the health of the puppies, will charge as little as $450 for these dogs. However, this is not an ideal place to adopt from. You would risk getting an unhealthy dog.
Price of Shepsky adults
Instead of buying a puppy, you can opt for adopting an adult Shepksy. Adult dogs will already be trained, easy to fit into a busy lifestyle, and cost less both initially and in the long run.
You can find these at local shelters. There may be listings for them on pet rehoming sites, as well.
Adults from local shelters can cost up to $500, but usually less. These dogs will already be neutered and have had vaccinations. The only downside is you may not be able to verify whether they are first-generation Shepskies.
The start-up cost of owning a German Shepherd Husky mix: $1,400 – $4,000
After the initial cost of purchasing your Shepsky, you are probably curious how much it costs to keep this large breed dog. The start-up costs will be the most expensive, afterwards, the ongoing costs will be more affordable.
That said, the start-up costs will be around $1,500-$4,000, and here’s a very simple breakdown, just to give you an idea:
- Dog Accessories
- Vaccinations
- Obedience classes
Dog accessories: $200 up, one-time
When you get a new puppy, not only do you have the adoption fee, but you will need to purchase most if not all of the following items:
- Food and water dishes
- Chew toys
- Leashes
- Collars and tags
- Grooming accessories (nail trimmers, brushes, etc.)
- Dog bed
- Crate
- Dog license
These will cost around $200 up, but they are usually a one-time purchase.
Vaccinations : $100-$200
In general, you will pay most of for your dog’s vaccinations in the first year. You will pay about $100 to $200, depending on your puppy’s needs and the prices in your area. On average, here’s what your dog’s vaccinations each cost in the first year:
- DHPP: $20–$60
- Leptospirosis: $20–$30
- Rabies (one year): $20–$30
- Bordetella (or kennel cough): $30-50
- Canine influenza: $45-65
- Lyme: $20–$40
Source: Daily Paws
Obedience classes: $1,200-$3600 for six weeks
Additionally, since Shepskies are incredibly energetic, you may want to put your pup into obedience classes. These average $200-600 per week. The average dog is in obedience school for about six weeks or so. That would cost about $1200 to $3600 to start.
All in all, this seems to be a lot at first, but these are short-term costs that will pay off in the long run.
The ongoing costs: about $1,391 a year
After the initial start-up costs, the additional costs should go down. According to the ASPCA, annual costs in total average at about $1,391 for the upkeep of a large dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix. And this amount may include:
- Feeding costs
- Vet bills
- Professional grooming
Let’s take a closer look below.
Feeding costs: $443-$800 for the first year
Shepskies are medium-large dogs. The closest information we can obtain on the cost of feeding in the first year is from their GSD cousin. Depending on how you feed your dog, the cost can vary. Here are the estimated costs for the most common options:
- Dry kibbles: $443
- Raw food diets: $800
- Home mad diets: $800
(Source: How Much Does It Cost to Feed a German Shepherd Puppy in the First Year?)
Vet bills: $475-$600 per year
You will have yearly medical check-ups, which will be about $475-$600 annually unless your dog has health problems, which will increase this amount.
Professional grooming: $75 per visit
You may opt for professional grooming. Shepskies have thick, long coats. They shed a lot. You can avoid matting if you brush them daily and roll them with a lint roller. However, many owners still need to have their Shepskies groomed by a professional from time to time. The cost of the average groomer is about $75 for each visit.
Summary of Costs for a German Shepherd Husky Mix
| Expenses | Estimated costs |
| Cost of puppy | $1000- $2000 |
| Start-up costs | |
| Dog accessories | $200+ one-time purchase |
| Vaccinations | $100-$200 |
| Obedience classes | $1,200-$3,600 for six weeks |
| The ongoing costs | |
| Feeding | $433-$800 for the first year |
| Vet bills | $475-$600 per year |
| Grooming | $75 for each visit |
Conclusion
All in all, this designer breed is a gorgeous work dog with lots of energy. If you are considering purchasing one, you can begin budgeting based on the numbers in this article. Then, you can decide if you are ready to add this adorable new family member to your home and start shopping for your forever friend.
Further Questions
What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd Husky mix?
Shepskies have a typical lifespan of 7–14 years. As a mixed breed, it is possible that they can live to be nearly 20 years old.
How much does a German Shepherd Husky mix cost in Canada in 2024?
The cost of a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy in Canada can vary depending on various factors, such as the breeder, location, and the pup’s lineage. On average, the cost of a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy in Canada can range from CAD1,000 to $2,000.
How much does a German Shepherd Husky mix cost in the UK in 2024?
A German Shepherd Husky mix puppy in can cost from £500 to £1000.
Where can you find a German Shepherd Husky mix?
You can find listings for German Shepherd Husky mixes on Craigslist and other dog breeder sites, but look for places where you can see reviews of the breeders to get an idea of their quality. Also, ask for the papers of the parents and any health records to make sure you are getting a healthy dog.
