Quote History Quoted:
What do you consider expensive?
View Quote
Perspective: the initial cost of the pup, even if you spend 2k for it, kind of pales to the total cost of food, flea & tick and vet expenses for the next decade.
My GSD (pictured in initial reply) came from a backyard breeder I found on puppy find. He was $800 two years ago, but I would not have been adverse to spending 2k.
Most all GSD breeders I found pictured the dogs standing with their back sloped, it was just a turn off for me. If it wasn't the sloped back stance it was dogs kept in kennels.
I found a breeder with pics of the parent dogs in their home and car not a kennel. My GSD did not have parents that were hip & elbow tested and I hope it's not an issue in the future.
Anyway, although expensive is subjective, I'd encourage you to spend a little extra up front (if needed) to get the "right" dog for you. A few hundred dollars difference for the pup up front will be insignificant compared to long term ownership cost.