I have a 3yr old white GSD that I paid $500 for when she was 8 weeks old. She is worth every penny I paid for her. She is true to the GSD traits. I also have a blonde GSD that I got at the groomers for free. She was 2yrs old when I got her and she is only 6mo older than my other GSD. She is the smartest dog I have ever had ! I am deaf in one ear and have limited hearing in the other ear. She warns me when someone is at the door, water is boiling on the stove, my cell phone is ringing, and when my 13mo old grand-daughter is crying. She is my hearing aide ! It all depends on your reasoning and resources when buying a dog . Just make sure that the dog you purchase has the traits you are looking for before shelling out a lot of money for your dog.