If you are looking to buy or adopt an Australian Cattle Dog, it is important to be aware of the associated vet fees, grooming and training expenses, food and supplies prices, as well as the cost of the puppy itself. You will find all this information and more in this article. We have also developed a cost calculator that will help you estimate the cost of raising an Australian Cattle Dog.
An Australian Cattle Dog puppy is likely to cost between $250-$1,200 with the average price being $450. First-year expenses are around $2,250 and will be about $1,370/year (or $114/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Blue Heeler is $20,060.
These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials: supplies, training, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming, license, and microchip. Additionally, if you spay/neuter your dog, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost of ownership could rise between $86,870 and $223,940 through the course of the Australian Cattle Dog’s lifetime, which we assume to be 14 years.
The higher end of the price range applies for premium products and services that you might want to purchase, particularly if you are living in expensive areas.
Below, you will find a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising an Australian Cattle dog. At the end of the article, we have added a cost calculator that will generate a much more accurate estimate as to the overall, yearly and monthly costs of raising an Australian Cattle dog depending on your situation, habits and needs.
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
The price of Australian Cattle Dog puppies
After reviewing more than 300 ads from sources like PuppyFind and the American Kennel Club, we have found that 80% of Australian Cattle Dogs under 6 months are falling within the $250-$1,200 range, with an average cost of $450. For a purebred with all the documents, the prices can go up to $2,050.
| Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $250 – $1,200 | $450 |
If you are in the market for an Australian Cattle Dog, we strongly suggest doing your research and locating reputable breeders or shelters as it is important for the dog’s health and longevity. Finally, adoption might prove an affordable alternative, with rehoming fees generally ranging from $50-$500.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND AN AUSTRALIAN CATTLE PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet.
| Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
| $50 – $400 | 128 |
| $401 – $750 | 104 |
| $751 – $1,100 | 35 |
| $1,101 – $1,450 | 23 |
| $1,451 – $1,800 | 5 |
| $1,801 – $2,050 | 5 |
| Total | 300 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think Australian Cattle breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia at 2 years of age or older, eye examination by an ophthalmologist at 2 years of age, progressive retinal atrophy DNA test, congenital deafness (BAER test), primary lens luxation DNA test. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
The cost of supplies for a medium-sized dog
Ideally, you will want to have a certain amount of supplies on hand to welcome your Australian Cattle Dog into your home. For medium-sized dogs, you will be looking at a $410 initial investment on average for the first year. This is based on the analysis of 250 products on famous marketplaces such as Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon.
| Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
| Food & Water Bowls | $5 – $40 | $15 |
| Dog Collars (x2) | $10 – $40 | $20 |
| Leash | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Dog Bed (36″ or 42″) | $20 – $85 | $50 |
| Dog Crate (36″ or 42″) | $30 – $120 | $55 |
| Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
| Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
| House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
| Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 | $60 |
| First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
| Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
| Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
| Toenail Clippers | $5 – $30 | $15 |
As your Australian Cattle Dog grows, the price of supplies does ease up. For each subsequent year, your expenses are likely to range between $75 and $330, putting the average cost at $185. This considers all the items that need to be repurchased, such as toys, bed, shampoo, sanitary bags, tooth brushing equipment and the like.
| Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| First Year | $185 – $790 | $410 |
| Subsequent Years | $75 – $330 | $185 |
The quality of products and the store choice will have a notable influence on prices. Additional equipment or items may be necessary in some cases, such as clothing, a play pen, fences, anti-chew sprays, muzzles, and harnesses, but are not included in our necessary expenses. Take that into consideration when planning costs. To help save, consider looking at second-hand stores and websites.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
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Should Blue Heelers be professionally trained?
According to expert animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Australian Cattle Dogs usually do not require private training lessons. Group lessons for basic obedience and socialization, however, are recommended. These typically range from $150-$200 for five 1-hour weekly sessions.
| Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $150 – $200 | $175 |
If you are keen on training your Australian Cattle Dog yourself, picking up a training book will help you familiarize with the basics. This presents a very affordable option and can be an enjoyable process, particularly with these dogs.
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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Australian Cattle dogs are smart, bold and bossy. They bond with everyone in the family but tend to be very independent.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
The veterinary costs for an Australian Cattle Dog
Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks (DVM) has helped us highlight all the important medical expenses that come with owning an Australian Cattle dog. On average, expect to spend around $595 for the first year on veterinary fees and $555 every year after that. These expenses may vary depending on location as well as your dog’s age and health condition.
| Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| First Year Vet Cost | $395 – $795 | $595 |
| Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $450 | $250 |
| Adult Year Vet Cost | $380 – $725 | $555 |
Medical cost for the first year with an Australian Cattle Dog
Experts like Leslie Brooks typically suggest a minimum of three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, with the first visit being scheduled when the puppy is around 8 weeks of age. Each appointment should cost you anywhere between $65 and $170. At her clinic, these include physical checkups, vaccines (including rabies), heartworm prevention, flea prevention and a fecal examination.
Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing with heartworm and flea medication after the initial visits, which cost around $10-$15 per month each for a puppy.
Moreover, the dog may need vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities:
- Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often ($15-$25 but is sometimes included in the appointment fees with the other essential vaccines).
- Influenza is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for initial dose and booster shot).
- Lyme if exposed to ticks when camping, hiking, or staying in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for initial dose and booster shot).
As your Australian Cattle dog grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. Generally, these cost $150-$450, depending on your locality as well as the clinics therein. Keep in mind that spays are usually slightly more expensive. Some low-cost clinics also provide sterilization services for $50-$100.
Veterinary expenses for an adult Australian Cattle Dog
Generally, your adult dog will require at least one trip to the vet for every year. This falls in the $125-$265 range, depending on your clinic and the services provided. This usually includes the annual exam and vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (to detect any hidden medical conditions for older dogs especially).
Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually fall in the $80-$100 and $175-$200 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, optional lifestyle vaccines may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet is regularly exposed to other animals or has inconsistent stool quality, adding another $40-$50 to the total.
Possible Australian Cattle Dog health issues
Australian Cattle Dogs are subjects to some potential medical problems throughout the course of their life according to Dr Brooks.
| Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
| Joint Abnormalities | High | $350 – $3,900 |
| Cancer (different types) | Medium | $500 – $10,000 |
| Allergies (food or seasonal/environmental) | High | $100 – $2,000 per year |
| Anxiety & Behavioral Disorders | High | $200 – $900 |
Joint abnormalities, with cranial cruciate ligament rupture being the most common for middle to older aged dogs, but it can also happen to younger dogs (1-3 years old). The ideal treatment recommendation is usually surgical repair which can come to $2,000-$3,500 on top of diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work that cost between $200 and $400. Also know that 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would double those costs.
If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs.
Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications.
Allergies: The cost depends if the pet has constant itching and allergy issues throughout the year or if it just has 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also vary whether the owner proceeded with allergy testing and the pet received allergy injections. Note that the pet may also need to be on prescription food in the case of allergies, which could cost up to $75-$100 per month.
“Anxiety disorders are more common in Australian Cattle Dogs than other breeds and many will need to work with dog trainers or veterinary behaviorists and be on anxiety medications; treating behavioral disorders can be a lengthy process and doing it right will take financial resources for the specialized care that is needed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Dog insurance
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, while $190 is the cost for accident-only plans. This can be particularly important and may help you save a lot of money in the long run.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
Cost of feeding an Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dogs are not the largest dogs, as adults weigh 45 lb. on average (usually 35 to 50 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding an Australian Cattle Dog puppy through its first year is likely to be $160 on average, as puppies will consume around 140 lb. of dry food for the year.
Adults generally eat 230 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $210 on average. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands.
| Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $105 – $220 | $160 |
| Adult Dog | $115 – $360 | $210 |
The dog owner will also probably want to treat his dog on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made.
| Treats Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Yearly Treats | $115 – $335 | $240 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
The following figures are based on the purchase of 140 lb. of dry food for the first year.
| Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 4 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $111.12 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 9 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $197.82 |
| Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 4 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $103.32 |
| Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 5 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $220.40 |
One will probably need to buy around 230 lb. of food for each adult year of an Australian Cattle Dog.
| Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 5 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $114.90 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 6 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $242.16 |
| Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 5 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $129.15 |
| Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 8 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $359.84 |
To make bigger savings, purchase in bulk. Although dog food is perishable, it can be stored for extended periods of time, making bulk purchases a practical and affordable option. Additionally, consider consulting your vet to decide what kind of food goes best for your Blue Heeler.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
| Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Medium Puppy | 30 lb. | 5 | $65.99 (PetSmart) | $329.95 |
| Medium Adult | 30 lb. | 8 | $64.99 (PetSmart) | $519.92 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Grooming an Australian Cattle Dog
Typically, Australian Cattle Dogs are not very high maintenance and could be groomed by their owner according to Corryne Smith, professional dog groomer. Therefore, they will usually be taken to a salon 0 to 6 times a year, each session costing between $40 and $55. The price of grooming services varies depending on the dog’s size, coat condition, health and age, its behavior and the services or products purchased.
| Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $0 – $330 | $165 |
Professional grooming generally includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal if necessary, brushing and styling, ear, teeth, and eye cleaning as well as nail trimming.
A grooming kit that allows you to groom your dog at home can be found for anywhere between $25 and $290 (Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon for example), with an average cost of $75, depending on the equipment you require.
Additional costs to consider
| Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
| Dog Walking (per walk) | $20 – $50 | $35 |
| Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
License
Licenses range from $10-$20 across the U.S.A, provided your dog is spayed or neutered. If not, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier.
Microchip
Microchips create a unique identification to your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Many U.S. states require dogs to be microchipped and it will cost $25-$50.
Dog walking
Tamaria Reddick, a professional dog walker and sitter, says that Australian Cattle Dogs need a ton of exercise. If you cannot dedicate the time to make sure your dog gets its fair share of exercise, she strongly recommends hiring a dog walker. Generally, 1-hour walks range from $25-$50 (most appropriate for this breed considering its need to burn energy), with 30-minute walks falling in the $15-$25 range.
Walkers can be found easily on apps such as Rover and/or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.
Traveling
Leaving any dog alone is highly inadvisable if you are traveling over days, weeks, let alone months. Dog boarding services are generally available and accessible, provided you plan. They cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location, services offered and the time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to get much better prices.
If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as these prices can add up very quickly.
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables.
Yearly and monthly cost of an Australian Cattle Dog
The cost of the first year with a puppy
The total first year expenses that come with raising an Australian Cattle Dog averages out at $2,250, with the spectrum ranging from $1,235 to $3,940. Keep in mind that many of the essential expenses that come with raising a puppy fall within the first weeks.
| First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $250 – $1,200 | $450 |
| Supplies | $185 – $790 | $410 |
| Training | $150 – $200 | $175 |
| Medical | $395 – $795 | $595 |
| Food & Treats | $220 – $555 | $400 |
| Grooming | $0 – $330 | $165 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
| First Year Total | $1,235 – $3,940 | $2,250 |
The dog owner might also want to take into consideration the following costs.
| Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 | $250 |
| Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
| Dog Walking (1 hour per day) | $20 – $50 | $35 |
| Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
With a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $6,010-$16,265 range through the course of the puppy’s first year only.
| Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $1,635 – $5,170 | $3,065 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,010 – $16,265 | $10,695 |
Yearly and monthly cost with an Australian Cattle Dog for the following years
After the first year, the annual cost of owning a dog does go down marginally and will run you anywhere between $695 and $2,100, with an average cost of $1,370. This puts your monthly expenses in the $58-$175 range.
| Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Supplies | $75 – $330 | $185 |
| Medical | $380 – $725 | $555 |
| Food & Treats | $230 – $695 | $450 |
| Grooming | $0 – $330 | $165 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Adult Year Total | $695 – $2,100 | $1,370 |
| Estimated Monthly Cost | $58 – $175 | $114 |
Again, you might also want to consider additional services that could drastically change your budget like buying insurance and/or hiring a dog walker 5 times a week for 1-hour walks and leaving your dog in a boarding facility for a week while going on vacation.
| Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Insurance | $1,045 – $2,880 | $1,935 |
| With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,220 – $15,975 | $10,965 |
Total cost of ownership for the Australian Cattle Dog
On average, Australian Cattle Dogs live for 14 years (usually 12 to 16 years). Using the metrics and figures above, we estimate that the total cost of owning an Australian Cattle Dog falls within the $10,270-$31,240 range, with a $20,060 average.
| Total Cost of Ownership (14 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $10,270 – $31,240 | $20,060 |
Adding spay/neuter as well as pet insurance, the average cost of ownership will be around $28,220. Finally, with 1-hour professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week in a dog boarding facility on top of that, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $86,870 to $223,940 averaging $153,240 for the 14 years spent raising an Australian Cattle Dog.
| Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $15,220 – $42,610 | $28,220 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $86,870 – $223,940 | $153,240 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Australian Cattle Dog cost calculator
The cost of an Australian Cattle Dog – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is an Australian Cattle Dog puppy?
On average an Australian Cattle Dog puppy will cost $450 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $250 and $1,200. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 – How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does an Australian Cattle Dog need training and how much will it cost?
Having an Australian Cattle Dog professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and socialization.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for an Australian Cattle Dog?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for an Australian Cattle Dog puppy during the first year and around $380 to $725 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $150 and $450).
5 – How much food does an Australian Cattle Dog eat and how much will it cost?
An Australian Cattle Dog puppy will eat around 140 lb. and an adult close to 230 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $105 and $330 for a puppy and $115 to $520 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should an Australian Cattle Dog be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming an Australian Cattle Dog is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $55 depending on the dog and services needed.
7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?
In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.
A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.
Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.
A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.
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Other breeds you might like
Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing an Australian Cattle Dog, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning an Australian Cattle Dog. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
- Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
This article is original content from PetBudget.
