An Australian Shepherd comes with several expenses that a future owner will want to budget. This includes vet fees, training costs, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming and much more. To help with financial planning as a family welcomes an Aussie into their home, we have designed a detailed cost calculator.
An Australian Shepherd puppy is likely to cost between $400-$1,500 with the average price being $800. First-year expenses are around $2,725 and will be about $1,545/year (or $129/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an Australian Shepherd is $22,810.
These figures account for essential expenses, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming costs, license, and microchip. Additionally, optional costs like insurance or dog walking services are not included. If you spay/neuter your dog, enroll in a pet insurance plan, use a boarding facility for one week every year while on vacation and require a dog walker for 50 weeks of the year, the total cost of ownership is likely to rise to the $70,125 to $142,255 range.
The higher end of the price range is applicable for better quality products and services, particularly if you are living in expensive areas, with the lower end of the spectrum indicating prices in less expensive areas.
Below, we delve into these different costs, offer professional opinions from a dog trainer, two veterinarians, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and share tips on saving as you raise your Australian Shepherd. At the bottom, you will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your unique situation and requirements to generate a much more accurate, personalized estimate of the cost of owning and raising an Aussie.
Newsletter Subscribers get:
Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE
“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”
Johann – PetBudget Founder
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
Australian Shepherd puppy price
After reviewing almost 1,750 ads from sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, we have found that the price of an Australian Shepherd puppy (6-month-old and younger) ranges from $400-$1,500. This puts the average cost at $800, with 80% of the prices found falling within the previous range.
Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Australian Shepherd | $400 – $1,500 | $800 |
For a show quality purebred with documents, expect to pay as high as $5,000 to $10,000. On the other hand, adoption prices are considerably lower, with rehoming or adoption fees typically falling between $50 and $500 across the board.
Always give your business to reputable breeders and shelters to increase your chances to raise a healthy and happy dog. Also, keep in mind that prices vary according to location, so you might be able to save money if you locate a shelter or breeder in a cheaper locality.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$100 – $500 | 422 |
$501 – $900 | 688 |
$901 – $1,300 | 372 |
$1,301 – $1,700 | 171 |
$1,701 – $2,100 | 74 |
$2,101 – $2,500 | 9 |
$4,900 – $10,000 | 4 |
Total | 1,740 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think Australian Shepherd breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, collie eye anomaly (DNA test), multiple drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation 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 price of supplies for an Australian Shepherd
As you welcome your puppy or adult dog into your home, there are a few supplies you should have on hand to make things much easier for both of you! We have perused through over 250 best seller prices across multiple marketplaces, such as Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart to give you the most accurate idea of the prices available!
One will most probably spend $185 to $790 for the first year and $75 to $330 every year after that in supplies for a medium-sized dog such as an Australian Shepherd. The prices will vary depending on your location, where you shop, as well as the quality of the products you will buy.
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 |
In total, we found the average cost for supplies to be $410 for the first year and $185 for each subsequent year since you will probably need to renew your Australian Shepherd’s bed and toys and get new plastic bags, shampoo and tooth-brushing kit.
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $185 – $790 | $410 |
Subsequent Years | $75 – $330 | $185 |
You might require additional supplies, like a muzzle, a harness, some dog clothing, anti-chew spray, a doggy play pen, yard fences or door gates to restrict certain areas which are not included here. A useful tip to help save some extra money is to check out second-hand stores and sites.
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.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
Should an Australian Shepherd be trained?
Dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., would recommend a few group training sessions for an Australian Shepherd. These would cover basic obedience and typically cost $150 to $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1-hour lessons). Australian Shepherds usually do not need any private training.
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Australian Shepherd | $150 – $200 | $175 |
There are also many good dog training books out there that will ease the process of training your dog, especially for first time owners.
Get Ready to Become a Dog Parent with a Free Audiobook
It is primordial to be ready to raise a dog and develop an harmonious relationship between your furry friend and family members. I would not wait until I have the dog to start this process. See it as a parenting class.
The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Zak George is a fantastic dog trainer and has the most popular training channel on YouTube. I have listened to this audiobook and could not recommend it enough. The great thing is you can listen to it at no cost with a 30-day Amazon Audible free trial. If you already have an account, make it your next pick.
You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.
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.
“Aussies are fully of energy, very friendly and outgoing. They are great family dogs, good with kids and other pets. They are highly intelligent and love to be mentally and physically challenged with adventures.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
The medical costs for an Australian Shepherd
Experts like licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, agree that dog owners should account for medical expenses in their pet budget. On average, an Aussie owner can expect first-year medical expenses to be around $595. Additionally, spay/neuter and possibly, a DNA test might be considered. These cost $50-$450 and $55-$65, respectively.
For each adult year, expect to spend about $605 to cover trips to the vet, as well as some of the additional medication that may be required, such as heartworm or flea prevention.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $395 – $795 | $595 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $450 | $250 |
DNA Test (optional) | $55 – $65 | $60 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $380 – $825 | $605 |
Vet cost for an Aussie puppy during the first year
Dr Brooks recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet over the course of the puppy’s first year under your care, with the first session at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and takes care of the puppy’s overall health (physical exams, essential vaccines, fecal examination, flea, and heartworm prevention).
Additionally, she also suggests pursuing heartworm (to prevent development of heartworm disease, especially in the Southeast US where this disease is rampant) and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year, which are likely to cost $10-$15 per month each for a puppy.
Moreover, your dog may require vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often. ($15-$25 but is sometimes already included with essential vaccines). Influenza medication is required if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for two doses). Finally, Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when hiking, camping or being in the woods or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses).
As the Australian Shepherd begins to grow older, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered, with the price being $150-$450 depending on the clinics in your locality (some charge as low as $50-$100 for the procedure). Generally, spays (female) are slightly more expensive.
Dr Brooks also recommends performing a DNA test for the MDR1 gene mutation (multiple drug sensitivity screening) prior to any surgical procedure and prescribing certain medications, especially if the dog’s parents have not been tested or their results are not available. This test would generally cost $55 to $65.
Aussie veterinary expenses for subsequent years (adult)
Each year after the first one requires one annual trip to the veterinarian. They usually range from $125-$265 at Leslie Brooks’ clinic and include a physical exam, vaccinations, and heartworm test. Blood work could be recommended for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any hidden medical condition and make sure nothing is wrong with the Australian Shepherd.
Dr Brooks also advises continuing heartworm and flea prevention medicine, which usually fall in the $80-$150/year and $175-$250/year respectively for an Australian Shepherd.
Booster shots for optional vaccines (Lyme, Influenza, Leptospirosis) could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. Finally, fecal examinations may be required in some cases, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost.
Some known Australian Shepherd potential health issues
The table below sums up some conditions that may affect an Australian Shepherd during its life as well as an estimate of the costs to treat them. The information was provided by Dr Brooks, DVM.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Joint Abnormalities | Medium | $350 – $3,900 |
Cancer (different types) | Medium | $500 – $10,000 |
Allergies (food or environmental) | Medium | $100 – $2,000 per year |
Eye Abnormalities (Colobomas or Collie Eye Anomaly) | Medium | $150 – $200* |
* For diagnostics as there is no treatment.
Joint abnormalities (cranial cruciate ligament rupture being the most common): this is mostly relevant 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 (food or seasonal/environmental): this depends if the pet has allergies throughout the year or just 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also depend on the owner’s decision to proceed with allergy testing and injections. Note that the pet may also need to be fed prescription food, which can easily be as high as $100 per month.
“Australian Shepherds need regular grooming throughout their lives, so it is important to make sure to have room in your budget to take them to a groomer once every month to every couple of months so their fur doesn’t get too matted, causing other issues. “
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
A second veterinarian opinion on Australian Shepherds
We have also consulted with another licensed-veterinarian, Mendi Baryzk, DVM, to share her knowledge when it comes to the medical costs of an Australian Shepherd.
Preventive care for the first year (puppy)
Strongly Recommended | Cost Estimate |
Exam & Vaccinations (3 to 4 sets) | $150 each set |
Fecal Test (2 times) | $45 each |
Heartworm Prevention | $10 monthly |
Flea and Tick Prevention | $23 monthly |
According to Dr. Baryzk, medical preventive care will cost around $870 for the puppy’s first year if we add up all the strongly recommended expenses.
Optional | Cost Estimate |
Castration (male) | $250 |
Spay (female) | $350 |
Gastropexy (at the time of sterilization) | $300 |
Gastropexy (alone) | $900 |
Preventive care for adults each year
Strongly Recommended | Cost Estimate |
Annual Exam & Vaccinations | $250 |
Heartworm Test | $35 |
Heartworm Prevention | $10 monthly |
Flea and Tick Prevention | $23 monthly |
For an adult dog, yearly basic preventive care expenses will be about $681 at her clinic.
Optional | Cost Estimate |
Heartworm Tick-Borne Disease Test | $75 |
Blood Work & Urinalysis | $200 |
Dental Cleaning (0 to multiple extractions) | $300 – $1,200 |
Radiographs to Detect Hip Dysplasia | $350 |
Ophthalmologist consultation | $250 |
Genetic Testing | $150 – $500 |
Most common health issues
Australian Shepherd | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Hip Dysplasia | $1,200 annually or $6,000 per hip replacement |
Progressive Retinal Atrophy | $400 for diagnosis |
Colobomas | $400 for diagnosis |
Cataract | $4,500 per eye (surgery) |
“Australian Shepherds should be tested for genetic diseases, including a multi drug-resistant gene, which causes potential hypersensitivity to numerous medications.”
Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Pet insurance price
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report states that the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage is $565 per year for a dog, while accident only plans cost $190 on average.
Getting a pet insurance is totally up to the dog owner and can help mitigate the financial risk coming with unplanned medical expenses. Contact pet insurance companies to know more about the coverage and prices.
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 Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are not the largest dogs, as adults weigh 55 lb. on average (usually 40 to 65 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 Shepherd puppy through its first year is likely to be $195 on average, as puppies will consume around 170 lb. of dry food for the year.
Adults generally eat about 260 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $245 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 | $130 – $265 | $195 |
Adult Dog | $140 – $405 | $245 |
The dog owner will also probably want to treat his Australian Shepherd on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made (if the dog gets treats daily).
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 180 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. | 5 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $138.90 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 11 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $241.78 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 5 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $129.15 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 6 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $264.48 |
One will probably need to buy around 260 lb. of food for each adult year of an Australian Shepherd.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 6 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $137.88 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 7 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $282.52 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 6 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $154.98 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 9 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $404.82 |
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 Aussie.
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. | 6 | $65.99 (PetSmart) | $395.94 |
Medium Adult | 30 lb. | 9 | $64.99 (PetSmart) | $584.91 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Australian Shepherd grooming cost
There are two viable options according to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer. Australian Shepherds could be groomed at home by their owners if they want to take care of it. This breed’s coat will not be too difficult to maintain in most cases.
Otherwise, she thinks they should be professionally groomed around 6 times a year and each session should cost $50 to $85. 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.
The price of grooming services varies depending on the dog’s size, coat condition, health, age, and behavior as well as the services requested.
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Australian Shepherd | $0 – $510 | $255 |
A grooming kit that allows you to groom your Australian Shepherd at home will cost between $25 and $290, with an average of $75, depending on the equipment you require (at Walmart, PetSmart, or on Amazon for example) .
Additional costs that comes with an Australian Shepherd
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
Licensing
Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA. If your Aussie is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on states and local regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies much easier.
Microchip
Microchips create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50.
Dog walking
According to professional dog walker and dog sitter, Tamaria Reddick, Australian Shepherds need regular exercise and stimulation. As a result, she strongly recommends enlisting a dog walker in the case that you are unable to take your dog out during the day. You can find dog walkers on apps like Rover and Wag and they usually charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks and $20-$50 for 1-hour ones.
Do not forget this when budgeting as these costs add up and can easily become your biggest expense. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.
Traveling
In the case of extended travel plans, you can leave your Aussie in the care of a dog boarding service. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services, and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book dog boarding services in advance, as you are likely to get much better rates when doing so.
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.
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 probably have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc.
Yearly and monthly cost of an Australian Shepherd
The first year with your Aussie puppy
On average, the first-year cost that comes with an Australian Shepherd puppy ranges between $1,410 and $4,465. This comes down to an average cost of $2,725, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $400 – $1,500 | $800 |
Supplies | $185 – $790 | $410 |
Training | $150 – $200 | $175 |
Medical | $395 – $795 | $595 |
Food & Treats | $245 – $600 | $435 |
Grooming | $0 – $510 | $255 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $1,410 – $4,465 | $2,725 |
You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 | $250 |
DNA Test | $55 – $65 | $60 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and get pet insurance, the cost rises to $3,600 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $8,080.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $1,865 – $5,760 | $3,600 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,190 – $11,605 | $8,080 |
Yearly and monthly cost of an adult Australian Shepherd
The costs that come with owning a dog do go down after the first year. For each adult year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $720 and $2,425, with an average cost of $1,545 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $60-$202 range and averages $129/month).
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $75 – $330 | $185 |
Medical | $380 – $825 | $605 |
Food & Treats | $255 – $740 | $485 |
Grooming | $0 – $510 | $255 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $720 – $2,425 | $1,545 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $60 – $202 | $129 |
With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $7,390 for the year (or $616 every month).
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $1,070 – $3,205 | $2,110 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $4,995 – $10,050 | $7,390 |
Cost of ownership of an Aussie
In total, the cost of owning and raising an Australian Shepherd for 14 years boils down to the $10,770-$35,990 range, with the average cost being $22,810.
Total Cost of Ownership (14 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Australian Shepherd | $10,770 – $35,990 | $22,810 |
With additional expenses tacked on, such as the medical procedures mentioned earlier, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising an Australian Shepherd falls in the $70,125 to $142,255 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average will be 14 years (usually 12 to 15 years). The average price of raising an Australian Shepherd can then be estimated to be $104,150.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $15,775 – $47,425 | $31,030 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $70,125 – $142,255 | $104,150 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Australian Shepherd cost calculator
The cost of an Australian Shepherd – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is an Australian Shepherd puppy?
On average an Australian Shepherd puppy will cost $800 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $400 and $1,500. 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 Shepherd need training and how much will it cost?
Having an Australian Shepherd professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for an Australian Shepherd?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for an Australian Shepherd puppy during the first year and around $380 to $825 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $150 and $450).
5 – How much food does an Australian Shepherd eat and how much will it cost?
An Australian Shepherd puppy will eat around 170 lb. and an adult close to 260 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $130 and $400 for a puppy and $140 to $585 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should an Australian Shepherd be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming an Australian Shepherd 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 $50 to $85 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.
Newsletter Subscribers get:
Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE
“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”
Johann – PetBudget Founder
What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.
Other breeds you might like
Looking for a guard dog? Read our article about the cost of 18 popular guard dog breeds.
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 Shepherd, 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 raising an Australian Shepherd. 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
- Mendi Baryzk, 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.