The price of a new Shetland Sheepdog can be difficult to pin down. If you are in the market for one, you will need to account for a variety of things – the cost of the dog or puppy itself, veterinary fees, training, food, supplies and the like. To help you out, our team has developed a calculator that helps you estimate your costs when it comes to buying, raising, and maintaining a Shetland Sheepdog.
A Shetland Sheepdog puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,285 with the average price being $900. First-year expenses are around $2,495 and will be about $1,155/year (or $96/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Border Collie is $16,355.
These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials – supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming costs, license registration and a microchip are included. Additionally, optional costs, such as medical procedures that may be necessary and insurance, as well as services like dog walking and dog boarding are not included.
If you spay/neuter your Shetland Sheepdog, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your cost could rise between $63,035 and $123,545. This would put the overall average cost of maintaining a Shetland Sheepdog at $91,715 throughout its lifetime.
Prices in the higher range are relevant for people buying high-end products and services and/or living in expensive areas, while the lower range will be more accurate for cheaper products and services and/or owners living in a less expensive area.
We have put together a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising a Shetland Sheepdog puppy and adult dog. Moreover, at the end of this article you will find a cost calculator that will give you a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise a Shetland Sheepdog through the course of its lifetime.
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
How much are Shetland Sheepdog puppies?
After reviewing over 270 ads across numerous sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, our team found the cost of a Shetland Sheepdog to range from $500 to $1,285, with over 80% of the puppies under 6 month of age for sale falling within this range.
This puts the average cost at $900, with the higher end of the spectrum being $2,500 for purebreds from reputable breeders.
| Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $500 – $1,285 | $900 |
Adoption, on the other hand, is a much less expensive ordeal, with rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500. If you are actively looking to raise a Shetland Sheepdog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding the most reputable breeders and/or shelters possible. This will make a big difference in terms of your dog’s health and wellbeing.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A SHETLAND SHEEPDOG 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 |
| $200 – $600 | 57 |
| $601 – $1,000 | 139 |
| $1,001 – $1,400 | 54 |
| $1,401 – $1,800 | 19 |
| $1,801 – $2,200 | 3 |
| $2,201 – $2,500 | 2 |
| Total | 274 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think Shetland Sheepdog breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist (annually until 5 years of age), autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test), MDR1 DNA test (multidrug resistance screening). 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 small dog
Supplies generally entail a few necessary items that you need to care for your new dog. As detailed in the table below, these products, through the course of the puppy’s first year, add up to a $345 expense on average ($150-$650 range) depending on your locality as well as the stores that are accessible to you and the brands chosen.
Price ranges and average costs are based on a list of 250 best-selling items found at Walmart, PetSmart and on Amazon.
| Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
| Food & Water Bowls | $5 – $20 | $15 |
| Dog Collars (x2) | $5 – $40 | $20 |
| Leash | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Dog Bed (24″ or 30″) | $15 – $65 | $35 |
| Dog Crate (24″ or 30″) | $20 – $80 | $40 |
| 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 | $15 – $50 | $30 |
| First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
| Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
| Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
| Toenail Clippers | $5 – $20 | $10 |
As your Shetland Sheepdog grows, the supplies expenses go down. For each subsequent year, you will be looking at expenses in the $55-$260 range, with an average cost of $140. Usually, you will want to buy a new bed, toys, poop bags, shampoo and a tooth-brushing essential every year.
| Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| First Year | $150 – $650 | $345 |
| Subsequent Years | $55 – $260 | $140 |
Additionally, you may need products that are not accounted for in our list, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses, anti-chew sprays, etc. If you are on a budget, visit second-hand stores and websites as it may offer major saving opportunities.
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.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs need professional training?
Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that professional training is usually not necessary for this breed, especially for an experienced dog owner willing to take care of training the dog him or herself.
However, as any dog, a Shetland Sheepdog could still benefit from a few group lessons to cover basic obedience and socialization. These sessions usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions.
| Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $0 – $200 | $100 |
A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them.
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.
“Shetland Sheepdogs have lots of energy and are very fun. They are great family dogs and do well with kids and other pets. They are always on the go and ready for an adventure.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
The veterinary costs for a Shetland Sheepdog
Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks (DVM) has helped us highlight all the important medical expenses that come with owning a Shetland Sheepdog. On average, expect to spend around $590 for the first year on veterinary fees and $465 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 | $385 – $795 | $590 |
| Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $300 | $175 |
| Adult Year Vet Cost | $280 – $645 | $465 |
Medical cost for the first year with a Shetland Sheepdog
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 ($50-$105) and flea ($70-$105) medication after the initial visits.
Moreover, the dog may need vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities:
- 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).
- 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).
- Leptospirosis if the Shetland Sheepdog 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).
As your Shetland Sheepdog grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. Generally, these cost $100-$300, 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 the adult years
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 $55-$70 and $100-$150 ranges respectively for the year for a Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog health issues
Shetland Sheepdog are subjects to some potential medical problems throughout the course of their life according to Dr Brooks.
| Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
| Mitral Valve Disease of the Heart | Medium | $300 – $800 |
| Patellar Luxation | High | $300 – $2,000 |
| Dental Disease | High | $400 – $800 |
| Eye Abnormalities | Medium | $150 – $800 |
| Hypothyroidism | Medium | $350 – $800 |
Mitral valve disease of the heart: the high end of the range is if an echocardiogram needs to be done on top of x-rays and lifelong medications expenses.
Patellar luxation: the low end of the cost estimate covers pain management as needed and joint supplements, while the high end of the range is if surgery is needed. Not all dogs need surgery (only if it is causing them a lot of pain and if they cannot get their knee back in place on their own).
Dental disease: this is the cost estimate for the dental procedures to clean the teeth and remove any infected teeth if needed.
Eye abnormalities: these costs are for diagnostics only as there is no treatment for Colobomas ($150-$200), Collie eye anomaly ($150-$200) or Progressive retinal atrophy ($300-$800).
Hypothyroidism: the cost estimate is for blood tests and lifelong medications.
“Shelties are prone to dental disease, especially as they age. It should be budgeted for them to have dental procedures throughout their life to maintain adequate oral and cardiovascular health.”
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 a Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are small dogs, as adults weigh 20 lb. on average (usually 15 to 25 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a Shetland Sheepdog puppy through its first year is likely to be $105 on average, as puppies will consume around 90 lb. of dry food for the year.
Adults generally eat 130 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $135 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 | $75 – $130 | $105 |
| Adult Dog | $70 – $225 | $135 |
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 | $40 – $240 | $150 |
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 90 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. | 3 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $83.34 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 6 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $131.88 |
| Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 3 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $77.49 |
| Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 3 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $132.24 |
One will probably need to buy around 130 lb. of food for each adult year of a Shetland Sheepdog.
| Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 3 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $68.94 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 4 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $161.44 |
| Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 3 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $77.49 |
| Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 5 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $224.90 |
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 Sheltie.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
| Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Small Puppy | 13 lb. | 7 | $44.99 (PetSmart) | $314.93 |
| Small Adult | 14 lb. | 10 | $41.99 (PetSmart) | $419.90 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Grooming prices for Shetland Sheepdogs
Corryne Smith, professional groomer, suggests that a Shetland Sheepdog receives grooming 3 to 6 times a year on average, with a session typically ranging from $35 to $65. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior). On average, this comes up to an annual cost of $250.
| Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $105 – $390 | $250 |
Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care.
DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so!
Additional costs to consider for your dog
| 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 |
License
Licenses generally cost between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A, depending on location. If your Shetland Sheepdog is not spayed or neutered, this could be a bit more. Moreover, many states and territories have banned owning unlicensed pets, so we strongly recommend licensing your Sheltie as soon as possible.
Microchip
Microchips create a unique identity for your dog, allowing medical information to be shared easily. Moreover, in the case of any emergency, locating your Shetland Sheepdog is much easier with a microchip, which is why many states require your dog to be microchipped. On average, this costs between $25-50.
Dog walking for a Shetland Sheepdog
Dog walking professionals like Tamaria Reddick suggest that Shetland Sheepdogs get to exercise daily and go out during the day. If you cannot cater to their needs, a dog walker might be a good idea. Generally, dog walkers on apps like Rover and Wag charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1-hour sessions).
These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so plan if you need a dog walker. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.
Traveling
It is not advisable to leave your dog alone when going away for extended periods of time. Dog boarding services are generally available for $25-$85 per day, depending on your location.
It is a good idea to plan and book in advance, especially during busy parts of the year, such as the holiday season. So be sure to book a dog boarding or dog sitting service as soon as possible, as you are likely to get much better rates. Additionally, try to see if you have any friends and/or family who are willing to host your Shetland Sheepdog, as it could prove to be a much more pocket-friendly option!
Yearly and monthly cost for a Shetland Sheepdog
The cost of a puppy during the first year
Using the metrics and explanations detailed above, the cost of raising a Shetland Sheepdog puppy for the first year falls within the $1,290 to $3,760 range, with an average cost of $2,495. Most of this amount will have to be spent before or shortly after welcoming the pup.
| First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $500 – $1,285 | $900 |
| Supplies | $150 – $650 | $345 |
| Training | $0 – $200 | $100 |
| Medical | $385 – $795 | $590 |
| Food & Treats | $115 – $370 | $255 |
| Grooming | $105 – $390 | $250 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
| First Year Total | $1,290 – $3,760 | $2,495 |
The owner’s situation and preferences might require him to pay some of the optional expenses listed below.
| Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Spay/Neuter | $50 – $300 | $175 |
| Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
| Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
| Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
To illustrate this, the average cost of $2,495 will rise to $7,715 if the dog is spayed/neutered, enrolled in an insurance plan, professionally walked five days a week for forty-two weeks and boarded for seven days during the year.
| Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $1,690 – $4,840 | $3,235 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,015 – $10,685 | $7,715 |
Yearly and monthly cost of an adult Shetland Sheepdog for the following years
As welcoming a new pet entails initial costs that do not have to be renewed, expenses go drastically down for the following years. In fact, the yearly budget falls between $560 and $1,780 for all the essentials ($47-$148 on a monthly basis).
| Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Supplies | $55 – $260 | $140 |
| Medical | $280 – $645 | $465 |
| Food & Treats | $110 – $465 | $285 |
| Grooming | $105 – $390 | $250 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Adult Year Total | $560 – $1,780 | $1,155 |
| Estimated Monthly Cost | $47 – $148 | $96 |
This time, the average cost of $1,155 will rise to $7,000 if the owner adds insurance, dog walking services (five days a week for fifty weeks) and dog boarding for seven days during the year. It is a major difference as your monthly budget for the pet would be $583 instead of $96.
| Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Insurance | $910 – $2,560 | $1,720 |
| With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $4,835 – $9,405 | $7,000 |
Shetland Sheepdog total cost of ownership
Since Shetland Sheepdogs will bring happiness to their families for 13 years on average (usually 12 to 14 years), the total cost of raising them can be placed in the $8,010 to $25,120 range ($16,355 on average).
| Total Cost of Ownership (13 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $8,010 – $25,120 | $16,355 |
Once again, these amounts can change drastically depending on additional expenses incurred by the owner. Using the scenarios detailed previously we have calculated the total cost of owning a Sheltie in the table below.
| Potential Total Cost of Ownership (13 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $12,610 – $35,560 | $23,875 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $63,035 – $123,545 | $91,715 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Shetland Sheepdog cost calculator
The cost of a Shetland Sheepdog – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Shetland Sheepdog puppy?
On average a Shetland Sheepdog puppy will cost $900 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $1,285. 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 $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Shetland Sheepdog need training and how much will it cost?
A Shetland Sheepdog could be trained by an experienced dog owner and usually do not need professional training on top of that. But like any breed, the dog would still benefit from a few group classes for basic obedience and socialization which should cost between $150 and $200 on average.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Shetland Sheepdog?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $385 to $795 for a Shetland Sheepdog puppy during the first year and around $280 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300).
5 – How much food does a Shetland Sheepdog eat and how much will it cost?
A Shetland Sheepdog puppy will eat around 90 lb. and an adult close to 130 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $75 and $315 for a puppy and $70 to $420 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Shetland Sheepdog be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
A Shetland Sheepdog should be professionally groomed 3 to 6 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $35 to $65 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered.
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
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 a Shetland Sheepdog, 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 a Shetland Sheepdog. 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.
