Throughout the world, there exist only a handful of dog breeds that can be consistently described as loyal, hardworking, intelligent, and industrious. The Australian Cattle Dog is one of them.
Also known as Blue Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs were first bred in the 1800s for the purpose of herding cattle. This brief guide examines the Australian Cattle Dog cost so potential owners know precisely how much money to set aside for raising this fantastic dog.
Australian Cattle Dog Price in the USA
There is a huge variation in Australian Cattle Dog prices in the United States. You can buy an Australian Cattle Dog for anywhere between $250 and $3000. Several factors affect the Australian Cattle Dog puppy price: from the breeder’s location to the puppy’s lineage or family tree to even the age and coat color of the pup.
In the puppy’s first year, expect to spend between $1500 and $3000 excluding any special needs. After the first year, the average annual cost of owning an Australian Cattle Dog could come to $800 to $1500 – mainly spent on food, vet bills, pet insurance, etc. Over your best friend’s lifetime, which is between 13-15 years, expect to spend $10,000 to $25,000.
Let us dig deeper into these costs.
Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Price
As mentioned earlier, an Australian Cattle Dog puppy can cost between $250 and $3000 depending on the breeder. Always buy your puppy from reputed Australian Cattle Dog breeders. A reputable breeder will conduct genetic testing on the breeding stock and only mate the healthy ones. This costs money.
Sure, there are cheaper options like puppy mills, pet shops, and backyard breeders. However, these Australian Cattle Dog puppies tend to have health and behavioral issues.
You could always save money by considering Australian cattle dog adoption. Most rescue homes charge an adoption fee of $300-$500 for an Australian cattle dog rescue and the price sometimes includes worming, flea and tick prevention, and spaying/neutering as well.
Basic Equipment Costs
Your little Australian Cattle Dog puppy will be overwhelmed by its new environment once it comes to your home from the breeder. To make it comfortable, you need to buy certain items which include:
- Bed and crate – $35 to $200
- Leash, collar, harness, tags – $10-$45
- Toys and dental chews – $10-$50
- Food and water bowls – $10 to $30.
Dog Food Cost for Australian Cattle Dog
How much food your Blue Heeler dog needs will depend on its age, size, and activity levels. Australian Cattle Dog puppies might eat less dog food per meal but they need more meals per day than adult dogs. As they grow and mature, they will need more food but fewer meals.
As per the American Kennel Club, the cost of dog food for an Australian Cattle Dog will depend on the kind of diet you choose to feed it. You can choose from grain-free kibble, raw food or BARF diet, or canned or wet dog food. Always select high-quality food for your pet.
Expect to spend anywhere between $40 and $80 per month or almost $500 to $800 per year on dog food and treats for your medium-sized dog.
Dog Training Costs for Australian Cattle Dog
Training is very important for your Australian Cattle Dog. After all, these herding dogs can be very stubborn and if you have young kids or other dogs, then they might even practice their skills on them!
You must train this negative behavior out of your buddy. There are different options for dog training in the USA. Here is a gist:
- Basic obedience and manners – 5 classes of 40 minutes cost $175
- Puppy school – 4 x 40-minute classes cost about $150
- Basic tricks – 12 sessions cost around $350
- Board and train – weekly packages range between $500 and $1250.
Medical Costs for Australian Cattle Dog
Routine veterinary care is very important for your Blue Heeler. Plan on going to the vet for a routine checkup once or twice a year for a cost of about $80-$120 per visit.
Your Australian Cattle Dog puppy will also need several vaccinations to prevent deadly canine diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
Here is the approximate cost break-up for routine and emergency veterinary care for your Australian Cattle dog:
- Lab work – $100 to $300
- Dental cleaning – $300 to $500
- Heartworm test – $35 to $75
- Vaccinations – $45 to $120
- Deworming, flea, ticks prevention – $100 to $500 per year
- Emergency costs – $1000 to $4000
Australian Cattle Dogs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Treating dysplasia surgically can set you back by thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, there is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy but you could surgically treat cataracts resulting from it for a high price of $2000 per eye.
Pet insurance can help you cover some or most of these costs. The average expense on pet insurance for most dog parents comes to $45 per month. This can change depending on your pet’s health, age, and the kind of coverage you need.
Miscellaneous Costs of Owning Australian Cattle Dogs
Dog Walking
Australian Cattle Dogs need plenty of exercises. If you and your family members are too busy to walk or play with your dog, it might be better to hire a dog walker. Most dog walkers charge between $10 to $40 per walk of 30-40 minutes.
Travel/Pet Boarding
Unless a friend or family member decides to board your Australian Cattle Dog while you travel, you need to factor in dog hostel costs. Most hostels charge between $30 and $75 per night. If you choose to hire a pet sitter, you could spend $45 to $60 per day on their services.
Grooming
The Australian Cattle Dog does not need too much grooming. You can conduct once a day grooming session with brushing, ear cleaning, and oral hygiene to save money. If you do opt for professional grooming once every few months, expect to pay $20 to $45 on a basic package.
Summary – Australian Cattle Dog Price?
You can buy an Australian Cattle Dog puppy for anywhere between $250 and $3000. In the puppy’s first year, expect to spend between $1500 and $3000 on its upkeep, excluding any special needs.
After the first year, the average annual cost of owning an Australian Cattle Dog could come to $800 to $1500 – mainly spent on food, vet bills, pet insurance, etc. Over your pet’s lifetime, which is between 13-15 years, expect to spend $10,000 to $25,000 on raising an Australian Cattle Dog.
