Australian Shepherds are herding dogs bred originally to herd livestock. The name is a bit of a misnomer since Aussies (as Australian Shepherds are fondly known) are an American-made breed.
Today, most Australian Shepherds are companion pets although some participate in dog competitions and also work on farms and ranches.
Are you looking to add this majestic dog breed to your ‘pack’? Then read on to find out how much it can cost to raise an Australian Shepherd!
Australian Shepherd Price – How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost?
- According to our data analysis, the price of a purebred Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputed breeder, in the US, is between $250 to $2800. The average price we calculated is $756.
- The first-year cost of raising an Australian Shepherd puppy can be almost $2000 to $4000 (which may or may not include the puppy price).
- The monthly cost of raising this medium-sized working dog breed could fall between $150 and $300.
- This brings the annual cost (after the first year) to $1800 – $3600. Since Australian Shepherds live for 13-15 years, you can expect to set aside a budget between $23,400 to over $40,000 for your pet over its lifetime.
Australian Shepherds – Initial Costs
When we talk about the initial costs associated with dog ownership, we mainly consider the puppy price/adoption fees and the cost of basic supplies and equipment.
Australian Shepherd Puppy Price
Backyard breeders and puppy farm owners are known to sell Australian Shepherd puppies for as low as $250 per puppy. This sounds like a great deal but it could come at a cost later. Most puppies from such unethical sources tend to have many health issues as well as behavioral problems.
It is best to seek a reputed Australian Shepherd breeder. Reputed breeders conduct health checks and genetic tests on their breeding stock to ensure healthier Aussies. Some even offer a health guarantee and take back the puppy within a year if it gets sick.
Good breeders naturally charge more for Australian Shepherds. You can expect to pay anywhere between $800 and $1500 for a purebred Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder. Some might charge up to $2000 for show-quality dogs, puppies born to championship winners, and also for certain coat colors. Coat colors like tri-colored and merle-colored Australian Shepherds cost a lot more than black-colored Aussies.
If budget is a concern, you can always consider adopting an Australian Shepherd from a rescue home. Most shelters charge a nominal fee and you could also get a house-trained, wormed, vaccinated, and de-sexed Australian Shepherd.
| The minimum price for Australian Shepherd puppies | $250 |
| Maximum price of Australian Shepherds | $2800 |
| National average price of Australian Shepherd puppies | $756 |
| Price of adopting an Australian Shepherd | $250-$500 |
Cost of Basic Supplies or Equipment for Australian Shepherds
Among the initial expenses of dog ownership, one needs to include certain items to make the dog’s life more comfortable.
- Bowls for water and food – up to $20
- Leash, collar – $10-$40
- Grooming tools (brushes, shampoos, nail clippers, etc) – up to $50
- Toys – $10-$30
- Teething toys and dental chews – $10-$30
- Poop bags, and urine sprays – $20-$45
- Crate and bed – $50 to $200
Medical Costs for Australian Shepherd Dogs
Your Australian Shepherd puppy will need to visit the vet many times over the first year for its vaccinations and booster shots and later on for routine checks, dental care, flea/tick prevention, de-worming, etc. Here are some medical costs Australian Shepherd’s pet parents could incur:
- Spaying neutering – $200 to $800
- Microchipping – $25 to $45
- Vaccinations – per shot between $25 and $45
- Deworming – $8 to $55 over three months
- Flea/tick prevention – $45 to $200 over 12 months
- Regular/preventive checkups – $45 to $120 (price varies from city to city, and depends on the veterinary practice)
- Blood test – up to $100
- Heartworm test – $45
- Fecal test – $45-$75
- X-rays – $150-$250
- Allergy testing – $200 for a skin test and $200-$300 for a blood test
Aussies purchased from reputed breeders are generally quite healthy dogs. However, some common health issues are seen in these dogs from time to time including hip/elbow dysplasia, eye issues like PRA, cataracts, Collie Eye Anomaly, cancer, etc. These can cost thousands of dollars to treat.
Buying pet insurance can help cover some or most of these costs. Most Americans spend between $30-$75 per month for plans with decent coverage.
Dog Training Costs
Australian Shepherds are working dogs and they need a job to do. Without that, they can develop many behavioral issues. You can overcome behavioral issues in your pet with firm handling and training. If you have the expertise, you can train your Aussie at home. Conversely, you could choose from the following options to train your pet:
- National average cost of private dog training is $50 per class
- Group training – $30-$80 for 6 sessions
- Private dog training for specific issues – $100-$120 per class or up to $1000 (package)
- Training at PetCo – between $149 to $380 ( 6-week to 12-week packages)
- Stay-and-train or board-and-train – between $500 and $1250 per week.
Australian Shepherds’ Food Costs
Most dog owners spend between $60-$300 per month on food alone. The price depends on the quantity of food your Aussie needs and the brand/type of food you select.
Dry dog food or kibble can cost between $60 and $120 although there are more expensive and also cheaper products available. Always remember that buying low-quality dog food could translate into higher vet bills.
Wet or canned dog food is generally more expensive than kibble. Most pet owners spend between $80-$250 per month on canned food.
You can also choose from raw food, semi-moist food, and freeze-dried food for your pet. Some Australian Shepherds need special grain-free, hypoallergenic dog food, and even prescription diets to prevent food allergies. These can cost between $800-$1500 a year.
Miscellaneous Costs
As a responsible dog owner, it is important to also account for miscellaneous costs like travel, grooming, pet boarding, dog walking, etc.
- Pet sitting – In the USA, professional pet sitters charge almost $25 per 30-minute visit or $20 to $50 per day.
- Dog walker – Dog walkers charge between $10-$30 for a 30-minute walk or $30-$60 for a 60-minute walk.
- Travel – If you travel with your Aussie, airfares can cost between $125-$500 for a round trip depending on the distance.
- Pet boarding – Prices at pet hostels can range from $40-$65 per night.
- Grooming – Packages for basic grooming can cost between $45-$65 for medium-sized dogs like Australian Shepherds.
Summary – Australian Shepherd Price
As can be seen, raising an Australian Shepherd is not inexpensive and there are many costs to budget for. Here is a quick recap:
The price of a purebred Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputed breeder could fall between $800 to $1500 with the average cost being $1000. You can always adopt an Australian Shepherd for around $500 from a rescue shelter.
The first-year cost of raising an Australian Shepherd puppy can be almost $2000 to $4000 (which may or may not include the puppy price).
The monthly cost of raising this medium-sized working dog breed could fall between $150 and $300. This brings the annual cost (after the first year) to $1800 – $3600. Since Australian Shepherds live for 13-15 years, you can expect to set aside a budget between $23,400 to over $40,000 for your pet over its lifetime.
This is just a rough estimate and the price can increase or decrease based on your location and lifestyle.
