If you Google “Shetland Sheepdog breeders near me”, you will get hundreds of results. How do you know what the right Shetland Sheepdog price is? How much do Shetland Sheepdog puppies cost?
We have all the answers for you in this guide, so read on!
How Much Do Shetland Sheepdog Puppies Cost?
Raising a Shetland Sheepdog puppy (or Sheltie puppy as they are known) can be a huge investment, irrespective of where it comes from. It mainly depends on the breeder’s reputation.
A reputable breeder of the Shetland Sheepdog breed is known to charge between $800 and $2500 for a healthy puppy. Shetland Sheepdog puppies born to show dogs or championship title holders cost more. As such purebred dogs like Shetland Sheepdogs are always priced higher than mixed breed or designer dog breeds.
In addition to the Shetland Sheepdog puppy purchase price, you will spend almost $1500 to $4000 in your puppy’s first year. After that, expect to shell out between $1000 to $2200 on Shetland Sheepdog ownership. Over its lifetime, which is 12-13 years, pet ownership can cost $16,000 and $24,000 on owning this pet.
Sheltie Puppy Cost
A Sheltie puppy can cost between $800 to $2500 although some have been sold for almost $3000. This price depends on the Sheltie’s coat color, its lineage, and the breeder’s reputation and location.
A reputed breeder spends time, money, and effort on breeding healthy puppies. He ensures healthy litter by conducting various health checks on their breeding stock. As such purebred dogs especially pet quality Shetland Sheepdogs tend to cost more.
You can always get Sheltie puppies for less from puppy mills and backyard breeders but it is best not to do so. These pups are usually unhealthy and have a lot of behavioral problems as well.
If you choose to adopt an adult Shetland Sheepdog from an animal shelter or rescue home, then its price will be a lot lower. Most shelters charge around $500 for their rescued dogs and this price also covers spaying/neutering and initial vaccinations. Look for animal rescues that advertise Shetland Sheepdog adoption near you.
Cost of Basic Supplies for Shelties
To make your Sheltie puppy feel more comfortable, buy some basic supplies for it. These include:
- A crate and dog bed – Together, these can cost around $50-$75.
- Bowls – $20
- Grooming supplies – brush, clippers, shampoo can cost about $50.
- Leash and collar/harness – $15-$30 depending on the type you buy.
- Toys and dental chews – These will keep your Sheltie puppy out of trouble. They cost around $10 to $30.
Cost of Dog Food for Shetland Sheepdog
One of the main aspects of owning a Shetland Sheepdog is feeding it healthy dog food. Look for food free from wheat, corn, soy, and other fillers like by-products. These could trigger sensitivities in your pet. Always choose high-quality dog food for your Sheltie puppy or adult Shetland Sheepdog.
The average price of keeping a Sheltie well-fed is between $80 and $120 per month. You can choose from dry dog food (kibble), wet or canned food, raw feeding, or even home-cooked food. Always consult a veterinarian about the best dog food for your Sheltie.
Cost of Dog Training
If you want a well-behaved Sheltie puppy, you must train it from an early age. Dog training is of different types and depending on the type you choose, you will need to set aside different budgets.
- Private dog training – $40 to $120 per session
- Group classes – $10 to $80 per class
- Board-and-train – $500 to $1250 per week.
You can save money on Sheltie puppy training by reading some dog training books or watching YouTube videos and implementing those lessons.
Medical Costs for Shetland Sheepdogs
You must take your Shetland Sheepdog to a licensed veterinarian for its routine checks as well as vaccinations. Here are some routine and preventive medical costs and well as emergency costs for keeping your Sheltie healthy:
- Vaccinations – $45-$100
- Spay/neuter surgery – $100-$400
- Flea-tick prevention – $50-$120 for 3 months
- Deworming is $8 to $20 for 3 months
- Dental cleaning – $300
- Joint supplements – $20-$100 per month
- Emergency medical costs – $100-$4000
- Routine vet visits – $25 to $50
- Pet insurance – $120-$600 per year
The Shetland Sheepdog breed is quite healthy and if you buy your Sheltie puppy from a reputed breeder, then it will have fewer health issues. Some common health conditions seen in the dog breed are bladder cancer, Collie eye anomaly, and hip dysplasia. Vet visits, joint supplements, or surgery for these can cost thousands of dollars.
You can buy pet insurance to cover most of these costs. Basic insurance plans for this dog breed can range from $10 to $80 per month depending on the coverage.
Other Costs of Sheltie Ownership
Since your Sheltie needs regular exercise, you could hire a dog walker for it. Most charge between $10-$40 per walk of 30-45 minutes. Pet boarding, when you travel, can set you back by $50-$75 per night.
A pet sitter might charge an equal amount – based on the tasks s/he performs. A Sheltie does not need professional grooming or haircuts, but you need to brush it every day to maintain the gorgeous double coat.
You also need to get your dog licensed each year. This can cost $8-$35 and vary depending on your area.
Summary – Shetland Sheepdog Price
As can be seen, owning a Shetland Sheepdog comes with different costs. The price of a Sheltie puppy can range from $800-$2000 and it could vary depending on the breeder, coat color, and bloodlines. The cost of first-year Sheltie ownership can fall between $2000 and $4000. After the first year, the costs tend to come to $1000 to $2200 mainly spent on dog food, vet visits, travel/boarding, dog walking, and pet insurance.
We hope this guide helps you estimate the costs of owning a Sheltie.
