Annual (Year 2+)
Monthly Average
Lifetime (14 yrs)
Emergency Fund /yr
Detailed Cost Breakdown
All amounts are in US Dollars (USD).
One-Time Setup Costs
$1,055
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase / Adoption | $350 | One-time |
| Spay / Neuter | $200 | One-time |
| Initial Vet Visit | $150 | One-time |
| Vaccinations | $150 | One-time |
| Bed & Crate | $100 | One-time |
| Microchip | $45 | One-time |
| Collar & Leash | $35 | One-time |
| Bowls | $25 | One-time |
Monthly Recurring Costs
$98/mo
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $55/mo | Monthly |
| Treats | $10/mo | Monthly |
Annual Recurring Costs
$1,170/yr
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Grooming | $160/yr | Quarterly |
| Routine Vet Visits | $150/yr | Annual |
| Toys | $60/yr | Quarterly |
| Medication | $20/yr | Annual |
Pet Insurance (US, USD)
Monthly premium: $20–$90
Coverage: Accident & Illness
Deductible: 100-500
Already Have the Setup?
If you already have the enclosure, tank, or housing setup, adding a 2nd animal only costs the recurring expenses (food, healthcare, supplies) — no need to buy setup items again.
US (USD) /yr
Where Does the Money Go?
Acquisition
$350
Food & Nutrition
$780/yr
Healthcare
$715/yr
Grooming
$160/yr
Supplies
$220/yr
At a Glance
Size Class
Medium
Weight
25 kg
Lifespan
14 years
Activity
Very high
Temperament
Smart, exuberant, tireless
Sociality
Prefers a pair
Beginner?
With research
Time Needed
High
Housing Requirements
Housing Type
House with yard
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor and outdoor
Minimum Space
House with yard
Setup Cost
Medium
Complexity
Medium
Rental Suitable?
With caveats
Diet & Feeding
Diet Type
Omnivore
Feeding Frequency
Twice daily
Food Type
dry/wet dog food
Supplements
Yes
Health & Veterinary Care
Common Health Conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- MDR1 mutation
- Epilepsy
Breed-Specific Risks
- MDR1
- CEA
- Hip dysplasia
Vaccinations
Yes (Annual)
Vet Frequency
Annual
Health Risk
Medium
Vet Cost Level
Medium
Emergency Risk
Medium
Specialist Vet?
No
How Does It Compare?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per year?
Annual recurring costs from year 2 onwards are approximately $1,170 USD (US), with a first-year setup cost of $2,225 USD. Monthly average: $98 USD/mo.
What is the lifetime cost of a Australian Shepherd?
Over a typical 14-year lifespan, expect to spend approximately $13,632 USD. This includes initial setup plus ongoing food, healthcare, supplies, and insurance. Real-world spending varies — many owners spend 20-30% less by doing grooming at home, skipping boarding, or choosing not to insure.
Is a Australian Shepherd good for beginners?
With research — Smart, exuberant, tireless. High time commitment required.
What does a Australian Shepherd eat?
Omnivore diet, fed Twice daily. dry/wet dog food
How big does a Australian Shepherd get?
Medium size class, typical weight 25 kg. Lifespan: 14 years.
Related Calculators & Resources
Similar Pets to Consider
Photo: Canarian — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons