Australian Shepherd Prices in 2023: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

The vivacious Australian shepherd dog may just be your perfect canine partner if you maintain an active way of life. An Aussie dog is perpetually up for walking, playing frisbee, and catching his favorite toy, making him the star athlete of dog breeds! 

The Australian shepherd is best suited for active households with teenagers and older kids that live in houses with lots of space to run around. Australian shepherds need a seasoned pet parent who has the time to devote to training them and teaching them a few skills.

If you’re looking at adopting or buying a dog, look no further. Below, we break down all of the costs that go into bringing home an Australian shepherd. Let’s take a look at just how much one of these gorgeous pooches will cost you.

How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Puppy Cost?

Cost From a Breeder

The cost of an Australian shepherd pup may vary from $700 to $3,000. Numerous elements, including the breeder’s standing and even the dog’s hair color, can influence the cost. The cost of male Aussies tends to be more than that of female Aussies, and particular coat colors, such as blue merle, tend to be more costly than others.

Buying a dog follows the laws of supply and demand, thus prices are frequently higher in larger cities. This is why the location of the breeder can influence the cost. Australians who have competed in authorized events have higher-priced litters. As a result, some pedigrees are more expensive than others. 

The price of an Australian shepherd from a breeder frequently includes the dog’s vaccinations and registration papers. Additionally, some breeders offer a health guarantee. Before you buy, be sure to find out what is bundled in the purchase price. 

Cost of Adoption

Fees for adopting an Australian shepherd range from $150 to $400, which is less expensive than buying one from a breeder. The knowledge that you’re providing an orphaned or abandoned pet a second opportunity at life is another advantage of adoption.

When adopting from a shelter, you’ll discover that dogs end up in shelters for a wide range of reasons, many of which have little to do with their behavior but rather with shifts in their owners’ living arrangements or a lack of patience to properly educate and adapt them.

If the dog is living at a shelter, it’s possible that you don’t know a lot about him or her. Ask the workers at the shelter if the dog has undergone a temperament test and if they can describe the dog’s personality, including whether it is skittish, shy, extroverted, has received any training, etc.

Breeder Rescue

Australian shepherds in rescues cost a lot less than those purchased from breeders. Given the area and the dog’s age, the cost of an Aussie at an Australian shepherd rescue often ranges from $150 to $500. The most expensive puppies will be those under a year old.

At breed rescues, you can find purebred Aussies, Aussie mixes, and perhaps Aussies. There are several Aussie rescues since the breed is so well-liked. Due to the time spent in a foster home, the foster parent will be available to tell you about the animal’s character, likes and dislikes, and what kind of household the dog would thrive in. 

Foster homes are typically used by breed rescue organizations that specialize in Australian shepherds.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of an Australian Shepherd 

There are so many things that influence the cost of a new dog. Let’s take a look at what may alter the price for an Australian shepherd.

Coat Color

Many prospective owners favor the distinctive appearance of merles and tri-colors, however not every individual does. Breeders frequently end up with black Aussie puppies or other colors of pups as a result.

Occasionally they’ll simply price less for the puppies that are more difficult to sell, as opposed to asking more for desired coat colors. These Australian breeders are, at their core, entrepreneurs. 

Pedigree of Australian Shepherd

What does an Australian shepherd pedigree actually mean? Briefly put, it contains more specific information as well as the puppy’s family history. At the very least from recognized breeders, every dog has a pedigree.

You might see the letter “CH” attached to an earlier ancestor in the pedigree of an Aussie puppy. CH, or champion, denotes that the dog participated in a competition and took first place.

This could be herding, speed, or show event. Since it is their intrinsic intelligence, Australian shepherds typically compete in herding. Dogs of a specific lineage have to be certified with a Kennel Club, such as the AKC, in order to create a pedigree.

But the fact that a dog is listed on a pedigree doesn’t necessarily guarantee that they are good dogs. To register their pets, breeders essentially only have to pay a fee.

Overall Health

Some health issues with contemporary dogs will be recorded, albeit they may not be evident in all pedigrees. Of course, the cost will increase as the dog gets healthier. For instance, the notation “OFA” indicates whether a dog has hip dysplasia, a rather typical distortion of the hip socket.

Dogs are inspected before receiving a grade. In the report, there is more health information, including elbow dysplasia and eye issues.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Australian Shepherd 

Your pet should be as healthy as achievable and maintain that health for the duration of their life. Vaccinations are a crucial component of your dog’s or puppy’s basic health care. Several new owners want to be aware of the prices upfront so they can budget and prepare appropriately. 

Depending on your area and whether you’re dealing with an adult dog or a new puppy, the price will vary, but if you choose to vaccinate your dog or puppy completely, you should be prepared to spend between $200 and $800. Some of the core vaccines you’ll want for your Aussie are: 

Canine parvovirus vaccine: Canine parvo is a highly transmissible virus that targets the immune system and gastrointestinal tract, causing shock, systemic infection, and severe dehydration. With therapy, the majority of puppies will live, but treatment necessitates intensive care, which may become expensive.

Canine hepatitis vaccine: This disease, which is brought on by an adenovirus and damages liver cells, can result in subsequent clotting issues or renal abnormalities. Young dogs who are afflicted will typically die in the 10% to 30% range, although immunization offers excellent immunity.

Rabies vaccine: The rabies virus, which attacks the brain and nerve system within days after infection, is almost always fatal. The virus spreads through wounds from bites and is common in numerous species of wildlife, including raccoons and bats. The incredibly efficient rabies vaccine must be administered by law to protect both humans and animals from infection.

Distemper vaccine: Canine distemper virus hits the neurological and respiratory systems and frequently results in death. Most dogs who live through it will suffer from lifelong brain impairment. Wildlife can harbor the virus and spread it, acting as an incubator for infection.

Microchipping Costs

In the United States, around 10 million pets go missing every year, and just 15% of canines without proper identification are ever found by their owners, in accordance to the American Humane Association. 

Microchips are tiny, rice-grain-sized capsules that are surgically put beneath your dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Even though they are tiny, microchips have a larger data storage capacity than a dog collar or regular tag. 

An individual identifying number and comprehensive contact information, including your address, telephone number, name, and more, can be encoded into each microchip. A typical microchipping procedure costs between $25 and $60. 

This covers the price of the chip, the process of implanting it, and online registration to enter your contact details into a system for pet recovery. 

Cost of Food and Supplies for Australian Shepherd 

Basic items like a dog kennel, food and water bowls, and a leash are necessary when adopting an Australian shepherd. The cost of purchasing these materials will pile up somewhat, but the good thing about all initial equipment is that they rarely or never need to be replenished. You’ll be set for a while after spending a few hundred dollars on supplies early on.

Food

Typically, Australian shepherds require two to three cups of dog food every day. Due to their high level of activity, they benefit most from high-protein, high-quality foods, even if this means they require a bit more. You should anticipate the majority of food to range between $50 and $100 depending upon the brand you select.

Grooming

Australian shepherds require frequent brushing and bathing because of their lengthy coats. Except for the expense of supplies, you won’t need to budget for grooming charges if you choose to do it yourself. If routine bathing seems excessive, a qualified grooming service costs between $30 and $60 a month.

Toys

Australian shepherds are rather simple to amuse. These dogs enjoy spending time with their humans more than most dog breeds. They are capable of playing for hours with a toy, tennis ball, or frisbee. 

However, most Australian shepherds can be rough with their toys, so you definitely need to buy your dog’s preferred toys on a regular basis. Another choice is to purchase a subscription box, which typically costs $20 to $50 a month and allows you to test out various dog toys.

Food Dishes

It’s best to buy metal food dishes for all domestic animals. Some can get reactions from eating out of a plastic dish! You can find food bowls at big box stores for around $15-$30 for a set. Metal bowls are also easier to clean, last longer, and won’t attract bacteria as much as plastic.

Collar, Leash, and Harness

Unless you’re living in a rural area, a collar is a must! You can get a collar, leash, and harness set for your pooch. It’s important to get an adjustable one that you can use as your pet continues to grow! 

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an Australian Shepherd?

It can be difficult to find the best pet insurance for your Australian shepherd. Research is crucial since not every policy is the same and some will cost more than others. The cost of 

Australian shepherd dog insurance will depend on the dog’s gender, age, place of residence and any existing medical concerns.

An increasing amount of claims in your area and increased vet expenses as a result of technology advancements may result in a rise in your monthly payment. For instance, the monthly pricing for your Australian shepherd, which is currently advertised at $45 per month, is likely to vary.

You can anticipate paying between $25 and $96 a month if you purchase pet insurance for your Aussie. You could spend a little or a lot according to your location, deductible options, and reimbursement amount.  

The simple fact that vet fees can quickly mount up is why you need pet insurance. One trip to the vet can easily run you a few hundred dollars, and if your dog requires surgery or ongoing medication, the expenditures might have a severe negative impact on both your finances and your dog’s quality of life.

You can rest easy understanding your four-legged friends are covered for routine vet visits as well as in the event of an emergency with the proper pet insurance at hand. 

How Much Does It Cost to Train an Australian Shepherd?

The breed of your dog should also be taken into account when calculating the typical cost of dog training because some breeds are simpler to teach than others. Australian shepherds are a trainable breed that is motivated to earn the respect of their owners. 

They might not need as much instruction as other types of dogs. Of course, each dog has a different learning style, and if your dog has a specific cognitive issue, he may need further training.

Group Training Classes

The average number of dogs in group sessions is 10, and they often cover the fundamentals of obedience, such as sit, stay, heel, walking freely on a leash, and related skills. They could be puppy kindergarten lessons or adult dog training sessions. 

Additionally, you might be able to locate classes that focus on particular characteristics like hostility. Many people favor group sessions because they provide participants the chance to socialize, which is just as crucial for a dog’s growth.

Dog training in groups often costs $20 to $25 per session. You can also purchase a package of eight-week classes. Petco charges about $109 for a six-week course, while PetSmart charges $120. 

If you’re interested, it’s worth researching both retailers’ current prices because they frequently give special discounts.

Private Training

Individual lessons facilitate customized classes, which can be very useful if you are coping with a particular problem or habit that your dog is struggling with. They usually happen at your house or at the trainer’s facility. 

Trainers might focus on reducing aggression, addressing separation anxiety, and correcting undesirable habits like hopping or biting. Trainers can aid both the dog and the owner during private sessions, enabling you to have better conversations with your pet. 

Private training sessions might cost anywhere between $45 and $120 per session, depending on the trainer. 

Boarding

Boarding sessions are another choice for dogs who need a more intense degree of training or for people who don’t have an abundance of time to dedicate to teaching. This entails dropping off and collecting your pet from the training facility during the day. 

For day classes, this form of instruction typically costs between $45 and $75 per day, or between $500 and $1,200 per week for extended stays that include boarding and care in addition to training. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Brad Covington

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