How Much Does a Australian Shepherd Cost?
Annual ownership cost, first-year expenses, lifetime total, health cost profile, and state-by-state cost comparison.
Australian Shepherds sit in the same behavioral category as Border Collies — they are working dogs that require genuine daily exercise and mental engagement — but their cost structure is slightly different. The double coat is the primary budget line that owners underestimate: a full professional groom (bath, blow-dry, brush-out, trim) runs $75–$120 every 6–8 weeks, or daily home brushing commitment plus two professional deshedding treatments per year. Skipping grooming creates mats that require shaving and veterinary treatment for skin issues underneath. The MDR1 mutation is the medical watchpoint: before any vet administers medication, a DNA test result ($60–$80) should be on file. Using Ivermectin-based heartworm prevention in an MDR1-affected dog can be fatal. Reputable Australian Shepherd breeders test parents and include health certifications; puppy mills don't. The OFA hip and eye certifications on the parents reduce — but don't eliminate — your health cost exposure.
Cost Breakdown — Australian Shepherd
National average estimates. Adjust for your state using the table below.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (Mid) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $800/yr | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, preventatives |
| Food | $700/yr | $58/month for quality small/medium-breed food |
| Grooming | $500/yr | Professional grooming appointments; varies by coat type |
| Supplies & Misc | $0/yr | Toys, treats, bedding, leash/collar replacement, licenses |
| Annual Total | $2,000/yr | Year 2+ ongoing costs |
Purchase & First-Year Cost
Acquisition Cost
$700 – $1,800
Reputable breeders: $700-$1,800. Rescues and shelters often have Australian Shepherds available at $50-$300.
First Year Total Estimate
$3,500 – $4,800
Includes mid-range purchase price, annual ongoing costs, initial supplies (crate/carrier, bed, bowls, toys), and first vet visit series.
Health Cost Profile — Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds carry the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene mutation at high rates — studies suggest 50%+ of the breed carry at least one copy. This mutation causes extreme sensitivity to common drugs including Ivermectin (in some heartworm preventatives), Loperamide (Imodium), and several chemotherapy agents. DNA testing before prescribing is essential. Hip dysplasia affects a portion of the breed. Epilepsy rates are above average. Eye conditions including Collie Eye Anomaly and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are screened by reputable breeders. Cataracts develop in some lines. The dense double coat requires regular professional grooming or home brushing several times per week to prevent matting.
Lifespan & Lifetime Cost
Lifetime estimate is based on 14 years of ongoing costs ($2,000/yr × 14) and does not include the purchase price or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Australian Shepherd Cost by State
Annual cost estimates adjusted for state cost-of-living. Click any state for a full pet cost breakdown.
Most Affordable States
- Mississippi — $1,640/yr (18% below avg)
- Arkansas — $1,680/yr (16% below avg)
- West Virginia — $1,680/yr (16% below avg)
- Oklahoma — $1,720/yr (14% below avg)
- Alabama — $1,740/yr (13% below avg)
Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $3,400/yr (+70% above avg)
- District of Columbia — $2,960/yr (+48% above avg)
- California — $2,760/yr (+38% above avg)
- Massachusetts — $2,600/yr (+30% above avg)
- Alaska — $2,520/yr (+26% above avg)
| State | Est. Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $1,640/yr | -18% |
| Arkansas | $1,680/yr | -16% |
| West Virginia | $1,680/yr | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $1,720/yr | -14% |
| Alabama | $1,740/yr | -13% |
| Kansas | $1,740/yr | -13% |
| Iowa | $1,760/yr | -12% |
| Kentucky | $1,760/yr | -12% |
| Missouri | $1,760/yr | -12% |
| South Dakota | $1,760/yr | -12% |
| Indiana | $1,780/yr | -11% |
| Nebraska | $1,780/yr | -11% |
| North Dakota | $1,800/yr | -10% |
| Ohio | $1,800/yr | -10% |
| Tennessee | $1,800/yr | -10% |
| Louisiana | $1,820/yr | -9% |
| Michigan | $1,820/yr | -9% |
| South Carolina | $1,840/yr | -8% |
| Texas | $1,840/yr | -8% |
| Georgia | $1,860/yr | -7% |
| New Mexico | $1,860/yr | -7% |
| Wisconsin | $1,860/yr | -7% |
| Wyoming | $1,860/yr | -7% |
| Idaho | $1,900/yr | -5% |
| North Carolina | $1,900/yr | -5% |
| Illinois | $1,920/yr | -4% |
| Montana | $1,920/yr | -4% |
| Arizona | $1,940/yr | -3% |
| Minnesota | $1,940/yr | -3% |
| Utah | $1,940/yr | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,980/yr | -1% |
| Florida | $2,020/yr | +1% |
| Delaware | $2,060/yr | +3% |
| Nevada | $2,080/yr | +4% |
| Virginia | $2,080/yr | +4% |
| Colorado | $2,100/yr | +5% |
| Maine | $2,120/yr | +6% |
| New Hampshire | $2,160/yr | +8% |
| Oregon | $2,200/yr | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $2,200/yr | +10% |
| Maryland | $2,240/yr | +12% |
| Vermont | $2,240/yr | +12% |
| Washington | $2,300/yr | +15% |
| New Jersey | $2,360/yr | +18% |
| Connecticut | $2,400/yr | +20% |
| New York | $2,500/yr | +25% |
| Alaska | $2,520/yr | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $2,600/yr | +30% |
| California | $2,760/yr | +38% |
| District of Columbia | $2,960/yr | +48% |
| Hawaii | $3,400/yr | +70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per year?
A Australian Shepherd costs approximately $2,000/year in ongoing expenses including veterinary care ($800/yr), food ($700/yr), and grooming ($500/yr). This estimate covers year-2+ costs and does not include the purchase price or one-time setup supplies.
How much does it cost to buy a Australian Shepherd?
Purchase prices for Australian Shepherds range from $700 to $1,800 from reputable breeders. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues often have Australian Shepherds available for $150-$400.
What is the lifetime cost of a Australian Shepherd?
The estimated lifetime cost of a Australian Shepherd is $28,000, based on a 13-15 year typical lifespan and ongoing annual costs of $2,000. This does not include the purchase price (add $700-$1,800) or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Is a Australian Shepherd expensive to own?
At $2,000/year, Australian Shepherds are close to average in annual cost compared to similar dogs. The key cost consideration: MDR1 drug sensitivity; double coat requires regular professional grooming.