How Much Does An Australian Shepherd Cost? - Aussie University

What You’ll Pay Up Front

If you’re asking how much an Australian Shepherd costs, the honest answer is more than you think and less than the internet horror stories suggest. The purchase price alone can range from about $600 to $2,500, depending on breeder quality, location, and lineage. But that’s just the beginning.

When you factor in vet visits, vaccinations, food, grooming tools, training supplies, and the occasional “what did you just eat?” emergency bill, the first year can realistically land between $2,500 and $5,000.

Below, I’ll break down what you’ll pay up front, what the first year realistically costs, and what ongoing ownership looks like so you can decide if an Aussie fits your budget.

What I Actually Spent My First Year

When we brought home our first Aussie, I thought the purchase price was the big expense. It wasn’t. The first vet visit alone surprised me. Vaccines, checkups, preventative meds, it adds up fast. Between food, training supplies, crates, and routine care, that first year landed just over $3,000 for us. And that was with a healthy dog.

What Does an Australian Shepherd Cost Through a Breeder?

Most Australian Shepherd owners purchase their dog through a breeder. Reputable breeders focus on health testing, temperament, and lineage, which is why their prices typically range from $800 to $1,800 or more.

Reputable breeders may also require a deposit to reserve a puppy, especially if they have limited litters. That deposit is typically applied to the final purchase price.

What Is the Cost of an Australian Shepherd Through a Pet Store?

Let’s say you can’t find a breeder near you or their prices are too high. You may choose to adopt an Aussie or buy one at your local pet store instead. This option is attractive because dogs of many breeds are readily available, including Australian Shepherds.

Some online marketplaces list Aussies anywhere from $900 to $2,000, depending on location and lineage.

Yes, that’s extremely expensive, and not necessarily representative of what you’ll find in all pet stores. Remember though that you get what you pay for. Make sure you vet the pet store extensively before buying through them. Read reviews and even ask previous shoppers about their experience and the health of their dog today.

What Is the Cost of a Show-Quality Australian Shepherd?

Do you dream of your Aussie being a show dog that wins gold medals at American Kennel Club events? Then you want a show-quality dog. We’d recommend starting on the AKC website, as you can find future champion show dogs. Some are even within the AKC bloodline, meaning they’re the best of the best.

Show-quality or champion bloodline puppies can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, depending on pedigree and location.

The First Year Reality

Most new owners focus on the purchase price. The real financial shock comes in the first twelve months. Between vaccinations, routine checkups, preventative medications, food, training supplies, and setup costs, that first year is almost always the most expensive.

Now, the above prices are just averages, as we’ve used with Aussies throughout this whole article.

If you’re budgeting for an Australian Shepherd, plan for the purchase price plus at least $2,500 to $5,000 in first-year expenses.

Other Costs Associated with Owning an Australian Shepherd

While it would be nice if you could just buy your Aussie puppy and then call it a day, you’re not done spending money on your dog yet. Not by a long shot. You’ll need deep pockets for your Australian Shepherd’s whole life, but none deeper than in their first year. It’s then that you have to ready yourself for all sorts of extra costs.

Here are the most common first-year expenses most Australian Shepherd owners encounter:

Microchipping

Not every pet owner decides to microchip their cat or dog, but they should. If your Aussie ever gets loose of their collar, then anyone who finds them has no way to identify the dog. Microchipping is like an internal collar with all your Aussie’s information printed on the chip. Your Shepherd may not always be returned to you if they’re microchipped and get lost, but there’s a very high chance it will happen. According to Petfinder, 52 percent of lost dogs with microchips make it back home after being lost. Dogs without microchips get returned at a far lower rate, just 22 percent.

Microchipping your dog is a one and done, and it costs about $50, so make sure you schedule it shortly after bringing your Australian Shepherd home.

Breed Registration

Your Aussie is AKC-approved, and you want the world to know. Make sure you get your pup registered with the organization for around $25.

Food

Your Aussie has got to eat, right? How often you feed your dog, the type of food, and if you have other pups at home, will all go towards the monthly cost of feeding your Aussie. Expect to spend at least $100 per month on quality food for a mid-sized Australian Shepherd.

If you want help choosing food, read my guide on what to feed an Australian Shepherd.

Toys, Leashes, and Collars

Just because you microchipped your Australian Shepherd doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to let them run free. It’s one thing to do that in your backyard, but not out on the streets or at the dog park.

That means you’ll need a leash and collar. Oh, and toys too, lots of toys, like squeaky rubber ones and soft plush toys. It’s hard to say how much you’ll spend here, but it could be a couple of hundred dollars easily.

Deworming

Your Aussie’s breeder may or may not take care of deworming before the dog is sent to their fur-ever home with you. If the breeder doesn’t cover the costs, then you will to the tune of $25 or more.

Checkups and Vaccinations

Puppies need vaccinations often, so you’ll get to know your vet well. Per vaccination, you can pay $100 to $500, and some dogs need dozens of vaccines. A vet appointment may cost $50 to $125, and that’s before factoring in medications or treatments your vet may suggest for your Australian Shepherd.

Altogether, the AKC says you should expect to pay $2,889 a year for a mid-sized dog like an Aussie. The costs will be higher than the first year because of all the vet appointments and vaccines, with an average price of $3,085.

Breaking that down further, every year, you may spend $650 on vet costs, $389 on dog medications, $435 on food, and $432 on supplies. The lifetime cost for dog ownership is $23,410.

The Ongoing Annual Cost

An Australian Shepherd costs $600 to $3,000, depending on whether you buy one from a pet store or get a special AKC-recognized pup. This is about in line with many other dog breed prices, which is good to know.

An Australian Shepherd isn’t the most expensive breed you can own, but they aren’t cheap either. If you’re prepared for the upfront cost and the steady yearly expenses, they’re worth every dollar. Just make sure you budget for more than the puppy price. That’s where most new owners get caught off guard.