The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed. They are part of the herding group of dogs and were originally bred to work with sheep. They are still used on farms and ranches but are also popular pets. Australian Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs that make great family companions.
They are a versatile breed that can excel at various activities, including obedience, agility, flyball, and herding. Australian Shepherds are also known for their striking appearance, thick coats, and distinctive markings.
If you’re considering adding an Australian Shepherd to your family, you may be wondering about the cost of ownership. In this article, we’ll cover the average price of an Australian Shepherd, as well as some of the factors that can affect their cost.
Australian Shepherd Price Factors Explained:
A few factors can affect the price of an Australian Shepherd. Here are some of the most common ones:
Puppy or Adult Dog:
The Australian Shepherd puppy cost is typically higher than the cost of an adult dog. This is because puppies are in high demand, and breeders often charge a premium for them. Puppy prices can also vary based on the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether they offer any guarantees (e.g., health, temperament, etc.).
Adult dogs, on the other hand, are usually less expensive. This is because they are not in high demand as puppies and may have already been spayed or neutered (which can save you money down the road).
Breeder reputation:
The breeder’s reputation can also affect the price of an Australian Shepherd. If the breeder has a good reputation, they may charge more for their puppies. A breeder with a good reputation should be able to provide references, health clearances, and information about the puppy’s parents. They should also be willing to answer questions about the breed or the individual puppy.
People will not only be willing to pay more for a puppy from a reputable breeder, but they may also have to wait longer for one. This is because reputable breeders have a waiting list for their purebred Australian Shepherd puppies. Hence, it’s important to do your research and ensure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder before you commit to buying a puppy.
Location of the Breeder:
The location of the breeder can also affect the price of an Australian Shepherd. If the Australian Shepherd breeder is located in a rural area, they may charge less for their puppies than a breeder in a major city. This is because the cost of living is typically lower in rural areas, and breeders can pass those savings on to their customers.
However, it’s important to remember that you may have to travel further to visit a rural breeder. This can increase the cost of ownership, as you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas or airfare.
Size:
The size of an Australian Shepherd can also affect its price. Standard-sized Australian Shepherds are the most common and typically cost less than mini or toy Australian Shepherds.
You may also find Australian Shepherds of different sizes at different price points. For example, you may be able to find a mini Australian Shepherd for less money than a standard-sized one.
However, remember that the size of an Australian Shepherd can also affect their health. Standard and toy Australian Shepherds are more prone to health problems than mini Australian Shepherds.
Color:
The color of an Australian Shepherd also affects its price. The most common colors are black, blue, and red, but you may also be able to find Australian Shepherds in other colors, such as white or merle.
While the color of an Australian Shepherd doesn’t have any bearing on their health or personality, some people are willing to pay more for a dog of a rarer color.
Sex:
The sex of an Australian Shepherd will also affect the price. Males are typically more expensive than females, but this is usually because males are in higher demand. However, the cost of spaying or neutering an Australian Shepherd is usually the same regardless of sex. Some breeders may offer a discount if you agree to have your dog spayed or neutered.
Temperament:
The temperament also affects the Australian Shepherd cost. Puppies with good temperaments are typically more expensive than those with bad temperaments. This is because puppies with good temperaments are less likely to have behavior problems later in life.
However, it’s important to remember that temperament is not an exact science. Even puppies with the same parents and from the same litter can have different temperaments.
Health:
The health of an Australian Shepherd can also affect its price. Healthy dogs are typically more expensive than those that are not. This is because quality dogs are less likely to have health problems later in life, which can be expensive to treat.
However, keep in mind that the health of an Australian Shepherd is largely determined by their genetics. A dog with good genes is likelier to be healthy than a dog with bad genes. Puppies that come from a long line of healthy dogs are typically more expensive than others.
The initial cost of Australian Shepherd ownership:
The initial cost of owning an Australian Shepherd can be expensive. This is because you’ll need to factor in the cost of the puppy and the cost of supplies and vet care.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the initial costs you can expect:
- Puppy: $600-$1,200
- Supplies: $100-$300
- Vet care: $50-$100
However, Australian Shepherds are not much expensive. Like other dog breeds, they vary in price depending upon the dog’s size, color, and health.
Other potential expenses:
Once you’ve welcomed your Aussie into the family, there are some other one-time costs you’ll need to take care of, like getting them spayed or neutered, if you haven’t already. You’ll also need to get them microchipped and registered with your local animal shelter or rescue organization.
And, of course, there’s the ongoing cost of dog food, toys, and other supplies. Aussies are active dogs who need a lot of exercise, so you’ll also want to factor in the cost of things like dog walking, dog daycare, or dog-walking service.
You can expect to spend the first year on dog toys, food, various supplies, routine vet checkups and shots, and microchipping. The cost can be anywhere from $4000 to $8000 for the first year.
After that, you can expect to spend on food, annual vet checkups and shots, dog walking or daycare, and occasional supplies. The cost can be anywhere from $700 to $1000 per year.
As you can see, owning an Australian Shepherd is not cheap. But if you’re prepared for the financial commitment, an Aussie dog can make a wonderful addition to your family.
Is adopting or rescuing an Australian Shepherd completely free?
No, adopting or rescuing an Australian Shepherd is not completely free. While the initial cost may be lower than buying a puppy from a breeder, some costs are still associated with adoption or rescue.
For example, you’ll need to pay an adoption fee ranging from $300 to $500. You may also need to pay for spaying or neutering, pet insurance, microchipping, and vaccinations.
In addition, keep in mind that adopted or rescued dogs may come with some behavioral issues that need to be addressed. This can cost time and money.
So while adopting or rescuing an Australian Shepherd may not be free, it is still a cheaper option than buying a puppy from a breeder. And you’ll be giving a dog in need a loving home.
Where can I find Australian Shepherd puppies for sale and adoption?
Your local animal shelter is a great place to start your search for an Australian Shepherd puppy. They typically have a wide variety of puppies, as well as older dogs, available for adoption.
Another option is to search for reputable Australian Shepherd breeders online. Be sure to research before selecting a breeder, as some may not be reputable.
Remember to register your dog with your local animal shelter or rescue organization. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a registry of purebred dog breeds in the United States.
While the AKC does not regulate or endorse breeders, it does provide resources for finding a reputable breeder. The AKC also offers DNA testing services to verify a dog’s pedigree.
Conclusion:
The Australian Shepherd is a great family dog and makes a good companion for active people. They are intelligent, loyal and affectionate. Prices can vary depending on the breeder, but expect to pay around $500-$2,000 for an Aussie puppy. With proper care and training, your Aussie will be a devoted friend for life.
