Australian Cattle Dog vs Bengal Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Bengal: $430-$1,100/yr. That's a $190/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Australian Cattle Dog
$5,500-$12,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
low health risk
Lifetime Gap
$2,650
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Bengal
$6,800-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Bengal | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $575/yr | $765/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$800 | $430-$1,100 | - |
| Preventive Care | $290/yr | $310/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $470/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $32-$68/mo | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $175-$420 | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $6,800-$16,500 | Australian Cattle Dog |
Australian Cattle Dog Health Risks
low risk · medium, 35-50 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (5-8%) $200-$500
- Deafness (in merle coat dogs) (5-8%) $100-$200
- Hip dysplasia (5-8%) $1,500-$6,000
Bengal Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 8-15 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) (8-12%) $150-$500
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (10-15%) $500-$5,000
- Tritrichomonas foetus (10-20%) $100-$500
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome (1-5%) $200-$1,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Bengal
- PRA-b DNA test $50-$100
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$500
- Fecal PCR test $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $120-$270
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Australian Cattle Dog
$28-$55/mo ($336-$660/yr)
low risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Bengal
$32-$68/mo ($384-$816/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.