Australian Cattle Dog vs Border Collie Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Border Collie: $420-$950/yr. That's a $110/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
$1,250
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Border Collie
$6,500-$14,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
low health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Border Collie | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $575/yr | $685/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$800 | $420-$950 | - |
| Preventive Care | $290/yr | $320/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $280/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $30-$55/mo | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $200-$450 | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $6,500-$14,000 | 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
Border Collie Health Risks
low risk · medium, 30-55 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (5-8%) $1,500-$6,000
- Collie eye anomaly (5-10%) $100-$400
- Epilepsy (3-5%) $500-$2,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Border Collie
- Eye exam (CERF/OFA) $50-$150
- Hip screening $200-$400
- Dental cleaning $300-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$300
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.
Border Collie
$30-$55/mo ($360-$660/yr)
low 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.