Australian Cattle Dog vs Boston Terrier Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Boston Terrier: $550-$1,400/yr. That's a $400/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
$5,000
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Boston Terrier
$8,000-$20,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
high health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Boston Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $575/yr | $975/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$800 | $550-$1,400 | - |
| Preventive Care | $290/yr | $320/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $600/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $55-$95/mo | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $175-$400 | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $8,000-$20,000 | 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
Boston Terrier Health Risks
high risk · small, 12-25 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) (40-60%) $1,500-$5,000
- Corneal ulcers (20-30%) $300-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15%) $1,500-$5,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Boston Terrier
- BOAS evaluation + surgery $1,500-$5,000
- Eye exam $80-$200
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
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.
Boston Terrier
$55-$95/mo ($660-$1,140/yr)
high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.