Australian Cattle Dog vs Jack Russell Terrier Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Jack Russell Terrier: $350-$850/yr. That's a $25/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
$250
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Jack Russell Terrier
$5,500-$13,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
low-moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $575/yr | $600/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$800 | $350-$850 | - |
| Preventive Care | $290/yr | $280/yr | Jack Russell Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $280/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $25-$50/mo | Jack Russell Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $150-$350 | Jack Russell Terrier |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $5,500-$13,000 | 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
Jack Russell Terrier Health Risks
low-moderate risk · small, 13-17 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Patellar luxation (8-12%) $1,500-$5,000
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (5%) $1,500-$4,000
- Deafness (in white dogs) (10-15% of white JRTs) $100-$300
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Jack Russell Terrier
- Dental cleaning $250-$600
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
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.
Jack Russell Terrier
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/yr)
low-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.