Australian Cattle Dog vs Shetland Sheepdog Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Shetland Sheepdog: $400-$950/yr. That's a $100/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
$1,000
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Shetland Sheepdog
$6,000-$14,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $575/yr | $675/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$800 | $400-$950 | - |
| Preventive Care | $290/yr | $300/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $350/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $32-$60/mo | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $175-$400 | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $6,000-$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
Shetland Sheepdog Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 15-25 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA) (10-25%) $100-$500
- Hip dysplasia (8-10%) $1,500-$6,000
- MDR1 gene mutation (15% homozygous) $50-$200
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Shetland Sheepdog
- CERF eye exam $50-$150
- MDR1 DNA test $60-$100
- Hip screening $200-$400
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.
Shetland Sheepdog
$32-$60/mo ($384-$720/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.