Australian Cattle Dog vs Shih Tzu Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Shih Tzu: $380-$900/yr. That's a $65/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
$2,750
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Shih Tzu
$7,000-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Shih Tzu | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $575/yr | $640/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$800 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $290/yr | $280/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $300/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $25-$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $150-$350 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $7,000-$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
Shih Tzu Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 9-16 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Eye problems (proptosis, ulcers, dry eye) (15-25%) $300-$3,000
- Dental disease (25-35%) $400-$1,200
- Patellar luxation (10-15%) $1,500-$4,000
- Brachycephalic airway issues (10-20%) $1,000-$4,000
- Ear infections (15-20%) $100-$300
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Shih Tzu
- Eye exam $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $350-$700
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Ear cleaning/treatment $20-$80
- 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.
Shih Tzu
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/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.