Australian Cattle Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs
Australian Cattle Dog owners spend $350-$800/yr at the vet. Yorkshire Terrier: $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
$2,500
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Yorkshire Terrier
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Cattle Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | 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 | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $270/yr | $300/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $28-$55/mo | $25-$50/mo | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$400 | $150-$350 | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$12,500 | $7,000-$16,000 | 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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (30-40%) $400-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) (2-5%) $3,000-$8,000
- Tracheal collapse (5-10%) $500-$4,500
- Hypoglycemia (10-15%) $100-$500
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Yorkshire Terrier
- Dental cleaning + extractions $400-$800
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
- Blood glucose check $30-$80
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.
Yorkshire Terrier
$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.