Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Bichon Frise: $380-$900/yr. That's a $70/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Australian Shepherd
$7,200-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$2,600
Bichon Frise costs less
Bichon Frise
$5,500-$13,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
low-moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Bichon Frise | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $640/yr | Bichon Frise |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $300/yr | Bichon Frise |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $300/yr | Bichon Frise |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $28-$55/mo | Bichon Frise |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $175-$400 | Bichon Frise |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $5,500-$13,000 | Bichon Frise |
Australian Shepherd Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 40-65 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (8-12%) $1,500-$5,000
- Epilepsy (5-8%) $200-$1,000
- Eye defects (CEA, cataracts, coloboma) (8-15%) $200-$3,000
- MDR1 gene mutation (25-50%) $50-$150
- Autoimmune conditions (3-5%) $500-$3,000
Bichon Frise Health Risks
low-moderate risk · small, 12-18 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Allergies (skin + food) (20-30%) $200-$1,500
- Bladder stones (10-15%) $800-$3,000
- Patellar luxation (8-12%) $1,500-$5,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Australian Shepherd
- MDR1 DNA test $50-$150
- Hip screening $200-$400
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $300-$600
- Thyroid panel $50-$100
Bichon Frise
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Grooming (professional) $60-$100
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Australian Shepherd
$30-$60/mo ($360-$720/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Bichon Frise
$28-$55/mo ($336-$660/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.