Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Border Collie: $420-$950/yr. That's a $25/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
$1,600
Border Collie costs less
Border Collie
$6,500-$14,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
low health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Border Collie | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $685/yr | Border Collie |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $420-$950 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $320/yr | Border Collie |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $280/yr | Border Collie |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $30-$55/mo | Border Collie |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $200-$450 | Australian Shepherd |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $6,500-$14,000 | Border Collie |
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
Border Collie Health Risks
low risk · medium, 30-55 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (5-8%) $1,500-$6,000
- Collie eye anomaly (5-10%) $100-$400
- Epilepsy (3-5%) $500-$2,000
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
Border Collie
- Eye exam (CERF/OFA) $50-$150
- Hip screening $200-$400
- Dental cleaning $300-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$300
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.
Border Collie
$30-$55/mo ($360-$660/yr)
low 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.