Australian Shepherd vs Cocker Spaniel Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Cocker Spaniel: $420-$1,000/yr. That's a $0/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
$0
Cocker Spaniel costs less
Cocker Spaniel
$7,200-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Cocker Spaniel | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $710/yr | Cocker Spaniel |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $420-$1,000 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $325/yr | Cocker Spaniel |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $350/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $30-$60/mo | Cocker Spaniel |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $175-$400 | Cocker Spaniel |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $7,200-$16,500 | Cocker Spaniel |
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
Cocker Spaniel Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 20-30 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 3-4 visits/year average
- Ear infections (30-40%) $100-$400
- Eye conditions (glaucoma, cataracts, cherry eye) (10-15%) $500-$4,000
- Allergies and skin issues (15-25%) $300-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (5-10%) $1,500-$4,000
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) (2-5%) $1,000-$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
Cocker Spaniel
- Ear cleaning/treatment $30-$150
- Eye exam $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $300-$600
- Allergy testing $200-$400
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$280
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.
Cocker Spaniel
$30-$60/mo ($360-$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.