Australian Shepherd vs Great Pyrenees Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Great Pyrenees: $530-$1,300/yr. That's a $205/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
$100
Great Pyrenees costs less
Great Pyrenees
$7,500-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (10 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Great Pyrenees | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $915/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $530-$1,300 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $400/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $500/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $40-$78/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $300-$700 | Australian Shepherd |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $7,500-$16,000 | Great Pyrenees |
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
Great Pyrenees Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 85-115 lbs · 10-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (10-15%) $1,500-$6,000
- Bloat/GDV (5-8%) $3,000-$8,000
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) (5-8%) $5,000-$20,000
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
Great Pyrenees
- Bloat prevention (gastropexy) $400-$1,200
- Hip screening X-rays $250-$450
- Dental cleaning $350-$700
- Wellness exam + vaccines $175-$350
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.
Great Pyrenees
$40-$78/mo ($480-$936/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.