Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Maltese: $420-$1,050/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
$450
Maltese costs less
Maltese
$6,800-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Maltese | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $735/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $420-$1,050 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $300/yr | Maltese |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $380/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $32-$65/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $150-$350 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $6,800-$16,000 | Maltese |
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
Maltese Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (90%+) $300-$900
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Hypoglycemia (puppies mostly) $100-$800
- Portosystemic shunt (3-5%) $3,000-$8,000
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
Maltese
- Dental cleaning + extractions $380-$850
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$270
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.
Maltese
$32-$65/mo ($384-$780/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.