Australian Shepherd vs Saint Bernard Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Saint Bernard: $750-$2,000/yr. That's a $665/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
$2,150
Australian Shepherd costs less
Saint Bernard
$8,000-$20,000
lifetime vet costs (9 yrs)
very high health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Saint Bernard | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $1,375/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $750-$2,000 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $600/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $900/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $80-$150/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $400-$900 | Australian Shepherd |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $8,000-$20,000 | Australian Shepherd |
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
Saint Bernard Health Risks
very high risk · giant, 140-180 lbs · 9-year lifespan · 2-4 visits/year
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (30-35%) $1,500-$8,000
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (10-15%) $500-$3,000
- Bloat (GDV) (5-8%) $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
Saint Bernard
- Hip/elbow OFA screening $300-$600
- Cardiac screening (echo) $300-$700
- Dental cleaning $400-$900
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.
Saint Bernard
$80-$150/mo ($960-$1,800/yr)
very high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.