Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Shetland Sheepdog: $400-$950/yr. That's a $35/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
$1,850
Shetland Sheepdog costs less
Shetland Sheepdog
$6,000-$14,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Shetland Sheepdog | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $675/yr | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $400-$950 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $300/yr | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $350/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $32-$60/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $175-$400 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $6,000-$14,000 | Shetland Sheepdog |
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
Shetland Sheepdog Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 15-25 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA) (10-25%) $100-$500
- Hip dysplasia (8-10%) $1,500-$6,000
- MDR1 gene mutation (15% homozygous) $50-$200
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
Shetland Sheepdog
- CERF eye exam $50-$150
- MDR1 DNA test $60-$100
- Hip screening $200-$400
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.
Shetland Sheepdog
$32-$60/mo ($384-$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.