Australian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs
Australian Shepherd owners spend $420-$1,000/yr at the vet. Yorkshire Terrier: $380-$900/yr. That's a $70/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
$350
Yorkshire Terrier costs less
Yorkshire Terrier
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Yorkshire Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $710/yr | $640/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Annual Range | $420-$1,000 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $280/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $350/yr | $300/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $25-$50/mo | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $150-$350 | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $7,000-$16,000 | Yorkshire Terrier |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (30-40%) $400-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) (2-5%) $3,000-$8,000
- Tracheal collapse (5-10%) $500-$4,500
- Hypoglycemia (10-15%) $100-$500
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
Yorkshire Terrier
- Dental cleaning + extractions $400-$800
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
- Blood glucose check $30-$80
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.
Yorkshire Terrier
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/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.