Australian Shepherd — cost & care
Smart, work-oriented, exuberant. Medium herding dog.
A Australian Shepherd costs roughly $35,400 over its lifetime (12–15 years), or about $2,410/year: ~$800 food, ~$560 insurance, ~$600 routine vet, ~$200 grooming. Purchase price runs $800–$2,500.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
3.6cups of food / day (~26.6 lb/mo)
6.6cups of water / day
13.5 yraverage lifespan (12–15)
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Your estimate: / year · lifetime
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Get Australian Shepherd insurance quotes — average plan ~$560/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A Australian Shepherd eats ~26.6 lb/month. Shop medium-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $800–$2,500 |
| Food / year | $800 (3.6 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $560 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $600 |
| Grooming / year | $200 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $250 |
| Total annual | $2,410 |
| Lifetime total | $35,400 |
Breed stats
| Size | Medium |
| Avg weight | 52 lb |
| Height | 18–23 in |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs |
| Group | Herding |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 5/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 |
| Good with families | 4/5 |
| Apartment-friendly | 1/5 |
| Shedding | 4/5 |
| Grooming need | 3/5 |
| Barking | 3/5 |
Common health conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye disorders
- MDR1 drug sensitivity
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per year?
About $2,410 a year — roughly $800 food, $560 insurance, $600 vet and $200 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a Australian Shepherd?
Around $35,400 across its 12–15-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a Australian Shepherd eat?
About 3.6 cups of food a day (~26.6 lb per month).
How much water should a Australian Shepherd drink?
About 6.6 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic?
No — the Australian Shepherd sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic.