Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd (endearingly nicknamed the Aussie) was an American-bred dog developed on the ranches in the Western United States.
The Aussie was bred originally as a working dog mainly for herding livestock.
Aussies are highly energetic and intelligent. Because of this, expect that when you own one, you won’t just be having a four-legged companion, but probably a workout buddy too!
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Buying an Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd price ranges from $450 to $800 on the average. Prices depend mostly on the breeder, registrations, vaccinations, etc., and can even go as high as $1,500 or more.
Puppyfind.com has a wide range of choices for this breed with price ranging as low as $250 up to as high as $1,800 depending mostly on age, quality, and location.
You can also see a selection of some of the cutest Aussie Pups at Lancaster Puppies. It will show you all the necessary information you need so you can decide which pup is the best for you.
If you’re thinking about adopting, adopt-a-pet lets you have options to register and find the ideal Aussie to adopt. Usually, the cost of adopting adult Australian Shepherd could be around $500 to $1,100.
Other One-Time Costs
- Kennel and Crate Cost
Aussies are medium-sized dogs measuring 20 – 23 inches for males and 18 – 21 inches for females. Some pet owners choose to have their Aussies stay in their homes, but others require their pets to be trained to stay in kennels and crates.
The best way to determine the perfect kennel/crate size for your dogs is to measure them first. Let your Aussie sit down. This way, you’ll get the actual height measurement of your dog as it is slightly taller when sitting.
For a fully-grown Aussie, a perfectly comfortable crate should measure at least 42x28x30 in length, width, and height. This measurement should be more than enough to make your Aussie feel at home in its crates.
Lastly, look for crates that are sturdy and durable. When it comes to the material, consider getting crates made of steel rather than plastic. You can get some of the best crates for sale for the price range of $54.99 to $109.99.
- Transportation Costs
Shipping fees range from $120 to $500 depending on the dog breed and shipping distance. Some dog sellers may include shipping fees in pricing their Aussies, so make sure to ask this question before buying one.
When traveling with your pet, on the other hand, you will be required to put your Aussies into crates. Airlines may charge you for their cabin fee going from $100 to $200.
Another good option would be going on a drive with your Aussies. It’s one of the great things about them; they enjoy car rides. So, if you’re thinking about going out of town on the weekends, hop in the car with your Aussie and prepare yourself for an adventure!
- Getting your Aussie registered
The American Kennel Club facilitates all the registration of dogs, assuring their breed and quality. AKC offers easy online registration where prices range from $35 to $79.99 depending on the package you choose.
- Training
Training your Aussie can be very vital as its energy and cleverness can turn to unpredictable, even destructive and aggressive behavior. Because of this, it is best to focus those characteristics to better, more productive use.
Given that they’re a highly intelligent breed, Aussies are a natural when it comes to training. They can be trained to do almost any task. They can be trained to become service dogs, sniffing dogs, and even for competition!
House training would be the best way to start your journey in training your Aussie. Getting it house-trained will make it well-behaved and accustomed to your home and way of living.
Some dog trainers and schools offer basic courses with prices depending on the package. Some trainers charge on a per hour basis (typically around $20 per hour), while some schools offer upfront cash payment basis for a price of $735 for a set of classes.
Recurring Costs of Owning an Australian Shepherd
- Food and diet
As adults, male Aussies can weigh up to 40 to 65lbs and female Aussies weigh 35 to 55lbs. It is important to know their ideal weight since you will be responsible for managing their food and nutrition and overall health and well-being.
Aussies, as we already know, are very active dogs who love to play and work. Since you probably will be running around with your Aussie, they need to be well-sustained with the proper food and diet.
Every dog has specific daily calorie intake requirements. Knowing this can help you watch and control its diet and it can also help it stay healthy throughout its life. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes a happy owner.
Prices of dog foods for your Aussie depend typically on the brand and content. For Aussie pups, ideal dog foods range from as low as $7 (3.3lbs bag) to $53.42 (35lbs bag) while adult dog foods range from $10 (4lbs bag) to $38 (22lbs).
- Grooming your Australian Shepherd
Aussies have medium-length coats with a variety of colors ranging from Blue Merle, Red Merle, Black and Black Tricolor, Red and Red Tricolor. Because these dogs are active, their coats tend to get dirty, tangled, and even prone to pest infestation.
Australian Shepherds shed year-round and more during the spring. You might think they require lots of attention but they’re easier to groom than you think.
Taking care of their hygiene only takes little but much-needed attention and effort. Simple regular brushing can keep their coats free from tangles and dirt, and it will also help keep their neat and silky look.
Trimming can also be very helpful in maintaining your Aussie’s coat. This routine can help keep your best friend’s fur from matting and getting tangled. Also, regular trimming can even help to keep your furry friend from pest infestation.
Instead of buying grooming equipment individually, you have the option of buying a grooming kit for better deal. You can get good quality grooming kits for as low as $12.09 up to $35.65.
Bathing is also not that hard for Aussies; although, if they are frequently playing outside, then you probably need to bathe them more often. Brushing their coats before bathing can help you wash and shampoo your dogs with much ease.
Depending on your dog’s needs, good quality, biodegradable dog shampoos are priced to about $15.98 per 16-oz bottle.
- Visiting the Vet
Having a regular checkup from the vet can be very helpful to maintain the health of your Aussie. A visit to the veterinarian can set you back around $49 to $200 depending on where you live.
With this price range, it is best to look for a vet that offers a full physical exam rather than just a simple look-see. Also, a vet may recommend shots for your pet that may also result in additional but necessary expenses.
Since Aussies are also prone to serious health issues like hip dysplasia, cataracts, cancer and more, a visit to the vet can help you prepare and monitor their condition.
Treatment for these health issues can be very expensive. Hip Dysplasia treatment alone can go as high as $1,500 to $8,000 so if you want to be prepared and look for ways to lessen the unexpected expenses, you can try to look for pet insurance plans that are best suited for your budget.
Factors That Affect the Price of an Australian Shepherd
You might wonder how come some Australian Shepherds are more expensive than others. And you might then think that buying a cheaper Aussie can be much more practical.
Buying a dog that is already registered can incur additional charges. As previously discussed, registration can depend on which package the owner has availed. Some breeders who intend to sell their beloved pets could be registered to a more comprehensive package so you should keep that in mind when buying your Aussie.
Aside from registration, getting a spayed/neutered dog can also result in higher price. To some breeders, they’d prove this as an advantage because of factors like controlling the breed population and better and less aggressive behavior, especially for males. However, this option depends on your preference.
Lastly, getting previous check-ups that can prove that the dog is in excellent health condition may also add a little extra on that bill. But, of course, this will give you the confidence and peace of mind that you’re getting a quality, healthy Aussie.
Is the Australian Shepherd the Best Dog for You?
Aussies, as mentioned, are intelligent, hard-working, and highly energetic dogs. For this reason, they are required to be kept active for at least 2 hours or more a day. Activities such as playing catch or going for walks will surely keep you and your Aussie occupied and moving.
Owning an Aussie, however, is not ideal for apartment living. It is bred as a working dog and will prefer to run around in yards and farms if you have one.
With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, its herding instinct will show as it gets older. It will try to herd sheep and similar animals, even children if it gets the chance. If you’re thinking about training, it is best to do it while it’s still a pup.
Famous for their dedication as working dogs, surely Aussies made their breeders’ lives easier back in the days. It’s their everlasting traits that make them one of the best dog breeds out there.
As one of the most popular dog breed, you are definitely going to love this amazing man’s best friend.
