How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

The Australian Shepherd is one of the easiest pets to recommend to aspiring pet owners, even first-timers. 

But how much does an Australian Shepherd cost? What things should you buy first after getting an Australian Shepherd puppy?

These are just some of the questions we’ll answer in this guide. In addition to these, we’ll also touch on the monthly expenses and other nitty-gritty of Australian Shepherd prices. 

You’ll also find some nifty cost-saving tips at the end of this guide. Let’s get started!

The Average Cost of an Australian Shepherd Puppy

The price of an Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder ranges between $400 and $1,800. However, if you want one from a champion lineage, prepare to pay upwards of $2,500.

In general, the usual price of an Australian Shepherd is nothing out of the ordinary. To be frank, these dogs are not the most expensive around. If anything, they are fairly affordable.

That said, owning an Australian Shepherd is not a one-time expense. As with other pets, this pup comes with a serious financial responsibility. 

We’ll dive into the details of the real cost of owning one of these dogs a little later in this guide. In the meantime, let’s clear something out first.

You might be wondering why the price of buying and adopting an Australian Shepherd overlaps, and you’re right. 

The truth is that these are rough estimates only. As you will see in the next section, tons of things affect the cost of these dogs!

READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Australian Shepherd: Which Is Better?

Factors Affecting the Cost of an Australian Shepherd Puppy

The Australian Shepherd puppy is not the most expensive pooch around, but that’s not to say that these dogs are very cheap. In fact, they can still cost you thousands of dollars. 

Different factors affect the price of different dogs. For the Australian Shepherd, the major ones are age, registration papers, breeder’s reputation, health screenings, and many more.

If you want to buy an Australian Shepherd, you must have a working knowledge of these things. This will help you find the most cost-effective choice when purchasing an Aussie puppy. 

Here are the most significant factors affecting the price of the Australian Shepherd:

• Age: Usually, Australian Shepherd puppies cost more than adult and senior dogs. If you want to save a bit of cash, choosing a dog at least one-year-old is the best option.
• Coat Color: The Aussie dog comes in a variety of coat colors. As expected, rarer coat colors such as the blue merle and tri-color cost a heap more than the standard colors. These uncommon variants can set you back by $300 to $1,000. Here’s a quick yet insightful video showing the different coat colors of the Australian Shepherd:

• Breeder’s Reputation: If you buy an Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, prepare to pay a premium. Breeders with years of experience usually charge more. That said, their Aussie puppies are often worth the high price tag. 
• Bloodline: A dog’s bloodline is one of the biggest factors affecting its price. As you would expect, it’s no different for the Australian Shepherd. An Aussie from a champion bloodline can run you back $500 to $1,500 more!
• Health Guarantees: Puppies that are screened for health issues before being sold usually cost more than those that aren’t. Despite that, it is still best to find an Aussie puppy that comes with some sort of health guarantee. This ensures that you are bringing home a healthy dog. 
• Registration Papers: If you want to own Australian Shepherd puppies registered in kennel clubs, you should find one with registration papers. Expect to pay a couple hundred more for dog breeds with complete registration documents. 
• Training and Socialization: Some dogs are trained by expert dog trainers at a young age. These dogs are ideal for people who don’t have the time to potty train and socialize their puppy. Australian Shepherd puppies that attended training classes usually cost $200 to $1,500 more. 

Listed above are just some of the most significant factors affecting the price of Australian Shepherds. Some breeders may also charge extra for puppy deliveries, puppy shipping, or included vaccinations and freebies. 

Keep these things in mind when purchasing your next pet. Doing so will help you work with your budget a little bit better.

READ NEXT: Tri-Color Australian Shepherd: All 4 Tri-Color Varieties Explained

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Aussie From a Rescue? 

As mentioned in one of our earlier sections, the cost of adopting an Australian Shepherd mix is anywhere between $425 and $880. Compared to most dogs, this pup comes at a higher price in terms of adoption fees.

One possible reason behind this is that Australian Shepherds are rare in rescues and animal shelters. Sure, there are a lot of rescues dedicated to this breed, but they are still dwarfed by rescues of other breeds. 

That said, if you find Australian Shepherds for adoption, there’s a pretty big chance that it is still a puppy. And as you’ve learned earlier, puppies usually cost more than an adult or senior dog.

In some instances, you may find an adoptable Australian Shepherd for less than $400. However, these dogs are usually older dogs or dogs with underlying health issues.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved

Initial Cost of Australian Shepherd Ownership

Now that you know the Australian Shepherd’s price, you might be wondering what’s the next step. Well, that’s easy. Your next step would be figuring out how much money you’ll need to prepare to bring this dog home.

Aside from the Australian Shepherd puppy cost, you’ll also need to know the prices for some accessories and medical procedures. These include grooming tools, dog food, feeding bowls, toys, vet check-ups, vaccinations, and more.

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! In this part of the guide, we’ll enumerate all of the things you need for your new puppy. You’ll also find a helpful breakdown at the end of this section.

Here are some initial expenses for your Australian Shepherd puppy:

• Food and Treats: Buying dry or wet food and treats for your Australian Shepherd puppy is a bit tricky. You may need to try out different brands at first to see which one suits your pup the best. A few bags of treats and a large pack of dry food or a can of wet food cost around $80 to $100. 
• Food and Water Bowls: Feeding bowls are some of the accessories you should never cheap out on. It is recommended to buy stainless steel ones rather than plastic feeding bowls. Stainless steel bowls last longer and are easier to clean. These bowls usually cost $10 to $30.
• Bed: The Australian Shepherd is prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. One of the best ways to preserve their bone and muscle health is by providing them with a comfy bed. A high-quality bed for a dog usually costs between $40 and $180.
• Crate: A crate is one of the most useful essential items for a dog. Not only will a crate help in transporting your pooch, but it also provides a safe space for your dog when you’re not around. Dog crates for an Australian Shepherd will set you back between $50 and $370. 
• Leashes and Collars: Two items you should buy for your puppy as soon as you get them are a leash and a collar. Be sure to pick one that fits your dog perfectly. A leash and collar set from a typical pet store costs around $15 to $50.
• Toys: Australian Shepherds love playing and chewing on random household objects. So unless you buy your pup a variety of toys, expect it to chew on furniture, slippers, plants, and other random stuff. You can buy a set of chew toys from a local pet store for $30 to $40.
• Grooming Essentials: The Australian Shepherd’s coat needs regular grooming. This will help keep its fur shiny, healthy, and tangle-free. Luckily, a set of grooming essentials for your furry friend is fairly inexpensive nowadays. For $40 to $160, you can get a set of high-quality grooming tools.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Deworming and tick prevention are essential for every new puppy. Usually, breeders or rescues deworm and treat their pups for parasites before selling them. However, if the breeder doesn’t cover these, expect to shell out an extra $50 to $200.
• Initial Vet Visits: The previously mentioned costs of medical procedures are often exclusive of vet fees. This means you’ll need to pay a few dollars more for the vet’s professional fee. The cost of initial veterinary expenses for the Australian Shepherd is around $100 to $300. 
• Initial Vaccine Shots: An Australian Shepherd puppy requires a complete set of vaccine shots in its first year. The usual shots they need are for distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus (DHPP), and hepatitis. If you buy an unvaccinated pup, you need around $75 to $200 for vaccine shots.
• Neutering or Spaying: Depending on the age of the dog you get, it may or may not be intact. If it is still intact, you should have it neutered or spayed if you have no plans of breeding your pup. Neutering or spaying usually costs between $50 and $500.
• Dog License: Licensing your dog is a great way to have a formal record of it. This is done so that your pup becomes a part of a country-wide dog registry. A dog license runs for $10 to $20.
• Microchip: Microchipping is the process of implanting a small electronic device into a dog’s skin. A microchip will come in handy if ever you lose your pooch. Whoever finds your pup can easily identify you by scanning your dog’s microchip. Microchipping usually costs $40 to $60.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: There are a couple of knick-knacks you’ll need for your Australian Shepherd. These include a poop scooper, poop bags, inducers, vitamins, potty pads, and more. Depending on what you need, you can spend around $15 to $30 for your dog’s miscellaneous needs.

Here’s a checklist of all your initial expenses for your Australian Shepherd:

As you can see from the table above, you’ll need around $605 to $2,240 for your dog’s essentials aside from the price of the Australian Shepherd puppy itself. 

Keep in mind that this expense is exclusive of the puppy price. Other potential expenses are not yet included here!

One way to cut down on this fairly large expense is to scout for the best deals from various breeders. More often than not, breeders include freebies with every dog they sell.

It’s also worth mentioning that the prices above are estimates only. These are the average prices for a medium-sized dog breed, such as the Australian Shepherd. As always, your actual spending may vary from our estimates.

READ NEXT: Do Australian Shepherds Have Tails? Bobbed Tail vs. Normal Tail

Annual Cost of Owning an Australian Shepherd

The annual cost of ownership is one of the most important things to know before getting a pet. 

Unsurprisingly, this is also the case for the Australian Shepherd. It is in your best interest to find out exactly how much recurring costs this pooch requires.

Here’s a summary of your annual expenses for an Australian Shepherd:

At first glance, you might be tempted to think that the cost of the subsequent years of owning an Australian Shepherd is ridiculously high. However, in reality, this range is on par with other medium-sized dogs.

As you can see, a large portion of your recurring expenses goes to pet insurance. While it is expensive, pet insurance coverage is highly recommended.

Depending on the coverage, pet insurance for the Australian Shepherd costs $500 to $900 yearly.

Another big recurring expense goes to routine veterinary care. On average, you’ll need to take your dog to the vet at least once every two months. Regular vet check-ups will set you back $200 to $400 annually.

Grooming also takes a pretty hefty toll on your yearly expenses. Depending on how often you take your dog to the groomers, expect to pay $150 to $350 for this expense. One way to go around this is by grooming your dog at home.

READ NEXT: 16 Things You Need to Know About the Toy Australian Shepherd

Other Potential Expenses

Depending on your needs and wants, you may encounter other expenses during your Australian Shepherd ownership. 

These additional costs may include pet daycare services, kennel club registration, grooming services, and a few other stuff.

Here’s a list of other potential expenses for an Australian Shepherd:

• Pet Daycare: If you are frequently on business travels or just out of town, you may leave your Australian Shepherd at a pet daycare facility. These services are widespread these days, and you wouldn’t have a hard time finding them in your area. The usual daily rate of pet daycare is $20 to $30.
• Pet Sitting: An alternative for pet daycare would be pet sitters. These are folks who live nearby and are willing to babysit your pooch while you’re away. Pet sitting services usually cost less than pet daycare fees. You should be able to find pet sitters for around $10 to $20. 
• Grooming Services: The Australian Shepherd has moderate grooming needs. Sure, you can groom this pup at home, but a trip to the groomers once in a while is also a good idea. The grooming fee for an Australian Shepherd ranges from $30 to $60. 
• Kennel Club Registration: You may register your Australian Shepherd with the American Kennel Club (AKC) for $40 to $80. This is a must if you want your pet to participate in AKC-hosted shows and competitions. This is also a great way to keep track of your pup’s bloodline.
• Emergency Medical Costs: Medical care emergencies are non-negotiable expenses that may arise during your Australian Shepherd ownership. According to a news report from CNBC, the average price of emergency treatment for pets is between $1,000 and $5,000.

Aside from the emergency medical treatment, the expenses mentioned above are optional. This means you can cut down on these costs if you want to save some money.

On that note, it is recommended to save up an emergency fund for your Australian Shepherd. Doing so will help you prepare for unexpected medical treatments. 

Alternatively, you can also invest in pet insurance to prepare for this unwanted cost.

Places to Find Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Now that you know what to expect when owning an Australian Shepherd, it’s time to look for places to find one. Regardless of whether you’re looking to buy or adopt, you’ll find the best sources listed below. 

It goes without saying that you should stick to reputable sources when buying a dog. Getting a pooch from backyard breeders, puppy mills, or local pet stores might look like a good deal, but it’s not a good idea.

Here’s a list of some reputable breeders where you can find Australian Shepherd puppies for sale:

• Watermark Australian Shepherds – Watermark Australian Shepherds is a small hobby breeder in New York. This breeder specializes in all kinds of Australian Shepherd puppies, including the black Australian Shepherd. They offer three different types of dogs — companion, breeding-quality, and performance dogs.
• Sandollar Australian Shepherds – Based in Orlando, Florida, this breeder is known for producing Aussie pups with different coat colors. They have plenty of tri-colors and merle Australian Shepherd puppies. Check out their social media accounts for positive feedback from their previous customers.
• EverReady Australian Shepherds – This Australian Shepherd breeder is based in Wisconsin. They have been breeding dogs for decades now, and they are home to a few AKC-recognized champion dogs. This is the place to check out if you want an Aussie puppy from champion quality dogs.

For more options, check out our list of the 10 best Australian Shepherd breeders. You’ll surely find a ton of other reputable breeders there without worrying about puppy mills.

RELATED: 10 Best Australian Shepherd Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

If you want to adopt an Australian Shepherd, here are a few rescues to check out:

• Aussie Rescue SoCal, Inc. (ARSC) – ARSC is a non-profit organization that rehomes unwanted Australian Shepherds and their hybrids. They work with dozens of rescue organizations, pet lovers, and volunteers in the Southern California area. You’ll find Australian Shepherd adults and puppies from ARSC.
• Western Australian Shepherd Rescue (WASR) – WASR is a foster-based rescue servicing the western United States area. This organization is committed to finding forever homes for their rescued Australian Shepherds. They have been dedicated to rescuing Aussie dogs since 1998.
• Aussie Rescue San Diego – Aussie Rescue San Diego is a foster-based shelter for not just Australian Shepherds but also Border Collies and other mixes. This rescue is the one to check out if you live in San Diego or nearby states.

If these sources don’t work out for you, you may find our list of the 10 best Australian Shepherd rescues helpful.

Check out the rescues and shelters on that round-up and see if they have the kind of Australian Shepherds that fit you.

RELATED: 10 Best Australian Shepherd Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Money-Saving Tips for Australian Shepherd Owners

Having a dog best friend is one of the best parts of a pet lover’s life. However, owning one is never free. In fact, it’s far from it. In reality, you’ll spend a considerable amount of money on an Australian Shepherd. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut down on spending money. But it is important to emphasize that cutting down on cost does not mean cheaping out on your pup. 

You should know which corners to cut to make way for a few savings here and there.

Here are some money-saving tips for Australian Shepherd owners:

• Buy high-quality accessories. Buying high-quality items for your dog might seem like a splurge upfront. However, you should remember that your pup will be around for 13 to 15 years. If you think about it, spending slightly more money on essentials will save you money in the long run.
• Groom your Australian Shepherd at home. The Australian Shepherd is relatively easy to groom at home. Taking the time and effort to learn how to groom this pup will pay off eventually. Fortunately, there are countless tutorials on DIY pet grooming on the internet. Here’s a helpful video on how to groom an Australian Shepherd:

• Prepare homemade dog food. If your pooch turns out to be a picky eater, you’ll probably be forced to buy expensive wet canned food. One ingenious way to cut down on this cost is by preparing homemade meals for your dog. White meat and veggies are extremely tasty and healthy for them.
• Visit the vet regularly. Even if your Australian Shepherd is in tip-top shape, you should still take it to the vet for regular checkups. Vets can help you spot the onset of serious health problems early on. As a result, doing so will save you from potentially expensive medical procedures or medications.

These four tips may not seem much, but if you do them regularly, you’ll end up saving a ton! 

Of course, there are other ways to cut down on the cost of owning an Aussie puppy; however, these four tips are the most applicable to the majority of dog owners. 

READ NEXT: Short-Haired Australian Shepherd: Everything You Need to Know

Final Thoughts

Owning an Australian Shepherd will set you back thousands of dollars over the course of your time together. 

However, it is worth noting that this is not unique to this specific breed. In fact, many popular dog breeds cost just about the same.

That said, whether you think the price of an Australian Shepherd is worth it or not is entirely up to you. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you realize the true cost of owning a dog, especially the Australian Shepherd. If you really want one and you can afford it, go for it!