Australian Shepherds are some of the most beautiful dogs in the world. They come in many different colors, and they’re all charming. Australian Shepherds are also great inside, where they are loving and lovable.
The price of an Australian Shepherd can range from $350 to $1,800. They cost relatively low because Australian Shepherds are known to have health issues, like cancers and epilepsy, and have a shorter lifespan. However, Australian Shepherds are working dogs that require lots of mental stimulation and physical activities, so much so that the monthly maintenance costs can reach around $200.
Australian Shepherds can have quite a price range. There are a few reasons for this, but the most crucial factor is how popular the breed is. Here are some more costs you need to be prepared for before bringing an Aussie home with you.
How Much Does An Australian Shepherd Cost?
Australian Shepherds can go for as low as $350 and as high as $1,800.
However, most breeders sell them within the $600 to $850 price range.
On the other hand, owning and maintaining an Australian shepherd could cost you about $130 per month or about $1,500 every year. With sickly Aussies, this yearly maintenance cost could go up to $2,700 due to additional medical bills and special needs.
So, is it all worth it? Here are a few perks that should help make that overall cost seem more acceptable.
Australian Shepherds Are Fantastic Family Pets
One of the main reasons Australian shepherd dogs are so popular is that they make great family dogs. They have sweet and gentle personalities and are typically raised in homes with young children.
Very Easy To Live With
Australian Shepherds are low-maintenance dogs that are pretty easy to live with. Except for the occasional sick dog, they are relatively low maintenance. All they need is food, a warm place to sleep, and your unconditional love.
Versatile
Another reason to get an Aussie is that they are versatile. They are easy to train and can fit into any role you want. They make good companions and can also provide emotional support. If you want to go back to basics, they can also serve as shepherd dogs.
Unique Coat
The more unique the coat color on an Aussie is, the more expensive it is. This is because they have some of the most beautiful combinations, like red tri and unique merle patterns. If you want a beautiful dog, this is the breed for you.
How Long Do Australian Shepherds Live?
Australian Shepherds have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years.
This longevity is quite impressive, especially for a dog that size. Australian Shepherds are not necessarily sickly dogs, especially if bred ethically and adequately cared for.
However, there are a few health issues that Australian shepherds may be more prone to than other dog breeds. Here are some of the most important and what to expect with each.
Epilepsy
Australian Shepherds are a dog breed most susceptible to developing epilepsy. This disease is usually hereditary and will cause anything from mild fits to severe and debilitating seizures.
Blindness
Blindness is mainly seen with double Merle Aussies. The Merle gene responsible for the unique coat pattern affects the development of the eye and often results in unilateral or bilateral vision problems, including blindness.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Your Australian shepherd may also have bone and joint issues, in which hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common problems. Here, the joint socket does not form properly, resulting in joint instability.
Birth Complications
Birth complications are more often than not seen with small dog breeds. However, Australian Shepherds have a litter size of 5 to 10 puppies.
The more the puppies are in the litter, the higher the chances of birth complications, including postpartum hemorrhaging, obstructed labor, or even birth trauma to both the mother and the puppies.
It is, therefore, crucial to support and monitor the Aussie’s pregnancy and get a vet every step of the way involved if possible.
How To Take Care Of Australian Shepherds?
As we mentioned earlier, Australian Shepherds are easy to care for. This is one of the reasons they are so popular, especially among busy or first-time dog owners.
However, this doesn’t mean you can slack on their care. They still need a comfortable and safe home. Here are a few tips on best providing this type of environment.
Establish A Balanced Diet Plan For Them
Diet is an essential part of keeping your Aussie healthy. You need to find good food options for your dog with high-quality ingredients and the right balance of nutrients for your specific dog.
One excellent option that we strongly recommend is the Pet Plate subscription, which offers customized meal plans with lots of variety. This will help keep your Aussie happy and healthy.
Supplement The Diet With Multivitamins
In addition to feeding them healthy and high-quality meals, you should also invest in multivitamin supplements for an all-rounded diet. These are particularly handy for sickly dogs that need every last mineral and vitamin to heal and regain their strength.
Invest In Their Exercise And Physical Engagement
Australian Shepherds are very outgoing and energetic. They also tend to get frustrated and destructive if they are not adequately engaged physically and mentally. According to the American Kennel Club, they need about two hours of exercise every day.
Do Australian Shepherds Like To Cuddle? Temperament Of Australian Shepherds
If you have an Aussie in your home, you can rest assured that there will never be a dull moment. These doggies are full of character and spirit, and they will inevitably slip over into your family’s vibes.
Here are a few of an Aussie’s specific temperament traits, so you know what you are getting yourself into.
They Love Attention
Aussies are quite clingy and have what is referred to as a Velcro personality. They form very deep bonds with their favorite humans and will follow them around pretty much anywhere that they can. This definitely makes leaving an Australian Shepherd home alone very difficult.
Energetic
Australian Shepherds are very energetic and will engage anyone in playtime, including strangers. This is sometimes misconstrued as aggressive, as they sometimes like to play a little rough. Make sure that your pup gets plenty of exercise to avoid any issues.
Intelligent
Australian Shepherds are intelligent and, therefore, very easy to train, including potty training. If you choose to go the professional route with the training, it could cost you about $75 per week and anywhere from $150 to $200 for training equipment.
You could also save a lot of money by doing the training yourself. In this case, we recommend you try the Brain Training for Dogs package for all the tools and guidelines you need to do it right.
Alert
Due to their historical use as shepherd dog breeds and watchdogs, Aussies are very alert and aware of their environment. However, an Australian Shepherd may not be the best guard dog as they do not attack to protect. Instead, they will bark to alert you if there is any suspicious activity.
Do Australian Shepherds Need Haircuts? Grooming Tips For Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds have double coats with very long, beautiful fur. They tend to shed a lot and therefore need a lot of grooming and cleaning up. The length also makes them more prone to matting.
Professional grooming with these doggies could cost you about $50 to $80 per session, depending on the groomer and the services.
You could also do it yourself, in which case, here are a few tips that will come in handy.
Deshed And Demat Every Week
Aussies need to be brushed at least 3 to 4 times every week to eliminate loose fur and detangle any knotted strands. This may seem like a lot, but it should not take you more than 10 minutes at the most with the right tools.
Wash Them Every Month Or Two
In addition to brushing their fur, you should ensure that your Aussie gets a bath once every 6 to 8 weeks or monthly if they are more active and spend a lot of time outdoors
Trim Their Coats Only If Necessary
Aussie coats can grow very long. However, they do not need drastic measures like extreme trims. If you must do it, do not plan for more than one trimming per year, and do not take out too much.
Miscellaneous Routine Grooming
In addition to these specific instructions, you also have to remember routine practices that cut across all breeds. This means investing in their oral hygiene with chew toys and dog dental water additives. It also means trimming their nails and cleaning their ears every month.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Cost? Merle Australian shepherds cost between $600 and $800. This is within range for most Aussies. However, their Merle pattern comes with many health issues that may make their maintenance a bit more expensive. The situation is made worse when you breed two Merle Aussies as health issues primarily affecting vision, hearing, and skin health are amplified.
Are Red Tri Aussies Rare? Red Tri Aussies are pretty rare. Their beautiful coats consist of a red primary coat and both white and copper markings. This unique aesthetic makes them quite popular. The Red Tri Aussie should not be confused with the Red Merle Aussie, which has signature mottled spots and blue eyes.
Are Mini Aussies Hypoallergenic? Contrary to popular belief, Mini Aussies are not hypoallergenic and are therefore not great for dog lovers with allergies or sensitive guests. Like the full-sized Australian Shepherd, it has a long, thick coat that sheds a lot. This dog breed, therefore, needs just as much grooming care with regular brushing to deshed and detangle.
