A Complete Price Guide For The Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are intelligent dogs. They’re the happiest when they have a job to do but can make exceptional house pets if you can keep them busy and entertained. Aussies are work dogs that love to herd everything from cattle to sheep and even humans, cats, and other dogs. If you’re considering the purchase of an Australian Shepherd, you’re probably wondering how much they cost. You’re in the right place to find out. We offer a complete price guide for the Australian Shepherd that includes the average cost of a puppy, supplies, and ongoing expenses along with tips to help you know how to get the best deal on a quality dog.
How much does an Australian Shepherd cost?
The average price for an average healthy Australian Shepherd puppy is between $650 to $3,000, depending on the quality of the dog and the reputation of the breeder. The prices vary because of associated expenses incurred to ensure that breeders deliver healthy puppies. Some puppy mills may charge less for an Aussie puppy, but the pups are often not born under optimal breeding conditions and likely do not have the best start in life. Your Dog Advisor explains that you can expect to pay $650 on the low end for a healthy dog that has been tested for genetic health conditions, and found free of defects with purebred status.
What factors affect the price of an Australian Shepherd?
Dogs in the $650 range from reputable breeders are quality dogs, but they do not have the pedigrees associated with more expensive examples of the breed. Factors affecting the cost of an Australian Shepherd puppy include supply and demand in your region, family history of the pup’s bloodlines, the area you live in, and the quality of the dog. Breeder’s reputation is also a factor in the cost. You need to know some dogs are more expensive before you buy.
For example, if you plan to breed and sell purebred registered Australian Shepherd you may want to plan on paying more for breeding stock. Starting with healthy breeding stock will save money in veterinary expenses. If you plan to produce show-quality dogs with high conformance to AKC breed standards, you will pay more for the dogs with these traits and pedigrees.
They come from long lines of championship dogs with higher values on the market. Some Aussie Shepherds with unique and beautiful markings may cost even more. If you plan to own an Aussie as a family pet or to work with stock, the average classification will likely be the best choice for you.
Why is breeder reputation so important?
Reputable breeders have a solid track history of producing healthy puppies. They start with quality breeding stock, take their dogs to the vet for medical screening to ensure they are free of genetic issues and are in good health. Their breeders receive appropriate medical care, are free of worms and other parasites, and eat a healthy diet.
They also provide for the socialization and emotional development of their dogs. The animals are raised in a healthy and clean environment and given love, attention, and the best possible living conditions. These breeders maintain all records of medical checkups and pedigree status of the dogs under their care. They often screen prospective pet owners to ensure that each puppy goes to a loving home with owners that will provide all their needs and give them a good life.
You can usually learn about breeder reputation through word of mouth, or by conducting an internet search to find out what others say about them. The prices for these puppies are higher than a puppy mill operator charges because they make larger investments into the health and development of the puppies.
Breeders to avoid
Breeders with a poor reputation produce puppies that may have health or behavioral issues as they grow. Puppies, like any babies, require a clean environment with nutritious food, space to play and exercise, and socialization to thrive and have the best start in life. Puppy mill operators are interested in making a quick buck on their dogs.
Many of these breeders skip the vet checkups to save a buck. Some of them fail to maintain the proper health and registration records for their dogs. Your Dog Advisor, warns against dealing with disreputable breeders. It’s wise to physically go to the breeder to purchase a puppy so you can inspect the environment. You can tell which breeders care about their animals and those who do not. Puppy mills may raise dogs in cages or other cramped areas. If the environment is unsanitary and the dogs get fed cheap unhealthy foods, it could be a problem.
You may save a buck on the price of a dog, but the likelihood of your new puppy having health or behavioral problems increases with the quality of the breeder. It’s best to avoid disreputable breeders because you don’t know if you’re getting a healthy puppy.
Avoid potential scams
Some reputable breeders sell puppies online and agree to ship them via freight, but it’s best to deal with the breeder in person. There are a lot of scams out there. Thousands of people trying to buy a dog get robbed by cyber thieves. It’s easy for scammers to steal the photos and information of legitimate breeders and create copycat websites. They require payment online, promising to ship the dog via freight services. They take your money, then either come up with excuses why the dog isn’t sent to you yet. Most of the time, they disappear. Most times it leaves you with no way to pursue prosecution.
Can you find an Australian Shepherd at a pet rescue shelter?
The Australian Shepherd is a popular dog breed. It’s not often that a purebred becomes available at a rescue shelter, but it does happen. The Happy Puppy website, confirms that on rare occasions, rescued Australian Shepherds may become available at pet rescue shelters. Some Aussies come into rescue shelters when puppy mills violate animal cruelty and neglect laws.
Officials remove the dogs from unhealthy environments and make them available to families that meet the criteria for eligibility for adopting the dogs. The prices range per the policies of each rescue shelter. The costs range from $0 to $350. There are pros and cons associated with adopting an Australian Shepherd from a rescue shelter. You’re providing a vulnerable animal with a safe and loving home and making room for other pets in need of help.
The costs are usually less for adoption than buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. While these are all positives, the downside is that you may not know much about the dog’s history. It may have emotional scarring, behavioral problems, or physical defects. It’s often not known if the animal is purebred. These are all things to consider when acquiring an Australian Shepherd from a pet shelter. Shelter adoptions are better solutions for companionship dogs.
Supply costs associated with Australian Shepherd ownership
The first year of ownership is the most expensive for new Australian Shepherd owners. Hepper points out that the one-time setup costs for the first year can be as low as $50 or as high as $500. With many different brands and types of supplies, you can opt to spend the minimum or go all out and prepare for your new puppy in style.
These are items you should have before bringing your new puppy home. You’ll be well-stocked and ready for his arrival. He will need to have a bed, food and water bowls or dispensers, and a nutritious formulation of puppy food. It’s best to consult with the breeder to learn what type of food the puppy has been fed and continue with the same diet to avoid digestive issues. Switching foods can give them temporary stomach issues. You will need a pet taxi to bring him home.
Pet carriers are essential for keeping your Australian Shepherd safe while traveling in a motorized vehicle. It will keep him safely secured so he doesn’t roam around the car and cause an accident. The carrier can also prevent injuries if you’re involved in a traffic accident. You will need the pet carrier to transport him for his medical checkups. They also come in handy for traveling with the family. Your new puppy will also need to have shampoo and grooming supplies.
It’s wise to have a dog-approved toothbrush and toothpaste for his oral care. You can also find dental chew sticks that help with teething and promote gum and tooth health. He will also need nutritious yet tasty dog treats for training and puppy pads for accidents in the house while you’re potty training. Your dog will also need a collar and leash.
He may need a flea and tick collar also. Don’t forget to supply your new puppy with plenty of toys. Giving him his toys will help prevent the dog from chewing up household items such as television remotes, shoes, socks, and more. Aussies are notorious for chewing on whatever they find when they’re teething. Other supplies you may wish to have are a poop scoop for park visits and disposable bags to keep the environment around him more sanitary.
Medical expenses
You will need to establish an animal healthcare provider for your new puppy. He will need to have a wellness checkup to verify that he is developing properly and has no health issues. He will also need to continue with his vaccinations throughout the first year of life. These are essential preventative measures to keep him safe from common canine diseases.
Your veterinarian will put him on a vaccination schedule, deworm him as needed and let you know when it’s time to return for another examination. He may need to return for boosters annually and an occasional wellness checkup. If you’re not planning to breed your Australian Shepherd, the vet will advise you when it’s time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.
It’s the responsible thing to do to avoid unwanted litters of puppies. Another possible expense is microchipping. It’s a procedure that takes just a few moments and is no more painful than a vaccination. A small device the size of a grain of rice gets inserted under the skin. They scan to chip to reveal your dog’s name, owner’s name, address, and telephone number if your puppy is lost or stolen. Most pet rescue shelters routinely scan dogs to attempt to find the owners.
Final thoughts
Australian Shepherds are beautiful and intelligent dogs. They’re not difficult to train and love to do tricks to please their masters. They’re working-class dogs who do best when they have something to do. The first year is usually the most expensive. It’s wise to know the costs associated with owning an Australian Shepherd.
Most Australian Shepherd owners would agree that the benefits outweigh the expenses as these dogs are wonderful companions and good helpers around the farm when trained the right way. Shelter adoptions will cost between $0 to $350, but reputable breeders charge $650 to $3,000 for a purebred, healthy puppy.
Dogs with championship bloodlines and high conformance to AKC breed standards are the most expensive. The cost goes up when you secure breeding rights. You’ll spend the most in the first year of owning your new puppy. He needs supplies to get started. He will need to complete his vaccination series and well-puppy checkups.
After the first year of life, the expenses go down. You may need to buy him new toys, see the vet, and replace his bed and other items as he grows and they wear out. Overall, food will likely be the highest expense most of the time. Continue feeding him vet-approved dog food to ensure that he gets the proper nutrition for good health and long life.
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