Shetland Sheepdogs make a wonderful addition to most homes, but do you know how much one costs? Finding out the price of a Shetland Sheepdog can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be. To help you decide if you can afford to own and care for a Shetland Sheepdog, we have outlined the average price of one and the ongoing costs you will need to pay to help you decide if it’s the right dog for you.
A Shetland Sheepdog can cost between $400 and $5,500 in Australia, depending on whether they are adopted from a shelter or purchased from a registered breeder. The cost also varies depending on the reputation of the breeder, the age of the dog, and whether there are any health conditions to be aware of.
When buying a Shetland Sheepdog, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $5,000. The cost varies greatly depending on the age of the dog, the breeder’s reputation, and the dog’s lineage. Usually, you can expect puppies to be the most expensive, costing between $2,000 and $5,000.
Older dogs, aged between one and two, can cost around $1,200 to $3,000, while retired show dogs and adult dogs will cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
When buying a dog from a breeder, we recommend any price that seems too good to be true probably is. Unregistered breeders will sell dogs at a lower cost, but they won’t have been cared for in the same way and may come with genetic conditions. If you are buying a dog from a breeder, it is always best to opt for a registered breeder.
Adopting a Shetland Sheepdog from a shelter is far cheaper than purchasing from a breeder and costs between $400 to $900. The cost varies depending on the location of the shelter, the dog’s age, and any health conditions it may have. While adoption shelters don’t have access to the same lineage information as breeders, they will provide you with as much information about the dog’s health and personality. Adoption shelters aim to match dogs to the right homes, so you can expect to answer questions about your home, its security, and your lifestyle.
A few factors will influence the cost of a Shetland Sheepdog, including the lineage of the dog, their age, and the reputation of the breeder. It is important that you understand what influences the cost to ensure you find the right price and dog for your needs. We have outlined the main factors that will impact the cost of your Shetland Sheepdog.
The lineage of the dog is an important factor in its cost. Purebred Shetland Sheepdogs will cost more, especially if the breeder offers certificates proving their lineage. The more authentic and certified the lineage of a dog is, the more expensive they tend to be.
Age plays a role in the price of a Shetland Sheepdog, with puppies being the most expensive. As puppies are popular, breeders tend to charge more for them. The higher price for puppies also includes some costs the breeder has already paid, like vet bills and vaccinations. Older dogs and rescue dogs are usually cheaper, as people are less likely to choose an older dog. However, older dogs can have just as much energy and love as puppies and make wonderful additions to many homes.
Another vital factor to consider is the breeder of the dog. You should not be purchasing a Shetland Sheepdog from any unregistered or unlicensed breeders, as they are not held to the same standards, and you could end up with a poorly puppy or one that has not been well cared for.
Reputable, registered breeders provide a high level of care for your puppy and tend to have paid for genetic testing to ensure the dogs they are breeding are healthy and will not pass any genetic conditions to puppies. The higher cost you pay for a breeder is linked not only to their reputation but also to the vaccinations, certificates, and vet costs that are paid before you bring your puppy home.
Alongside the cost of purchasing a Shetland Sheepdog, you also need to consider how much you will spend on essentials for them. Your dog will need a bed, food bowls, collars, and leads before you even get to buy fun accessories like toys and blankets.
The essentials for your Shetland Sheepdog can cost between $10 to $200 per item, depending on the brand, size, and quality. Many of these items will need to be repurchased as your dog grows or they become damaged, so you need to ensure you will always be able to provide a comfortable life for your dog. We have outlined the essential costs you need to be aware of below:
Dog crate: costs between $30 and $200, depending on the size and brand. A Shetland Sheepdog needs a medium crate with plenty of room for them to stretch and sleep.
Dog bed: costs between $20 and $100, depending on the size and material used. Large and thick beds are a good option for Shetland Sheepdogs, but keep in mind these can be expensive.
Feeding bowl: costs between $10 and $50 depending on how many bowls you buy, their size, and if extra equipment is needed, like stands.
Dog collar/lead: costs between $10 and $150 depending on the brand and quality. Leather collars are considered the most comfortable, but their premium price can be off-putting. For a Shetland Sheepdog, we recommend a durable yet comfortable collar.
Dog toothbrush: costs between $11 and $100 depending on the brand and if they are manual or electric. An electric toothbrush is a worthwhile investment if your dog has any dental issues.
Dog car harness: costs between $20 and $70 depending on the brand and size. A medium harness is usually needed for Shetland Sheepdogs, although your puppy might require a smaller size initially.
Puppy treats cost between $10 and $15 a week, depending on the brand and how many treats your dog eats.
Puppy training pads: cost between $10 and $30, depending on how many are needed to toilet train your dog. You don’t need to use these, and some older or rescue dogs won’t require toilet training.
Dog shampoo and conditioner: costs between $10 and $50 depending on the brand and if specialist shampoos for skin conditions are required. Typically, you need a prescription for these, which increases the cost.
Dog brushes, nail clippers, and combs cost between $20 and $50, depending on the brand and how many tools you purchase. The materials of the tools will also impact its cost.
The maintenance costs for a Shetland Sheepdog can vary greatly depending on the brands of food you choose, the vet you choose, and how often they are groomed. When calculating their maintenance costs, you can break them down over a year or monthly to help you consider your budget and see if you can afford to provide the care they deserve. We have outlined the main maintenance costs below for you.
The cost of feeding a shetland sheepdog varies depending on the type of food you choose to feed them, but it can cost between $60 and $100 a month. Shetland Sheepdogs are very energetic and require a balanced diet to support them, featuring high-quality meat. Finding this on a budget can be tricky but not impossible. You will need to spend some time researching and checking ingredients, but you can find a suitable food for your dog.
To help you better understand the cost, we have the daily cost for feeding an adult Shetland Sheepdog, based on their weight of 6.4 to 12 kg:
Veterinary care will cost between $30 and $1,000 per item for your Shetland Sheepdog. Over the course of a year, it can add up, so it’s important that you consider carefully if you can afford these routine and preventative treatments. The cost of veterinary care does vary across Australia, depending on your dog’s size, needs, and the costs of your local vet.
The costs you can expect to pay are outlined below, but they do not include treating any health conditions or concerns that your dog may have. We recommend purchasing a comprehensive pet insurance policy to reduce any surprise costs and to speak to your vet about any payment schemes they might offer.
Annual vet checkups: cost between $100 and $300, depending on the vet you choose and if follow-up appointments or treatments are needed.
Vaccinations: cost between $50 and $200 depending on your dog’s weight, the dosage needed, and whether additional vaccinations for travelling are needed.
Worming and parasite treatment: costs between $50 and $300, depending on the weight of your dog and how often they need the treatment. Treatments to remove rather than prevent parasites can cost more on top of this.
Dental cleaning: can cost between $200 and $1,000 and is recommended every one to two years. The level of cleaning required impacts the cost and if your dog needs to be sedated for the treatment.
Pet insurance: costs between $30 and $80 a month depending on the age of your dog, any pre-existing health conditions that need to be covered, and the level of coverage you choose. Annual payment options tend to reduce the cost of your insurance.
Grooming a Shetland Sheepdog can be done at home, but due to their size and thick fur, many owners opt to leave it to professionals. A professional groomer can help to trim excess fur, wash your dog, clip nails, and more, with the correct equipment to keep them safe and content during the groom. You can expect to pay between $60 and $100 for your Shetland Sheepdog groom, depending on the treatment you choose and the prices of your groomer. We have included a price breakdown below so that you know what to expect:
Some groomers will charge an additional fee for de-mating your dog’s fur. As a Shetland Sheepdogs fur can get thick and mat, we recommend brushing it regularly to prevent any painful mats that would need to be cut away. Extra charges can also apply if your dog attends the groom with fleas, so it is important you remain up to date with their preventative treatments.
Training a Shetland Sheepdog is essential, but you don’t need to train them without any assistance. You can enlist the help of a trainer with obedience, reactivity, or any issue you might face with your dog. The price of training will vary across Australia depending on the trainer you choose and the type of training you want, but you can expect to spend between $50 and $250 a session. There might be an option to reduce the cost of your training by booking multiple sessions in advance, but this would need to be discussed with your trainer.
You can expect to pay the following for your training:
Basic obedience training: $50 to $250
Specialised training, like anxiety or aggression: $50 to $250
Puppy training classes: $30 to $230
There is more than the initial purchase cost involved when buying a Shetland Sheepdog, but don’t let that put you off. Understanding the full costs before you dive in will help you work out whether you can afford to care for a Shetland Sheepdog and how much you need to set aside for one.
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