Learning about the Australian Shepherd breed would be best to guide your purchase. It will also help to research the reputation of breeders in your area. Doing these will ensure that you get a quality-bred Shepherd puppy.
Are Australian Shepherds Expensive?
Australian Shepherds are not the most expensive dog breed available. However, they cannot be considered cheap either. The most lavish dog breed’s price starts at $3,000, while the cheapest is $300.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Cost So Much?
If you plan to buy an Australian Shepherd, you must know that several factors affect their price. These are:
- Breeder Reputation
- Coat Color
- Pedigree
- Health and Gender
- Location
Breeder Reputation
Not all dog breeders are equal. Some casual breeders breed dogs as a hobby. Some might even be running a puppy mill. You want to go to the reputable ones who earn their name by producing superior puppies.
Reputable breeders are more knowledgeable about the breeds they raise. They can answer all your questions and support you in caring for your puppy after your purchase.
Good breeders maintain ample space for the dogs’ lodging and exercise. They provide high-quality nutrition and care to their studs, dams, and sires. You are paying for these when you get a puppy from reputable breeders.
Coat Color
Tricolor and merle variants are this breed’s two most sought-after coat and color patterns. As the law of supply and demand comes into play, some breeders tend to charge extra for these features.
Pedigree
Pedigrees provide information about a dog. These should be available, especially if you’re inquiring from a reputable breeder. It provides details on the puppy’s family history and others. This information will tell you if your dog has a good potential for a specific skill.
Breeders register their dogs of a particular line with a Kennel Club. For example, if you see the symbol “CH” on an ancestor of a puppy, it means that this dog was a champion in a show competition.
If you are looking to train a show dog, you must look at the puppy’s pedigree. Australian Shepherds were bred as herding dogs. Some of their ancestors must have won a herding competition. Having more champions in their line makes them more expensive.
However, if you’re only looking for a family pet, then a companion Aussie is what you need. A history of herding champions is unnecessary. There is no need to pay the premium price for this trait.
Health and Gender
Aside from competition records, the pedigree will also reflect health information. Dogs are graded E for excellent, G for good, or F for fair. Health issues such as dysplasia and eye diseases are also documented. The healthier the Australian Shepherd puppy’s family line is, the higher its price will be.
Male Shepherds grow taller and heavier than females. Their hair is also longer. They don’t get estrus (a female’s monthly fertile period) and don’t need to wait for it to reproduce. These factors affect why male Australian Shepherds are pricier than females.
Location
Again, the law of supply and demand applies to location. Regions with higher demand for Aussies could place a premium on their prices. Areas with more breeders also mean better prices. This concept is the same for all dog breeds.
If you find better deals from a reputable breeder in another state and are willing to go there, it’s a good idea to check them out.
How Much Do Australian Shepherds Cost?
Australian Shepherds cost in the range of $300 to $2,000. The cost can be driven up to $3,000, depending on different factors. Some of these are breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.
How Much Does a Male Australian Shepherd Cost?
A male Australian Shepherd is more expensive than its female counterpart. They cost an average of $600 to $2,000. Pay attention to the other factors that affect the cost of the dog you’re getting, such as location. A male Aussie in one place could have the same price as a female in another location.
How Much Does a Female Australian Shepherd Cost?
Female Australian Shepherds are less expensive than males. Depending on factors affecting the price, it may cost you between $300 to $2,000.
How Much Is a Purebred Australian Shepherd?
The average price of a purebred Australian Shepherd is in the range of $1,000 and $3,000. The price can increase depending on the pup’s age, gender, health, etc. Reputable breeders produce top-quality Aussie puppies that cost as much as $3,000.
How Do I Choose an Australian Shepherd?
Once you decide to get a Shepherd, the first thing you need to do is to determine which dog trait to prioritize. Think about what is important to you and your family to have in a dog. You can do this by examining your lifestyle, home, and the time you can devote to caring for the dog.
Typically, breeders selectively raise their dogs for particular qualities. When you know what you’re looking for, find a breeder who values and breeds those traits. Examples are show skills, herding ability, companionship, or versatility.
Visiting the breeder’s facility is helpful. You can check to see if the litter’s parents are healthy and active. Observe if they possess the qualities and temperament you are looking for. Talk with your breeder and ask questions about the parent dogs.
Ask to see the litter to observe their health, energy, appetite, and build. Healthy puppies are active, alert, and responsive. They won’t appear to be passive or withdrawn. If you can, interact with the puppies to see if their temperament suits what you’re looking for. Observe how they respond to you when you call or pet them.
You can make several trips to the breeder to interact with the puppies. Choose the puppy with the best qualities and the color and gender you prefer. Finally, ask the breeder to reserve the puppy for you.
Where to Buy Australian Shepherds
The best place to buy an Australian Shepherd is from a reputable breeder. Check the American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace online. Look into their directory of Aussie breeders and find one in your state or nearby areas. You can also do your own research to find a reliable breeder.
Can You Adopt an Australian Shepherd?
Animal shelters and rescue organizations allow you to adopt an Australian Shepherd. Typically, rescue dogs have been abandoned, abused, or surrendered. Be patient with them. Any rescue dog would need a longer adjustment than a new puppy.
Where Can I Adopt an Australian Shepherd?
You can adopt an Australian Shepherd from animal shelters and rescue organizations. There may be more choices available if you go through a rescue agency. Also, you are more likely to find purebred Aussies from rescue organizations.
Whichever facility you choose, ensure to talk with the workers and volunteers. Inform them of the qualities and temperament you are looking for. Doing this will help them to match you with the perfect Shepherd.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd?
Depending on the organization, adopting an adult Australian Shepherd can range from $50 to $250. The price could go as high as over $300 for an Aussie puppy. The adoption fee includes tests, vaccines, checkups, and deworming. It includes other costs in caring for the dog before adoption.
How Much Is a Rescue Australian Shepherd?
Getting a rescue Australian Shepherd may cost between $50 to $400. The price covers the expenses incurred caring for the dog while in the facility. It would also depend on the capacity of the rescue organization or animal shelter.
Should I Buy an Australian Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd is an excellent dog breed. Before you decide to get one, consider the following information:
- Aussies are dominant.
- Exercise is a must.
- Aussies can become attached and overprotective.
- Australian shepherds can be costly.
Aussies Are Dominant.
Because they were bred to herd cattle, they will tend to seek to be in control. Since there won’t be sheep in your home, they might attempt to control you. To succeed with a Shepherd, you must find ways to be the alpha of your pack. Otherwise, get ready to take orders from the new alpha dog.
The same concern can be challenging if you have existing pets. Even if you get a puppy, the Australian Shepherd will try to take the reins once it is able.
Exercise Is a Must.
A well-trained Australian Shepherd is a happy dog. They are fond of learning new things and showing them off. You have to commit your time and energy to them. If not, it is better to find a less active breed.
Australian Shepherds thrive on tons of mental stimulation and exercise. You have to devote your time and effort to answer this need. Without regular vigorous exercise, your dog will likely change in demeanor. Boredom will lead them to become agitated, restless, and short-tempered.
If you don’t have a fenced yard, you must bring your Shepherd to one regularly. Never deny their frequent and strenuous exercise requirement, or you will regret it.
Aussies Can Become Attached and Overprotective.
Australian Shepherds are highly affectionate. They want to be where the action is. Often called Velcro dogs, they like to stay literally close to you. Think twice if you have someone with poor balance or very young children at home. An Aussie brushing against their legs might topple them over and become a cause for safety.
Shepherds believe they have to protect their turf. They can be very cautious towards strangers. Unless they’ve been socialized, they can become aggressive to your guests.
On the other end of the spectrum, Aussies may become extremely shy and fearful of unfamiliar people. This can also lead to excessive barking, aggression, and biting. Before getting an Aussie, ensure that you have the time for regular socialization.
Australian Shepherds Can Be Costly.
Other than the initial costs, there will be ongoing bills that can add up fast. There are food expenses, veterinarian costs, shots, and training courses.
Like other active dogs, the cost of cleaning supplies and repairing damaged furniture might be high. It would help if you were also prepared for severe illnesses.
Owning an Aussie is a challenge. Get one if you think you can handle them and are willing to commit to what they need. The costs and demands may be high, but Australian Shepherds can indeed be fulfilling.
