Australian Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, agility, and versatility. They can be great companions for active families, farmers, or anyone who loves a smart and energetic dog.
But how much do Australian Shepherds cost? And what are the factors that affect their price? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will also give you some tips on how to find a reputable breeder, what to expect from an Australian Shepherd puppy, and how to care for your Aussie.
The Average Cost of an Australian Shepherd
The average cost of an Australian Shepherd can vary depending on many factors, such as the location, the breeder, the pedigree, the color, the size, and the quality of the dog.
According to [Dog Breeds List], the average price range of an Australian Shepherd is between $600 and $800. However, this is just a rough estimate and the actual price can be much higher or lower depending on the specific dog.
Some of the factors that can influence the price of an Australian Shepherd are:
Location: The price of an Australian Shepherd can vary depending on where you live and where you buy your dog.
Some regions may have more demand or supply than others, which can affect the market price.
For example, if you live in a rural area where Australian Shepherds are common and used for herding livestock, you may find them cheaper than in a city where they are more rare and sought-after.
Breeder: The breeder is one of the most important factors that determine the price of an Australian Shepherd.
A reputable breeder will have high standards for their dogs and will invest a lot of time, money, and effort into breeding healthy and well-socialized puppies.
They will also provide you with health certificates, registration papers, vaccination records, and other documents that prove the quality of their dogs.
A reputable breeder will usually charge more for their puppies than a backyard breeder or a puppy mill that produces dogs without proper care or screening.
Pedigree: The pedigree of an Australian Shepherd refers to its ancestry and lineage. A dog with a purebred pedigree will have parents that are both registered with a recognized kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). A dog with a mixed pedigree will have parents that are not registered or belong to different breeds. A purebred pedigree can increase the value of an Australian Shepherd because it guarantees its breed standard and genetic quality.
A mixed pedigree can decrease the value of an Australian Shepherd because it introduces unknown traits and health risks.
Color: The color of an Australian Shepherd can also affect its price. Australian Shepherds come in four main colors: black, red, blue merle, and red merle.
They can also have white or tan markings on their face, chest, legs, or tail. Some colors are more rare or desirable than others, which can make them more expensive.
For example, blue merle and red merle are considered more unique and attractive than black or red, so they may cost more. However, color preference is subjective and may vary from person to person.
Size: The size of an Australian Shepherd can also influence its price. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and stand between 18 and 23 inches at the shoulder.
However, some breeders may produce smaller or larger versions of the breed, such as mini or toy Aussies. These variations are not recognized by most kennel clubs and may have health issues due to their unnatural size.
Smaller Aussies may be more expensive because they are more cute and portable, while larger Aussies may be cheaper because they are more difficult to handle and maintain.
Quality: The quality of an Australian Shepherd refers to its physical appearance, temperament, health, and performance.
A high-quality Aussie will have a balanced body structure, a thick coat, a friendly personality, a strong immune system, and a good work ethic.
A low-quality Aussie will have defects, diseases, behavioral problems, or poor skills. Quality is determined by both genetics and environment.
A high-quality Aussie will come from a good bloodline and a good breeder who provides proper nutrition, socialization, training, and health care.
A low-quality Aussie will come from a bad bloodline and a bad breeder who neglects or abuses their dogs.
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to how much an Australian Shepherd costs. The price can range from as low as $200 to as high as $4,000 or more depending on the factors mentioned above.
The best way to find out the exact price of an Australian Shepherd is to contact different breeders and compare their offers.
You should also do your research and ask questions about the dog’s history, health, and personality before you make a decision.
How to Find a Reputable Breeder
One of the most important steps in buying an Australian Shepherd is finding a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is someone who cares about the welfare of their dogs and follows ethical and professional standards. A reputable breeder will:
- Provide you with proof of registration, health certificates, vaccination records, and other documents that verify the quality of their dogs.
- Allow you to visit their facility and meet their dogs in person. They will also let you interact with the parents and siblings of the puppy you are interested in.
- Answer all your questions and provide you with information about the breed, the puppy, and the contract. They will also give you advice on how to care for your Aussie and offer you support after the sale.
- Screen their dogs for genetic diseases and other health issues. They will also spay or neuter their dogs or require you to do so if you buy one of their puppies.
- Breed their dogs selectively and responsibly. They will not over breed their dogs or produce too many litters. They will also not breed dogs that have serious faults or defects.
- Socialize and train their puppies from an early age. They will expose their puppies to different people, animals, sounds, and situations to help them develop a confident and friendly temperament.
- Have a good reputation and positive reviews from previous customers. They will also have references or testimonials that you can check.
To find a reputable breeder, you can use various sources, such as:
- The official website of the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), which has a list of approved breeders and a code of ethics that they must follow.
- The official website of the American Kennel Club (AKC), which has a marketplace where you can search for registered breeders by location, breed, and availability.
- Online directories or databases that feature breeders from different countries, such as [PuppyFind] or [EuroBreeder].
- Online forums or communities where you can ask for recommendations or feedback from other Australian Shepherd owners or enthusiasts, such as [Reddit] or [Facebook].
- Local dog shows or events where you can meet breeders and see their dogs in action.
- Word-of-mouth referrals from your friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who have bought an Australian Shepherd from a breeder.
However, you should also be aware of the signs of a bad breeder. A bad breeder is someone who doesn’t care about the welfare of their dogs and only wants to make money. A bad breeder will:
- Not provide you with any proof of registration, health certificates, vaccination records, or other documents that verify the quality of their dogs.
- Not allow you to visit their facility or meet their dogs in person. They may also hide the parents or siblings of the puppy you are interested in.
- Not answer your questions or provide you with information about the breed, the puppy, or the contract. They may also lie or exaggerate about the dog’s characteristics or abilities.
- Not screen their dogs for genetic diseases or other health issues. They may also sell sick or injured puppies without telling you.
- Breed their dogs indiscriminately and irresponsibly. They may over breed their dogs or produce too many litters. They may also breed dogs that have serious faults or defects.
- Not socialize or train their puppies from an early age. They may keep their puppies in cages or isolated areas without proper stimulation or interaction.
- Have a bad reputation and negative reviews from previous customers. They may also have complaints or lawsuits against them.
To avoid a bad breeder, you should avoid sources such as:
- Online classified ads or websites that offer cheap puppies without any background information or guarantees.
- Pet stores or brokers that sell puppies from unknown sources or locations.
- Puppy mills or farms that mass-produce puppies in poor conditions without proper care or screening.
Buying an Australian Shepherd from a reputable breeder may cost more upfront, but it will save you money and trouble in the long run. You will get a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog that will be your loyal friend for life.
What to Expect from an Australian Shepherd Puppy
Once you have found a reputable breeder and chosen your Australian Shepherd puppy, you should prepare yourself for what to expect from your new furry friend.
An Australian Shepherd puppy is not like any other dog. It has some unique traits and needs that you should be aware of before you bring it home.
Energy: An Australian Shepherd puppy is very energetic and active. It needs at least an hour of exercise every day to burn off its excess energy and stay healthy.
You should provide your Aussie with various activities, such as walking, running, playing, fetching, swimming, or agility training. You should also give your Aussie mental stimulation, such as puzzles, toys, or games. An Australian Shepherd puppy that does not get enough exercise or stimulation may become bored, restless, destructive, or hyperactive.
Intelligence: An Australian Shepherd puppy is very intelligent and trainable. It can learn new commands and tricks quickly and easily. You should start training your Aussie as soon as possible, using positive reinforcement and consistency.
You should also teach your Aussie basic manners, such as sit, stay, come, heel, and leave it. An Australian Shepherd puppy that is well-trained and obedient will be a joy to have around and will impress everyone with its skills.
Loyalty: An Australian Shepherd puppy is very loyal and devoted to its owner and family. It will form a strong bond with you and will want to be with you all the time.
You should spend quality time with your Aussie every day, giving it attention, affection, and praise. You should also socialize your Aussie with other people and animals from an early age, so that it does not become shy or aggressive.
An Australian Shepherd puppy that is loved and socialized will be a faithful and friendly companion for life.
Versatility: An Australian Shepherd puppy is very versatile and adaptable. It can adjust to different environments and situations, as long as it has your guidance and support.
You should expose your Aussie to various sights, sounds, smells, and experiences from an early age, so that it does not develop any fears or phobias.
You should also be prepared to provide your Aussie with different opportunities and challenges, such as traveling, hiking, camping, or working.
An Australian Shepherd puppy that is exposed and challenged will be a confident and curious dog that can handle anything.
Coat: An Australian Shepherd puppy has a thick and fluffy coat that comes in four main colors: black, red, blue merle, and red merle.
It also has white or tan markings on its face, chest, legs, or tail. The coat of an Aussie is beautiful and eye-catching, but it also requires regular grooming and maintenance.
You should brush your Aussie at least once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. You should also trim its nails, clean its ears, and check its teeth regularly.
An Australian Shepherd puppy that is groomed and cared for will look healthy and handsome.
These are some of the things you can expect from an Australian Shepherd puppy. Of course, every Aussie is unique and may have its own personality and quirks. But one thing is certain: an Australian Shepherd puppy will bring you a lot of joy and fun.
How to Care for Your Australian Shepherd
Caring for your Australian Shepherd is not difficult if you follow some basic guidelines. Here are some tips on how to care for your Aussie:
Feed your Aussie a high-quality diet: Your Aussie needs a balanced and nutritious diet that meets its energy and health needs.
You should feed your Aussie a high-quality dog food that contains meat as the first ingredient and avoids fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.
You should also provide your Aussie with fresh water at all times. You should avoid feeding your Aussie human food or table scraps, as they may cause digestive problems or allergies.
Exercise your Aussie regularly: Your Aussie needs at least an hour of exercise every day to stay fit and happy.
You should provide your Aussie with various activities that suit its physical abilities and preferences.
For example, you can take your Aussie for a walk or a run in the park, play fetch or tug-of-war with it in the backyard, swim with it in the pool or the lake, or enroll it in an agility or obedience class.
You should also give your Aussie mental stimulation by providing it with puzzles, toys, or games that challenge its intelligence and creativity.
Socialize your Aussie properly: Your Aussie needs proper socialization from an early age to develop a confident and friendly temperament.
You should expose your Aussie to different people, animals, sounds, and situations that it may encounter in its life.
You should introduce your Aussie to new things gradually and positively, making sure that it feels comfortable and safe.
You should also praise or reward your Aussie when it behaves well in new situations. You should avoid forcing your Aussie to face something that it is afraid of or dislikes, as it may cause stress or trauma.
Groom your Aussie regularly: Your Aussie needs regular grooming to keep its coat healthy and beautiful.
You should brush your Aussie at least once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. You should also bathe your Aussie once a month or as needed with a mild dog shampoo.
You should trim your Aussie’s nails every few weeks to prevent them from cracking or splitting.
You should clean your Aussie’s ears once a week with a cotton ball and a gentle ear cleaner. You should also check your Aussie’s teeth regularly and brush them with a dog toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Provide your Aussie with a comfortable home: Your Aussie needs a comfortable and safe home where it can rest and relax.
You should provide your Aussie with a cozy bed or crate where it can sleep at night or nap during the day.
You should also provide your Aussie with enough space where it can play and exercise indoors.
You should make sure that your home is free of hazards or dangers that may harm your Aussie, such as wires, cords, chemicals, or sharp objects.
You should also keep your home at a moderate temperature and humidity level that suits your Aussie’s needs.
These are some of the tips on how to care for your Australian Shepherd. By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your Aussie is happy and healthy.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are amazing dogs that can make great pets for anyone who loves a smart and energetic dog. However, they are not for everyone. They require a lot of time, attention, and care to thrive.
We hope that this blog post has helped you learn more about how much Australian Shepherds cost and what factors affect their price. We also hope that it has given you some useful tips on how to find a reputable breeder, what to expect from an Australian Shepherd puppy, and how to care for your Aussie.
