How Much Does a Shetland Sheepdog Cost in Australia?
Also known as: Sheltie
Purchase Price
$2,000 – $4,000
Annual Food Cost
~$840
Lifespan
12–15 years
Size
small (6–12kg)
Calculate Your Shetland Sheepdog Costs
Purchase Price
Purchasing a Shetland Sheepdog from a registered breeder in Australia typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000. Adopting from a shelter or rescue organisation is significantly cheaper, usually between $250 and $500, and often includes desexing, microchipping, and initial vaccinations.
Ongoing Costs
Shetland Sheepdogs have a thick double coat requiring professional grooming every 6 weeks ($60-$100 per session), making grooming a significant ongoing cost. Dermatomyositis is a breed-specific immune disorder requiring lifelong management ($1,000-$4,000). Collie Eye Anomaly should be screened for by the breeder. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, keeping training costs low.
Common Health Issues
Typical treatment: $500 – $2,000
Typical treatment: $1,000 – $4,000
Typical treatment: $3,000 – $8,500
Typical treatment: $300 – $1,200
Insurance
Pet insurance for a Shetland Sheepdog in Australia typically costs between $35 and $70 per month.
Tips to Save Money
- ✓Consider adopting from a shelter — you'll save on purchase price and often get vaccinations and desexing included.
- ✓Buy food in bulk or subscribe to regular deliveries for discounts at stores like Pet Circle.
- ✓Learn basic grooming between professional sessions to extend the time between visits.
- ✓Compare pet insurance policies annually — premiums can vary significantly between providers.