The Australian Shepherd is a well-liked canine breed recognized for its loyalty and intelligence. They’re additionally a flexible breed as a circle of relatives canine, agility canine or even a ranch herding canine. When you’re fascinated about including an Aussie in your circle of relatives, you’ll in finding the Australian Shepherd value varies a great deal, from shelters and rescues to breeders.
Let’s check out the numerous choices you have got for including an Aussie–or an Aussie combine–to your own home and middle.

How A lot Does an Australian Shepherd Price from a Breeder?
An Australian Shepherd pet value can vary any place from $700-$3,000. There are lots of elements that may have an effect on the cost, starting from the breeder’s recognition to even the canine’s coat colour.
Typically, male Aussies are in most cases dearer than feminine canines, and a few coat colours (like blue merle) are dearer than others.
The fee depends upon a number of elements:
- The positioning of the breeder. The principles of provide and insist pertain to canines as neatly so higher metropolitan spaces are frequently dearer.
- The pedigree of the fogeys. Aussies that experience participated in sanctioned competitions have dearer litters.
- Whether or not the Aussie is a display high quality canine, a running canine line or a puppy high quality canine. Maximum breeders would require that puppy high quality canines be spayed/neutered on the suitable age. Display high quality pups with a long run in aggressive canine presentations and breeding are dearer. Aussies from a running line are bred with an eye fixed on conduct, now not for a similar appears as a display canine. (In truth, the darker colours which can be much less in style in Aussie display canine traces are extra in style in running canine traces to cut back the chance of sunburn.)
- The age of the canine. Doggies are undoubtedly dearer; chances are you’ll sometimes discover a breeder promoting a retired breeding Australian Shepherd that originated on the breeder however has been returned.
- The colour of the Aussie. AKC identified 4 colours: black, blue merle, pink and pink merle. The Canadian Kennel Membership, the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the Kennel Membership of the United Kingdom acknowledge the similar colours. The blue merle is generally the most costly colour from breeders.
While you buy an Australian Shepherd from a breeder, the cost in most cases comprises the canine’s registration papers and pictures. Some breeders may also come with a well being ensure. Remember to ask about what’s integrated in the cost prior to you’re making your buy. See the Well being Assessments segment under to grasp which assessments are essential for breeders to accomplish.
When adopting from a breeder, it’s particularly essential to make sure to are adopting from a credible breeder—now not a yard breeder and now not an internet dealer. Beneath we’ll have a look at how you’ll make sure to are speaking with a accountable Australian Shepherd breeder.
What’s the Value of an Australian Shepherd Combine?
Typically, a practical Australian Shepherd combine or crossbreed is decrease priced than a purebred Australian Shepherd–however that may range with the combo. And there are a LOT of practical mixes.
With the intelligence and excellent appears of the Australian Shepherd, it’s no wonder that the breed has been used for many practical crossbreeds.
The Aussiedoodle, one of the most many Doodle crosses that come with a Poodle father or mother, is a well-liked combine–and will value greater than a purebred Aussie. Aussiedoodle pups can also be priced any place from $500 to $5000.
The Aussiedor (also known as a Sheprador), an Aussie and Labrador Retriever combine, is typically decrease priced; pups vary from $350-800.

Right here in Texas, the Texas Heeler, an Aussie and Blue Heeler (Australian Livestock Canine) combine is in style. Costs for Texas Heeler pups vary from about $400-$800.
Well being Assessments for Aussies
Like any breeds, Australian Shepherds are liable to a number of orthopedic and hereditary illnesses—so respected breeders will behavior trying out on each oldsters to lend a hand make certain a wholesome clutter. The United States Australian Shepherd Affiliation recommends those assessments as obligatory for Aussies:
And those assessments are extremely advisable:
- Hereditary Cataracts (HSF4). A mutation within the HSF4 gene may cause cataracts in some breeds, together with Aussies.
- Multi Drug Sensitivity (MDR1). Multi Drug Sensitivity is a mutation of the MDR1 gene. This mutation allows medication to affect the mind and will reason neurological issues or even loss of life. Ivermectin–the drug in lots of heartworm preventatives–is only one drug that can’t be given to canines with this situation. Roughly 50% of Australian Shepherds have Multi Drug Sensitivity so it’s essential to have this take a look at carried out–both via the breeder or by yourself.
- Collie Eye Anomoly (CEA). Also known as collie eye defect, this genetic situation doesn’t simply affect collies but additionally Australian Shepherds and a few different breeds.
When you undertake a rescue Aussie, you probably received’t have the good thing about those assessments–however you’ll run the Embark Canine DNA Take a look at the usage of a easy saliva take a look at you’ll carry out at house. It assessments for over 215 genetic illnesses and prerequisites–together with the MDR1 genetic mutation that can assist you make a choice heartworm preventative. (Embark too can take a look at to peer in case your new canine is an Aussie or aggregate of the 350+ breeds in its database.)
The best way to Discover a Respected Australian Shepherd Breeder
- Test the Breeder Listing at america Australian Shepherd Affiliation.
- Attend a sanctioned canine display and communicate with breeders and competition for suggestions.
- Ask your veterinarian for suggestions relating to respected breeders.
When you’ve discovered a couple of names, do an internet seek to be told extra and slim your checklist.
Seek for “BREEDER NAME lawsuits” or “BREEDER NAME rip-off” to peer in the event you in finding lawsuits. Are there any Higher Trade Bureau (BBB) lawsuits? Test the Fb web page of the breeder and browse throughout the feedback. (Take into account, then again, that feedback can also be deleted via the web page proprietor.)
When you’ve narrowed your selection, it’s time to speak to the breeder:
- Ask for references. The breeder must be at liberty to percentage the identify and make contact with knowledge for patrons.
- Ask questions. Loads of questions. The breeder must be at liberty to reply to questions in regards to the pet, the pet’s oldsters (and grandparents!), the socialization the pet has won, the well being assessments and screening he has won and extra. The breeder must be satisfied to percentage the take a look at effects from the well being assessments and screenings and must be at liberty to will let you meet a minimum of the mum (if now not the sire as neatly) of the Aussie pups.
- Ask how frequently the canines are bred. A breeder shouldn’t have Australian Shepherd pups on the market all the time; respected breeders will selectively breed and most effective have pups on the market sometimes.
- Ask to excursion the kennels. Are they neatly maintained? Do the canines glance wholesome? Watch out for operations that won’t will let you excursion the kennels and breeders that need to meet you in a carpark at hand over the pet.
- Be ready for questions. The breeder must ask YOU questions as neatly; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions on your previous historical past with pets, your residing scenario, and many others. The breeder must need to understand how a lot enjoy you have got with herding breeds, what your coaching plans are and your plans for exercising the canine. (Aussies require numerous workout!)
- Ask if the breeder will take the Aussie again if essential. Respected breeders must now not most effective agree to simply accept the canine if it doesn’t figure out and even upon your loss of life—however require that the canine be returned to them for rehoming.
- Ask for a freelance. VCA Animal Clinic recommends that the breeder “Supplies a written contract with a ensure of well being permitting time for a pre-purchase exam via a veterinarian of your selection. If scientific issues are recognized, the breeder must readily take the puppy again and supply a complete refund.”
- Ask for registration papers to your identify.
Australian Shepherd breeders might undertake out of the realm however, however, you’ll want to pass to the breeder to fulfill the fogeys, view the kennels and convey house your pet in individual. This may upload in your bills—however breeders that delivery a pet via air are placing the canine in danger.
If you wish to purchase an Australian Shepherd on-line, please assume once more. There are a large number of scams; other folks spend 1000’s of bucks for a canine and not obtain a pet. AKC warns attainable puppy oldsters to be cautious of any dealer requesting cost via Venmo, in reward playing cards or as a cord switch.
Unfortunately many canines offered on-line and in puppy stores are frequently the results of pet generators, puts the place canines reside 24/7 in horrible stipulations with out human socialization and frequently with critical well being problems. Canine bought from pet generators can imply years of heartache and dear veterinary care–and perpetuating a merciless trade.
The professionals of buying from an Australian Shepherd breeder:
- You could possibly make a choice a pet—together with a collection of colour and gender.
- Chances are you’ll download well being screenings for the pet’s oldsters.
- A credible breeder will probably be enthusiastic about Aussies and can a useful resource for future years.
The cons of buying from a Aussie breeder
- You are going to pay way more for a Aussie from a breeder than a rescue or refuge. When you discover a breeder who has Australian Shepherd pups on the market at costs a lot less than you might be seeing from different Aussie breeders, you should suspect you might be coping with a yard breeder who has now not carried out well being screening, with an internet dealer who is working a pet mill or with any individual who’s working a rip-off. Beware.
- It is very important wait till pups are to be had.
- It is very important do your individual due diligence to choose a credible breeder.
What’s the Value of Adopting an Australian Shepherd at a Breed Rescue?

Australian Shepherds in rescues are a long way more economical that the ones at a breeder. Typically the cost of an Aussie at an Australian Shepherd rescue will vary from $150-$500, relying at the location and the age of the canine. Doggies beneath a yr previous would be the costliest.
You’ll in finding each purebred Aussies, Aussie mixes and possible Aussies at breed rescues. As a result of Aussies are this type of in style breed, there are lots of Aussie rescues.
Additionally test with different herding breed rescues–we’ve noticed Aussies for adoption at Border Collie rescues and Australian Livestock Canine rescues as neatly.
The Aussies to be had in rescues may have won a protracted checklist of treasured services and products:
- Spay/neuter, generally
- Age suitable pictures
- Heartworm screening and per 30 days preventative
- De-worming
- Wellness consult with
- Any veterinary care the canine can have required whilst looking forward to adoption
The price of those services and products, relying in your vet and the gender of your canine, may just vary from $300-500 in the event you went to buy the similar services and products.
Maximum breed rescues perform via a foster device of trustworthy Australian Shepherd enthusiasts; as a result of the time spent in a house, the foster will have the ability to let you know in regards to the canine’s character, likes and dislikes–and what form of house this canine would do very best in.
Breed rescues typically have extra stringent adoption processes to make sure a excellent are compatible each for you and the Aussie.
For instance, Lone Megastar Aussie Rescue most effective adopts to households with out kids beneath age 5 in the house as a result of the vigorous nature and herding intuition of the breed. Many rescues would require a house consult with as neatly.
The canines which can be up for adoption at Aussie rescues is also there for various causes:
- Loss of life of an proprietor.
- Exchange in proprietor’s residing scenario. Perhaps they moved out of pet-friendly housing, had well being demanding situations, have been not ready to find the money for the price of a canine, had a toddler and not sought after a canine, were given a brand new boyfriend who didn’t like canines…the explanations run the gamut.
- Homeowners that weren’t in a position for the demanding situations of an lively herding canine.
- Misplaced Aussies that the rescue had noticed on refuge internet sites.
- Australian Shepherds a breeder not sought after.
Regardless of the explanation why, Aussies in rescue might or would possibly not include papers, relying on whether or not or now not the canine was once surrendered with papers.
To discover a breed rescue, seek for “Australian Shepherd rescue close to me.” Some rescues will most effective undertake in state or to surrounding states because of the truth that many require a house consult with.
You might also in finding Aussie rescues at puppy expos and particular occasions to your space. Rescues will frequently have a sales space with knowledge at the rescue and a couple of adoptable canines. Don’t be expecting to undertake and stroll away with an Australian Shepherd at the similar day; the expo will probably be your likelihood to be told extra in regards to the adoption procedure and, if you have an interest, fill out an adoption utility.
The Execs of Adopting from an Aussie Rescue
- You are going to be saving a existence. Maximum canines at breed rescues are pulled from shelters, frequently open-intake shelters that might not be no-kill shelters.
- It is possible for you to to undertake an Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd combine for a long way much less cash than buying a canine from a breeder.
- It is possible for you to to speak with people who find themselves enthusiastic about the Aussie breed in regards to the particular person canine you have an interest in adopting.
- You are going to have a community of help to lend a hand along with your questions as you acclimate an Australian Shepherd into your existence.
The Cons of Adopting from a Breed Rescue
- Chances are you’ll or would possibly not have the ability to in finding an Australian Shepherd pet. Our most up-to-date seek introduced up 4-month-old Aussie and a 9-month-old Mini Aussie so it’s undoubtedly an opportunity.
- Until the rescue is aware of the historical past of the canine, you probably received’t know if the canine’s oldsters had the well being screenings we mentioned above.
- Your canine might or might not be a purebred Australian Shepherd and might or would possibly not have papers. Some canines are become breed rescue via homeowners who’ve papers and a complete background at the canine, then again.
What’s the Value of Adopting an Aussie at a Safe haven?

The least pricey choice in terms of Australian Shepherd costs is the refuge, both a municipal refuge or a privately-operated refuge. Typically you’ll be expecting to pay $50-150 at a municipal refuge and reasonably extra at a privately-operated refuge.
Like canines at breed rescues, maximum refuge canines have noticed a veterinarian and won a complete suite of therapies together with spay/neuter, pictures suitable for his or her age, deworming, microchipping and extra. Bought one after the other, the ones services and products can vary from about $350 to $500.
To find an Aussie at a refuge, name your native refuge or get started your seek on-line. Petfinder’s Australian Shepherd web page will checklist the overall collection of adoptable Australian Shepherds lately within the database. Click on at the hyperlink of adoptable Aussies within the most sensible left nook; you’ll then input your zip code to peer adoptables close to you. The listings will come with each rescues and shelters.
You’ll be able to seek for canines via age and gender–and via distance (some shelters and rescues will undertake out of space). You’ll be able to additionally seek via colour if you’re set on a specific coat colour.
As with adopting from a breed rescue, you’ll in finding that canines have change into homeless for an enormous number of causes, frequently having not anything to do with the conduct of the canine however with adjustments to the landlord’s residing scenario or loss of time to coach and acclimate the canine correctly.
In contrast to adopting from a breed rescue, canines at a refuge will typically be housed on the refuge (despite the fact that an expanding quantity make the most of foster properties every time they are able to, particularly for pups). If the canine is housed on the refuge, you would possibly not know so much about his or her character. Communicate with the refuge group of workers and ask if the canine has been temperament examined and if they are able to let you know if the canine is skittish, shy, outgoing, has any prior coaching, and many others.
Ask the refuge if they’ve any background at the canines; you can be stunned to discover a pet whose purebred mom got here in as a pregnant misplaced canine and gave start on the refuge. It undoubtedly occurs.
And whilst you might even see canines indexed as an Aussie at a refuge or on on-line adoption websites, that can or would possibly not imply they’re Aussies, purebred or combined. Shelters use their very best judgement, frequently whilst intaking many canines, so occasionally the accuracy of the breed is questionable.
A rising collection of shelters don’t try to wager on the breed of a canine however as an alternative label them as combined breed within the listings. You’ll be able to indisputably scroll throughout the listings–however you’ll additionally kind via coat period and colour to lend a hand convey extra extra attainable Aussie adoptables.
The Execs of Adopting an Australian Shepherd from a Safe haven
- You’re saving a existence, now not most effective of the canine you undertake however of the following canine who will probably be rescued because of the kennel this is now transparent.
- Your new canine may have won a protracted checklist of veterinary services and products.
- You are going to have the affection of a canine whose value was once a long way lower than that of a canine from a breeder.
The Cons of Adopting an Aussie from a Safe haven
- Your canine might or might not be a purebred or an Aussie combine.
- You probably received’t know if the canine’s oldsters had the well being screenings we mentioned above.
- You would possibly not know the historical past of the canine.
Particular Wishes Aussies
Unfortunately breeding of merle Australian Shepherds and Miniature Australian Shepherds to every other merle canine may end up in “double merle” pups that may be born deaf, blind or each.
Double merle canines also are occasionally referred to as “deadly whites“– now not as a result of their blindness or deafness is deadly however as a result of tragically loss of life is frequently the end result when an unscrupulous breeder sees a double merle pet.
Those canines, with white fur and light eyes, in the beginning look nearly seem like albino canines with little pigment. A more in-depth glance will frequently display abnormally small eyes or eyes with deformed iris.
You’ll in finding a number of rescues specializing in discovering properties for those double merle canines.
Keller’s Purpose makes a speciality of double merle canines; in addition they characteristic adoptable canines on their Fb web page.
Superb Aussies Deadly White Rescue of Arizona rescues double merle Australian Shepherds.
Pin it to keep in mind the Australian Shepherd Value
