Australian Cattle Dog vs Devon Rex: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Devon Rex is cheaper by $1,545 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $12,370.
| Cost Factor | Australian Cattle Dog | Devon Rex |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $270 | $485 |
| Initial vet costs | $535 | $370 |
| Annual food | $720 | $455 |
| Annual vet | $535 | $370 |
| Annual grooming | $400 | $185 |
| Annual insurance | $645 | $315 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,130 | $2,585 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,500 | $1,475 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,130 | $21,760 |
Australian Cattle Dog vs Devon Rex: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Cattle Dog works out to roughly $34,130, while a Devon Rex comes to about $21,760 — a difference of $12,370 (36%). The Devon Rex is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.
The biggest single difference is insurance: a Australian Cattle Dog costs about $645 a year for insurance, versus $315 for the other breed. Both are medium-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Devon Rex wins the first year by $1,545. If you're planning for the long haul, the Devon Rex saves about $12,370 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,500 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Australian Cattle Dog
Devon Rex
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Cattle Dog or a Devon Rex cheaper to own?
The Devon Rex is cheaper in the first year ($2,585 vs $4,130). Over a full lifetime the Devon Rex works out cheaper overall — about $21,760 versus $34,130, a difference of roughly $12,370.
How much does a Australian Cattle Dog cost per month compared to a Devon Rex?
After the first year, a Australian Cattle Dog costs about $208/month in ongoing expenses, while a Devon Rex costs about $123/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Australian Cattle Dog and a Devon Rex?
The largest single difference is insurance: a Australian Cattle Dog costs about $645 a year versus $315 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Devon Rex typically lives longer (14 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs or Devon Rexs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $535 for a Australian Cattle Dog and $370 for a Devon Rex. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,500, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.