Australian Shepherd vs Bedlington Terrier: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Bedlington Terrier is cheaper by $365 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $4,870.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 12 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $340 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $530 |
| Annual food | $670 | $600 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $530 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $560 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $635 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,425 | $4,060 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,445 | $2,480 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,210 | $31,340 |
Australian Shepherd vs Bedlington Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $36,210, while a Bedlington Terrier comes to about $31,340 — a difference of $4,870 (13%). The Bedlington Terrier 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 food: a Australian Shepherd costs about $670 a year for food, versus $600 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 Bedlington Terrier wins the first year by $365. If you're planning for the long haul, the Bedlington Terrier saves about $4,870 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 Shepherd
Bedlington Terrier
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Shepherd or a Bedlington Terrier cheaper to own?
The Bedlington Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($4,060 vs $4,425). Over a full lifetime the Bedlington Terrier works out cheaper overall — about $31,340 versus $36,210, a difference of roughly $4,870.
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a Bedlington Terrier?
After the first year, a Australian Shepherd costs about $204/month in ongoing expenses, while a Bedlington Terrier costs about $207/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 Shepherd and a Bedlington Terrier?
The largest single difference is food: a Australian Shepherd costs about $670 a year versus $600 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Shepherd typically lives longer (14 vs 12 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Shepherds or Bedlington Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for a Australian Shepherd and $530 for a Bedlington Terrier. 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.