Australian Shepherd vs Burmilla: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Burmilla is cheaper by $2,320 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $16,815.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | Burmilla |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $155 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $340 |
| Annual food | $670 | $385 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $340 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $140 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $295 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,680 | $2,360 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,520 | $1,405 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $37,440 | $20,625 |
Australian Shepherd vs Burmilla: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $37,440, while a Burmilla comes to about $20,625 — a difference of $16,815 (45%). The Burmilla 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 grooming: a Australian Shepherd costs about $495 a year for grooming, versus $140 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 Burmilla wins the first year by $2,320. If you're planning for the long haul, the Burmilla saves about $16,815 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
Burmilla
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Shepherd or a Burmilla cheaper to own?
The Burmilla is cheaper in the first year ($2,360 vs $4,680). Over a full lifetime the Burmilla works out cheaper overall — about $20,625 versus $37,440, a difference of roughly $16,815.
How much does an Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a Burmilla?
After the first year, an Australian Shepherd costs about $210/month in ongoing expenses, while a Burmilla costs about $117/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between an Australian Shepherd and a Burmilla?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Shepherd costs about $495 a year versus $140 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 14-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Australian Shepherds or Burmillas cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for an Australian Shepherd and $340 for a Burmilla. 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.