Australian Shepherd vs Egyptian Mau: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Egyptian Mau is cheaper by $2,205 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $15,660.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | Egyptian Mau |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $165 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $360 |
| Annual food | $670 | $450 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $360 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $115 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $310 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,680 | $2,475 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,520 | $1,485 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $37,440 | $21,780 |
Australian Shepherd vs Egyptian Mau: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $37,440, while a Egyptian Mau comes to about $21,780 — a difference of $15,660 (42%). The Egyptian Mau 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 $115 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 Egyptian Mau wins the first year by $2,205. If you're planning for the long haul, the Egyptian Mau saves about $15,660 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
Egyptian Mau
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Shepherd or an Egyptian Mau cheaper to own?
The Egyptian Mau is cheaper in the first year ($2,475 vs $4,680). Over a full lifetime the Egyptian Mau works out cheaper overall — about $21,780 versus $37,440, a difference of roughly $15,660.
How much does an Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to an Egyptian Mau?
After the first year, an Australian Shepherd costs about $210/month in ongoing expenses, while an Egyptian Mau costs about $124/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 an Egyptian Mau?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Shepherd costs about $495 a year versus $115 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 Egyptian Maus cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for an Australian Shepherd and $360 for an Egyptian Mau. 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.