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 $2,200 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $15,655.
| 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.) | $4,425 | $2,225 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,445 | $1,410 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,210 | $20,555 |
Australian Shepherd vs Egyptian Mau: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $36,210, while a Egyptian Mau comes to about $20,555 — a difference of $15,655 (43%). 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 $2,200. If you're planning for the long haul, the Egyptian Mau saves about $15,655 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 a Australian Shepherd or a Egyptian Mau cheaper to own?
The Egyptian Mau is cheaper in the first year ($2,225 vs $4,425). Over a full lifetime the Egyptian Mau works out cheaper overall — about $20,555 versus $36,210, a difference of roughly $15,655.
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a Egyptian Mau?
After the first year, a Australian Shepherd costs about $204/month in ongoing expenses, while a Egyptian Mau costs about $118/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 Egyptian Mau?
The largest single difference is grooming: a 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 a Australian Shepherd and $360 for a 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.