Australian Shepherd vs German Spitz (Mittel): Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The German Spitz (Mittel) is cheaper by $330 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $1,635.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | German Spitz (Mittel) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $320 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $485 |
| Annual food | $670 | $655 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $485 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $645 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $580 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,425 | $4,095 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,445 | $2,540 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,210 | $34,575 |
Australian Shepherd vs German Spitz (Mittel): which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $36,210, while a German Spitz (Mittel) comes to about $34,575 — a difference of $1,635 (5%). The German Spitz (Mittel) 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 German Spitz (Mittel) costs about $645 a year for grooming, versus $495 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 German Spitz (Mittel) wins the first year by $330. If you're planning for the long haul, the German Spitz (Mittel) saves about $1,635 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
German Spitz (Mittel)
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Shepherd or a German Spitz (Mittel) cheaper to own?
The German Spitz (Mittel) is cheaper in the first year ($4,095 vs $4,425). Over a full lifetime the German Spitz (Mittel) works out cheaper overall — about $34,575 versus $36,210, a difference of roughly $1,635.
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a German Spitz (Mittel)?
After the first year, a Australian Shepherd costs about $204/month in ongoing expenses, while a German Spitz (Mittel) costs about $212/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 German Spitz (Mittel)?
The largest single difference is grooming: a German Spitz (Mittel) costs about $645 a year versus $495 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Shepherd typically lives longer (14 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Shepherds or German Spitz (Mittel)s cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for a Australian Shepherd and $485 for a German Spitz (Mittel). 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.