Australian Shepherd vs LaPerm: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The LaPerm is cheaper by $2,270 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $15,920.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | LaPerm |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $180 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $360 |
| Annual food | $670 | $405 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $360 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $175 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $305 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,680 | $2,410 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,520 | $1,470 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $37,440 | $21,520 |
Australian Shepherd vs LaPerm: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $37,440, while a LaPerm comes to about $21,520 — a difference of $15,920 (43%). The LaPerm 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 $175 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 LaPerm wins the first year by $2,270. If you're planning for the long haul, the LaPerm saves about $15,920 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
LaPerm
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Shepherd or a LaPerm cheaper to own?
The LaPerm is cheaper in the first year ($2,410 vs $4,680). Over a full lifetime the LaPerm works out cheaper overall — about $21,520 versus $37,440, a difference of roughly $15,920.
How much does an Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a LaPerm?
After the first year, an Australian Shepherd costs about $210/month in ongoing expenses, while a LaPerm costs about $123/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 LaPerm?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Shepherd costs about $495 a year versus $175 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 LaPerms cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for an Australian Shepherd and $360 for a LaPerm. 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.