Australian Shepherd vs LaPerm Shorthair: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The LaPerm Shorthair is cheaper by $2,385 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $15,615.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | LaPerm Shorthair |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $140 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $340 |
| Annual food | $670 | $420 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $340 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $105 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $295 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,680 | $2,295 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,520 | $1,395 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $37,440 | $21,825 |
Australian Shepherd vs LaPerm Shorthair: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $37,440, while a LaPerm Shorthair comes to about $21,825 — a difference of $15,615 (42%). The LaPerm Shorthair 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 $105 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 Shorthair wins the first year by $2,385. If you're planning for the long haul, the LaPerm Shorthair saves about $15,615 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 Shorthair
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Shepherd or a LaPerm Shorthair cheaper to own?
The LaPerm Shorthair is cheaper in the first year ($2,295 vs $4,680). Over a full lifetime the LaPerm Shorthair works out cheaper overall — about $21,825 versus $37,440, a difference of roughly $15,615.
How much does an Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a LaPerm Shorthair?
After the first year, an Australian Shepherd costs about $210/month in ongoing expenses, while a LaPerm Shorthair costs about $116/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 Shorthair?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Shepherd costs about $495 a year versus $105 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the LaPerm Shorthair typically lives longer (15 vs 14 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Shepherds or LaPerm Shorthairs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for an Australian Shepherd and $340 for a LaPerm Shorthair. 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.