English Springer Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Shepherd is cheaper by $270 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $7,940.
| Cost Factor | English Springer Spaniel | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $295 | $655 |
| Initial vet costs | $545 | $500 |
| Annual food | $775 | $670 |
| Annual vet | $545 | $500 |
| Annual grooming | $890 | $495 |
| Annual insurance | $655 | $600 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,695 | $4,425 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,035 | $2,445 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $44,150 | $36,210 |
English Springer Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a English Springer Spaniel works out to roughly $44,150, while a Australian Shepherd comes to about $36,210 — a difference of $7,940 (18%). The Australian Shepherd 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 English Springer Spaniel costs about $890 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 Australian Shepherd wins the first year by $270. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Shepherd saves about $7,940 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
English Springer Spaniel
Australian Shepherd
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a English Springer Spaniel or a Australian Shepherd cheaper to own?
The Australian Shepherd is cheaper in the first year ($4,425 vs $4,695). Over a full lifetime the Australian Shepherd works out cheaper overall — about $36,210 versus $44,150, a difference of roughly $7,940.
How much does a English Springer Spaniel cost per month compared to a Australian Shepherd?
After the first year, a English Springer Spaniel costs about $253/month in ongoing expenses, while a Australian Shepherd costs about $204/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 English Springer Spaniel and a Australian Shepherd?
The largest single difference is grooming: a English Springer Spaniel costs about $890 a year versus $495 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 14-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do English Springer Spaniels or Australian Shepherds cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $545 for a English Springer Spaniel and $500 for a Australian Shepherd. 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.