Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Icelandic Sheepdog is cheaper by $5 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,095.
| Cost Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $330 | $655 |
| Initial vet costs | $485 | $500 |
| Annual food | $655 | $670 |
| Annual vet | $485 | $500 |
| Annual grooming | $940 | $495 |
| Annual insurance | $585 | $600 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,675 | $4,680 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,905 | $2,520 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $39,535 | $37,440 |
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Icelandic Sheepdog works out to roughly $39,535, while a Australian Shepherd comes to about $37,440 — a difference of $2,095 (5%). 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 Icelandic Sheepdog costs about $940 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 Icelandic Sheepdog wins the first year by $5. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Shepherd saves about $2,095 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Australian Shepherd
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd cheaper to own?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is cheaper in the first year ($4,675 vs $4,680). Over a full lifetime the Australian Shepherd works out cheaper overall — about $37,440 versus $39,535, a difference of roughly $2,095.
How much does an Icelandic Sheepdog cost per month compared to an Australian Shepherd?
After the first year, an Icelandic Sheepdog costs about $242/month in ongoing expenses, while an Australian Shepherd costs about $210/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 Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Icelandic Sheepdog costs about $940 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs or Australian Shepherds cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $485 for an Icelandic Sheepdog and $500 for an 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.