Australian Shepherd vs Portuguese Water Dog Cost Comparison 2026
Australian Shepherd costs $2,000/yr vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog. Over a lifetime: $30,800 vs $31,680. Here's where the money goes.
Australian Shepherd
$30,800
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$880
Australian Shepherd costs less
Portuguese Water Dog
$31,680
lifetime (12 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Portuguese Water Dog | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,000 | Australian Shepherd |
| Annual Food | $540 | $540 | Australian Shepherd |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $500 | Australian Shepherd |
| Grooming | $120 | $480 | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$58/mo | $30–$60/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $350 | Portuguese Water Dog |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,000 | $2,290 | Australian Shepherd |
| Lifetime Cost | $30,800 | $31,680 | Australian Shepherd |
Australian Shepherd Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,000/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $30,800
Portuguese Water Dog Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $2,000–$4,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,290/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $31,680
Bottom Line
Australian Shepherd costs $290/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($2,000 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $880 difference.