BreedCost

Alaskan Malamute vs Portuguese Water Dog Cost Comparison 2026

Alaskan Malamute costs $2,670/yr vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog. Over a lifetime: $32,770 vs $31,680. Here's where the money goes.

Alaskan Malamute

$32,770

lifetime (11 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$1,090

Portuguese Water Dog costs less

Portuguese Water Dog

$31,680

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Alaskan Malamute Portuguese Water Dog Winner
Purchase Price $1,000–$3,000 $2,000–$4,000 Alaskan Malamute
Annual Food $840 $540 Portuguese Water Dog
Routine Vet Care $600 $500 Portuguese Water Dog
Grooming $180 $480 Alaskan Malamute
Pet Insurance $38–$72/mo $30–$60/mo Portuguese Water Dog
Supplies & Training $510 $350 Portuguese Water Dog
Total Annual Cost $2,670 $2,290 Portuguese Water Dog
Lifetime Cost $32,770 $31,680 Portuguese Water Dog

Alaskan Malamute Cost Profile

Size
giant
Lifespan
11 years
Purchase Price
$1,000–$3,000
Annual Cost
$2,670/yr
Lifetime Total
$32,770
Full Alaskan Malamute Cost Breakdown →

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
Full Portuguese Water Dog Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Portuguese Water Dog costs $380/yr less than Alaskan Malamute ($2,290 vs $2,670). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,090 difference.