Australian Shepherd vs Chow Chow Cost Comparison 2026
Australian Shepherd costs $2,000/yr vs $2,600/yr for Chow Chow. Over a lifetime: $30,800 vs $29,600. Here's where the money goes.
Australian Shepherd
$30,800
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,200
Chow Chow costs less
Chow Chow
$29,600
lifetime (10 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Chow Chow | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,500 | $1,000–$3,500 | Australian Shepherd |
| Annual Food | $540 | $660 | Australian Shepherd |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $600 | Australian Shepherd |
| Grooming | $120 | $360 | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$58/mo | $40–$78/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $420 | Australian Shepherd |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,000 | $2,600 | Australian Shepherd |
| Lifetime Cost | $30,800 | $29,600 | Chow Chow |
Australian Shepherd Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,000/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $30,800
Chow Chow Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,600/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $29,600
Bottom Line
Australian Shepherd costs $600/yr less than Chow Chow ($2,000 vs $2,600). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,200 difference.