Is a Bichon Frise or Irish Setter more expensive to own?

Bichon Frise is less expensive over a lifetime. Bichon Frise costs approximately $26,240 over its 14-year lifespan vs $27,170 for a Irish Setter over 12 years. Annual costs: $1,710/yr for Bichon Frise vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter.

How much does a Bichon Frise cost per year?

A Bichon Frise costs $1,710/year on average. This includes food ($260), routine vet care ($450), grooming ($420), pet insurance ($340), supplies ($140), and training ($100).

How much does a Irish Setter cost per year?

A Irish Setter costs $2,060/year on average. This includes food ($600), routine vet care ($480), grooming ($180), pet insurance ($400), supplies ($220), and training ($180).

What is the purchase price difference between Bichon Frise and Irish Setter?

Bichon Frise purchase price from a reputable breeder: $700–$2,000. Irish Setter: $800–$1,800. Irish Setter costs less upfront by roughly $50.

Bichon Frise vs Irish Setter Cost Comparison 2026

Bichon Frise costs $1,710/yr vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter. Over a lifetime: $26,240 vs $27,170. Here's where the money goes.

Bichon Frise

$26,240

lifetime (14 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$930

Bichon Frise costs less

Irish Setter

$27,170

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Bichon Frise	Irish Setter	Winner
Purchase Price	$700–$2,000	$800–$1,800	Irish Setter
Annual Food	$260	$600	Bichon Frise
Routine Vet Care	$450	$480	Bichon Frise
Grooming	$420	$180	Irish Setter
Pet Insurance	$24–$48/mo	$28–$58/mo	Bichon Frise
Supplies & Training	$240	$400	Bichon Frise
Total Annual Cost	$1,710	$2,060	Bichon Frise
Lifetime Cost	$26,240	$27,170	Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise Cost Profile

Size: small
Lifespan: 14 years
Purchase Price: $700–$2,000
Annual Cost: $1,710/yr
Lifetime Total: $26,240

Full Bichon Frise Cost Breakdown →

Irish Setter Cost Profile

Size: large
Lifespan: 12 years
Purchase Price: $800–$1,800
Annual Cost: $2,060/yr
Lifetime Total: $27,170

Full Irish Setter Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Bichon Frise costs $350/yr less than Irish Setter ($1,710 vs $2,060). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $930 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

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