Border Collie vs Rat Terrier Cost Comparison 2026
Border Collie costs $1,810/yr vs $1,120/yr for Rat Terrier. Over a lifetime: $27,740 vs $19,320. Here's where the money goes.
Border Collie
$27,740
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$8,420
Rat Terrier costs less
Rat Terrier
$19,320
lifetime (16 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Border Collie | Rat Terrier | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $700–$2,000 | $300–$800 | Rat Terrier |
| Annual Food | $480 | $200 | Rat Terrier |
| Routine Vet Care | $450 | $380 | Rat Terrier |
| Grooming | $100 | $40 | Rat Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $28–$52/mo | $18–$42/mo | Rat Terrier |
| Supplies & Training | $400 | $220 | Rat Terrier |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,810 | $1,120 | Rat Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,740 | $19,320 | Rat Terrier |
Border Collie Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $700–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $1,810/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,740
Rat Terrier Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 16 years
- Purchase Price
- $300–$800
- Annual Cost
- $1,120/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $19,320
Bottom Line
Rat Terrier costs $690/yr less than Border Collie ($1,120 vs $1,810). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $8,420 difference.