BreedCost

Chihuahua vs Portuguese Water Dog Cost Comparison 2026

Chihuahua costs $1,160/yr vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog. Over a lifetime: $20,360 vs $31,680. Here's where the money goes.

Chihuahua

$20,360

lifetime (16 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$11,320

Chihuahua costs less

Portuguese Water Dog

$31,680

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Chihuahua Portuguese Water Dog Winner
Purchase Price $400–$1,500 $2,000–$4,000 Chihuahua
Annual Food $180 $540 Chihuahua
Routine Vet Care $420 $500 Chihuahua
Grooming $40 $480 Chihuahua
Pet Insurance $20–$45/mo $30–$60/mo Chihuahua
Supplies & Training $220 $350 Chihuahua
Total Annual Cost $1,160 $2,290 Chihuahua
Lifetime Cost $20,360 $31,680 Chihuahua

Chihuahua Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
16 years
Purchase Price
$400–$1,500
Annual Cost
$1,160/yr
Lifetime Total
$20,360
Full Chihuahua 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

Chihuahua costs $1,130/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($1,160 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $11,320 difference.