Is a Chow Chow or Irish Setter more expensive to own?

Irish Setter is less expensive over a lifetime. Chow Chow costs approximately $29,600 over its 10-year lifespan vs $27,170 for a Irish Setter over 12 years. Annual costs: $2,600/yr for Chow Chow vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter.

How much does a Chow Chow cost per year?

A Chow Chow costs $2,600/year on average. This includes food ($660), routine vet care ($600), grooming ($360), pet insurance ($560), supplies ($220), and training ($200).

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 Chow Chow and Irish Setter?

Chow Chow purchase price from a reputable breeder: $1,000–$3,500. Irish Setter: $800–$1,800. Irish Setter costs less upfront by roughly $950.

Chow Chow vs Irish Setter Cost Comparison 2026

Chow Chow costs $2,600/yr vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter. Over a lifetime: $29,600 vs $27,170. Here's where the money goes.

Chow Chow

$29,600

lifetime (10 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$2,430

Irish Setter costs less

Irish Setter

$27,170

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Chow Chow	Irish Setter	Winner
Purchase Price	$1,000–$3,500	$800–$1,800	Irish Setter
Annual Food	$660	$600	Irish Setter
Routine Vet Care	$600	$480	Irish Setter
Grooming	$360	$180	Irish Setter
Pet Insurance	$40–$78/mo	$28–$58/mo	Irish Setter
Supplies & Training	$420	$400	Irish Setter
Total Annual Cost	$2,600	$2,060	Irish Setter
Lifetime Cost	$29,600	$27,170	Irish Setter

Chow Chow Cost Profile

Size: large
Lifespan: 10 years
Purchase Price: $1,000–$3,500
Annual Cost: $2,600/yr
Lifetime Total: $29,600

Full Chow Chow 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

Irish Setter costs $540/yr less than Chow Chow ($2,060 vs $2,600). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $2,430 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

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Irish Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Irish Setter vs Goldendoodle Irish Setter vs Greyhound

← All Breed Costs · Chow Chow Full Breakdown · Irish Setter Full Breakdown