Chow Chow vs Rat Terrier Cost Comparison 2026
Chow Chow costs $2,600/yr vs $1,120/yr for Rat Terrier. Over a lifetime: $29,600 vs $19,320. Here's where the money goes.
Chow Chow
$29,600
lifetime (10 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$10,280
Rat Terrier costs less
Rat Terrier
$19,320
lifetime (16 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Chow Chow | Rat Terrier | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $300–$800 | Rat Terrier |
| Annual Food | $660 | $200 | Rat Terrier |
| Routine Vet Care | $600 | $380 | Rat Terrier |
| Grooming | $360 | $40 | Rat Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $40–$78/mo | $18–$42/mo | Rat Terrier |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $220 | Rat Terrier |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,600 | $1,120 | Rat Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $29,600 | $19,320 | Rat Terrier |
Chow Chow Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,600/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $29,600
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 $1,480/yr less than Chow Chow ($1,120 vs $2,600). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $10,280 difference.