BreedCost

Dachshund vs Rat Terrier Cost Comparison 2026

Dachshund costs $1,430/yr vs $1,120/yr for Rat Terrier. Over a lifetime: $21,970 vs $19,320. Here's where the money goes.

Dachshund

$21,970

lifetime (14 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$2,650

Rat Terrier costs less

Rat Terrier

$19,320

lifetime (16 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Dachshund Rat Terrier Winner
Purchase Price $500–$1,500 $300–$800 Rat Terrier
Annual Food $300 $200 Rat Terrier
Routine Vet Care $450 $380 Rat Terrier
Grooming $60 $40 Rat Terrier
Pet Insurance $25–$55/mo $18–$42/mo Rat Terrier
Supplies & Training $260 $220 Rat Terrier
Total Annual Cost $1,430 $1,120 Rat Terrier
Lifetime Cost $21,970 $19,320 Rat Terrier

Dachshund Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
14 years
Purchase Price
$500–$1,500
Annual Cost
$1,430/yr
Lifetime Total
$21,970
Full Dachshund Cost Breakdown →

Rat Terrier Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
16 years
Purchase Price
$300–$800
Annual Cost
$1,120/yr
Lifetime Total
$19,320
Full Rat Terrier Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Rat Terrier costs $310/yr less than Dachshund ($1,120 vs $1,430). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $2,650 difference.