Is a Irish Setter or Portuguese Water Dog more expensive to own?

Irish Setter is less expensive over a lifetime. Irish Setter costs approximately $27,170 over its 12-year lifespan vs $31,680 for a Portuguese Water Dog over 12 years. Annual costs: $2,060/yr for Irish Setter vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog.

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).

How much does a Portuguese Water Dog cost per year?

A Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/year on average. This includes food ($540), routine vet care ($500), grooming ($480), pet insurance ($420), supplies ($200), and training ($150).

What is the purchase price difference between Irish Setter and Portuguese Water Dog?

Irish Setter purchase price from a reputable breeder: $800–$1,800. Portuguese Water Dog: $2,000–$4,000. Irish Setter costs less upfront by roughly $1,700.

Irish Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog Cost Comparison 2026

Irish Setter costs $2,060/yr vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog. Over a lifetime: $27,170 vs $31,680. Here's where the money goes.

Irish Setter

$27,170

lifetime (12 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$4,510

Irish Setter costs less

Portuguese Water Dog

$31,680

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Irish Setter	Portuguese Water Dog	Winner
Purchase Price	$800–$1,800	$2,000–$4,000	Irish Setter
Annual Food	$600	$540	Portuguese Water Dog
Routine Vet Care	$480	$500	Irish Setter
Grooming	$180	$480	Irish Setter
Pet Insurance	$28–$58/mo	$30–$60/mo	Irish Setter
Supplies & Training	$400	$350	Portuguese Water Dog
Total Annual Cost	$2,060	$2,290	Irish Setter
Lifetime Cost	$27,170	$31,680	Irish Setter

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 →

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

Irish Setter costs $230/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($2,060 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $4,510 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

Irish Setter vs Afghan Hound Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd Irish Setter vs Basset Hound Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Irish Setter vs Bloodhound Irish Setter vs Border Collie Irish Setter vs Boxer Irish Setter vs Brittany

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog vs Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog vs Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog vs English Springer Spaniel

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