Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog Cost Comparison 2026
Irish Setter costs $2,060/yr vs $1,650/yr for Shetland Sheepdog. Over a lifetime: $27,170 vs $23,850. Here's where the money goes.
Irish Setter
$27,170
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$3,320
Shetland Sheepdog costs less
Shetland Sheepdog
$23,850
lifetime (13 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Irish Setter | Shetland Sheepdog | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$1,800 | $800–$2,000 | Irish Setter |
| Annual Food | $600 | $320 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Routine Vet Care | $480 | $450 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Grooming | $180 | $240 | Irish Setter |
| Pet Insurance | $28–$58/mo | $25–$52/mo | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Supplies & Training | $400 | $280 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,060 | $1,650 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,170 | $23,850 | Shetland Sheepdog |
Irish Setter Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $2,060/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,170
Shetland Sheepdog Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 13 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $1,650/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $23,850
Bottom Line
Shetland Sheepdog costs $410/yr less than Irish Setter ($1,650 vs $2,060). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $3,320 difference.