BreedCost

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Cost Comparison 2026

Irish Wolfhound costs $3,130/yr vs $2,710/yr for Old English Sheepdog. Over a lifetime: $25,910 vs $33,060. Here's where the money goes.

Irish Wolfhound

$25,910

lifetime (7 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$7,150

Irish Wolfhound costs less

Old English Sheepdog

$33,060

lifetime (11 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Irish Wolfhound Old English Sheepdog Winner
Purchase Price $1,500–$3,500 $1,200–$2,500 Old English Sheepdog
Annual Food $1,100 $660 Old English Sheepdog
Routine Vet Care $750 $550 Old English Sheepdog
Grooming $120 $600 Irish Wolfhound
Pet Insurance $50–$100/mo $36–$70/mo Old English Sheepdog
Supplies & Training $500 $400 Old English Sheepdog
Total Annual Cost $3,130 $2,710 Old English Sheepdog
Lifetime Cost $25,910 $33,060 Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound Cost Profile

Size
giant
Lifespan
7 years
Purchase Price
$1,500–$3,500
Annual Cost
$3,130/yr
Lifetime Total
$25,910
Full Irish Wolfhound Cost Breakdown →

Old English Sheepdog Cost Profile

Size
large
Lifespan
11 years
Purchase Price
$1,200–$2,500
Annual Cost
$2,710/yr
Lifetime Total
$33,060
Full Old English Sheepdog Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Old English Sheepdog costs $420/yr less than Irish Wolfhound ($2,710 vs $3,130). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $7,150 difference.