Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog Cost Comparison 2026
Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/yr vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog. Over a lifetime: $27,800 vs $31,680. Here's where the money goes.
Labrador Retriever
$27,800
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$3,880
Labrador Retriever costs less
Portuguese Water Dog
$31,680
lifetime (12 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Labrador Retriever | Portuguese Water Dog | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | Labrador Retriever |
| Annual Food | $660 | $540 | Portuguese Water Dog |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $500 | Portuguese Water Dog |
| Grooming | $60 | $480 | Labrador Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $35–$65/mo | $30–$60/mo | Portuguese Water Dog |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $350 | Labrador Retriever |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,100 | $2,290 | Labrador Retriever |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,800 | $31,680 | Labrador Retriever |
Labrador Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,100/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,800
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
Bottom Line
Annual costs are nearly identical — $190/yr difference. Your choice comes down to lifespan, grooming needs, and health risk, not ongoing budget impact.