Labrador Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog Cost Comparison 2026
Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/yr vs $1,650/yr for Shetland Sheepdog. Over a lifetime: $27,800 vs $23,850. Here's where the money goes.
Labrador Retriever
$27,800
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$3,950
Shetland Sheepdog costs less
Shetland Sheepdog
$23,850
lifetime (13 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Labrador Retriever | Shetland Sheepdog | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,000 | $800–$2,000 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Annual Food | $660 | $320 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Grooming | $60 | $240 | Labrador Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $35–$65/mo | $25–$52/mo | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $280 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,100 | $1,650 | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,800 | $23,850 | Shetland Sheepdog |
Labrador Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,100/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,800
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 $450/yr less than Labrador Retriever ($1,650 vs $2,100). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $3,950 difference.