Is a Labrador Retriever or Whippet more expensive to own?

Whippet is less expensive over a lifetime. Labrador Retriever costs approximately $27,800 over its 12-year lifespan vs $20,510 for a Whippet over 13 years. Annual costs: $2,100/yr for Labrador Retriever vs $1,420/yr for Whippet.

How much does a Labrador Retriever cost per year?

A Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/year on average. This includes food ($660), routine vet care ($550), grooming ($60), pet insurance ($480), supplies ($200), and training ($150).

How much does a Whippet cost per year?

A Whippet costs $1,420/year on average. This includes food ($360), routine vet care ($420), grooming ($40), pet insurance ($320), supplies ($160), and training ($120).

What is the purchase price difference between Labrador Retriever and Whippet?

Labrador Retriever purchase price from a reputable breeder: $800–$2,000. Whippet: $800–$1,500. Whippet costs less upfront by roughly $250.

Labrador Retriever vs Whippet Cost Comparison 2026

Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/yr vs $1,420/yr for Whippet. Over a lifetime: $27,800 vs $20,510. Here's where the money goes.

Labrador Retriever

$27,800

lifetime (12 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$7,290

Whippet costs less

Whippet

$20,510

lifetime (13 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Labrador Retriever	Whippet	Winner
Purchase Price	$800–$2,000	$800–$1,500	Whippet
Annual Food	$660	$360	Whippet
Routine Vet Care	$550	$420	Whippet
Grooming	$60	$40	Whippet
Pet Insurance	$35–$65/mo	$22–$48/mo	Whippet
Supplies & Training	$350	$280	Whippet
Total Annual Cost	$2,100	$1,420	Whippet
Lifetime Cost	$27,800	$20,510	Whippet

Labrador Retriever Cost Profile

Size: large
Lifespan: 12 years
Purchase Price: $800–$2,000
Annual Cost: $2,100/yr
Lifetime Total: $27,800

Full Labrador Retriever Cost Breakdown →

Whippet Cost Profile

Size: medium
Lifespan: 13 years
Purchase Price: $800–$1,500
Annual Cost: $1,420/yr
Lifetime Total: $20,510

Full Whippet Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Whippet costs $680/yr less than Labrador Retriever ($1,420 vs $2,100). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $7,290 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

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Whippet vs Bull Terrier Whippet vs Bulldog Whippet vs Cocker Spaniel Whippet vs English Springer Spaniel

← All Breed Costs · Labrador Retriever Full Breakdown · Whippet Full Breakdown