Portuguese Water Dog vs Rat Terrier Cost Comparison 2026
Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/yr vs $1,120/yr for Rat Terrier. Over a lifetime: $31,680 vs $19,320. Here's where the money goes.
Portuguese Water Dog
$31,680
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$12,360
Rat Terrier costs less
Rat Terrier
$19,320
lifetime (16 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Portuguese Water Dog | Rat Terrier | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $2,000–$4,000 | $300–$800 | Rat Terrier |
| Annual Food | $540 | $200 | Rat Terrier |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $380 | Rat Terrier |
| Grooming | $480 | $40 | Rat Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$60/mo | $18–$42/mo | Rat Terrier |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $220 | Rat Terrier |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,290 | $1,120 | Rat Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $31,680 | $19,320 | Rat Terrier |
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
Rat Terrier Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 16 years
- Purchase Price
- $300–$800
- Annual Cost
- $1,120/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $19,320
Bottom Line
Rat Terrier costs $1,170/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($1,120 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $12,360 difference.