BreedCost

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
Full Portuguese Water Dog Cost Breakdown →

Rat Terrier Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
16 years
Purchase Price
$300–$800
Annual Cost
$1,120/yr
Lifetime Total
$19,320
Full Rat Terrier Cost Breakdown →

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.