Is a Portuguese Water Dog or Whippet more expensive to own?

Whippet is less expensive over a lifetime. Portuguese Water Dog costs approximately $31,680 over its 12-year lifespan vs $20,510 for a Whippet over 13 years. Annual costs: $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog vs $1,420/yr for Whippet.

How much does a Portuguese Water Dog cost per year?

A Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/year on average. This includes food ($540), routine vet care ($500), grooming ($480), pet insurance ($420), 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 Portuguese Water Dog and Whippet?

Portuguese Water Dog purchase price from a reputable breeder: $2,000–$4,000. Whippet: $800–$1,500. Whippet costs less upfront by roughly $1,850.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Whippet Cost Comparison 2026

Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/yr vs $1,420/yr for Whippet. Over a lifetime: $31,680 vs $20,510. Here's where the money goes.

Portuguese Water Dog

$31,680

lifetime (12 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$11,170

Whippet costs less

Whippet

$20,510

lifetime (13 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Portuguese Water Dog	Whippet	Winner
Purchase Price	$2,000–$4,000	$800–$1,500	Whippet
Annual Food	$540	$360	Whippet
Routine Vet Care	$500	$420	Whippet
Grooming	$480	$40	Whippet
Pet Insurance	$30–$60/mo	$22–$48/mo	Whippet
Supplies & Training	$350	$280	Whippet
Total Annual Cost	$2,290	$1,420	Whippet
Lifetime Cost	$31,680	$20,510	Whippet

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 →

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 $870/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($1,420 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $11,170 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog vs Basset Hound Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog vs Brittany Portuguese Water Dog vs Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog vs Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog vs Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog vs English Springer Spaniel

Whippet vs Poodle Whippet vs Siberian Husky Whippet vs Vizsla

← All Breed Costs · Portuguese Water Dog Full Breakdown · Whippet Full Breakdown