Rat Terrier vs Whippet Cost Comparison 2026
Rat Terrier costs $1,120/yr vs $1,420/yr for Whippet. Over a lifetime: $19,320 vs $20,510. Here's where the money goes.
Rat Terrier
$19,320
lifetime (16 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,190
Rat Terrier costs less
Whippet
$20,510
lifetime (13 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Rat Terrier | Whippet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $300–$800 | $800–$1,500 | Rat Terrier |
| Annual Food | $200 | $360 | Rat Terrier |
| Routine Vet Care | $380 | $420 | Rat Terrier |
| Grooming | $40 | $40 | Rat Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $18–$42/mo | $22–$48/mo | Rat Terrier |
| Supplies & Training | $220 | $280 | Rat Terrier |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,120 | $1,420 | Rat Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $19,320 | $20,510 | Rat Terrier |
Rat Terrier Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 16 years
- Purchase Price
- $300–$800
- Annual Cost
- $1,120/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $19,320
Whippet Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 13 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$1,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,420/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $20,510
Bottom Line
Rat Terrier costs $300/yr less than Whippet ($1,120 vs $1,420). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,190 difference.