Breed Comparison

Alaskan Malamute vs Azawakh: Full Cost Comparison

Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.

Bottom line

The Azawakh is cheaper by $1,465 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,465.

Cost FactorAlaskan MalamuteAzawakh
Sizelargelarge
Lifespan9 yrs11 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$325$330
Initial vet costs$750$555
Annual food$1,330$760
Annual vet$815$605
Annual grooming$480$245
Annual insurance$955$705
First year total (est.)$6,010$4,545
Annual ongoing (est.)$3,850$2,580
Lifetime total (est.)$36,810$30,345

Alaskan Malamute vs Azawakh: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a Alaskan Malamute works out to roughly $36,810, while a Azawakh comes to about $30,345 — a difference of $6,465 (18%). The Azawakh is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.

The biggest single difference is food: a Alaskan Malamute costs about $1,330 a year for food, versus $760 for the other breed. Both are large-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.

Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Azawakh wins the first year by $1,465. If you're planning for the long haul, the Azawakh saves about $6,465 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $3,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.

Key Differences

Alaskan Malamute

Sizelarge
Lifespan9 years
First year$6,010
Annual$3,850
Lifetime$36,810

Azawakh

Sizelarge
Lifespan11 years
First year$4,545
Annual$2,580
Lifetime$30,345

Frequently asked questions

Is an Alaskan Malamute or an Azawakh cheaper to own?

The Azawakh is cheaper in the first year ($4,545 vs $6,010). Over a full lifetime the Azawakh works out cheaper overall — about $30,345 versus $36,810, a difference of roughly $6,465.

How much does an Alaskan Malamute cost per month compared to an Azawakh?

After the first year, an Alaskan Malamute costs about $321/month in ongoing expenses, while an Azawakh costs about $215/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.

What's the biggest cost difference between an Alaskan Malamute and an Azawakh?

The largest single difference is food: an Alaskan Malamute costs about $1,330 a year versus $760 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Azawakh typically lives longer (11 vs 9 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.

Do Alaskan Malamutes or Azawakhs cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $815 for an Alaskan Malamute and $605 for an Azawakh. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $3,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.

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