Alaskan Malamute vs Borzoi: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Borzoi is cheaper by $105 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,125.
| Cost Factor | Alaskan Malamute | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 9 yrs | 8 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $325 | $375 |
| Initial vet costs | $750 | $705 |
| Annual food | $1,330 | $1,335 |
| Annual vet | $815 | $770 |
| Annual grooming | $480 | $250 |
| Annual insurance | $955 | $895 |
| First year total (est.) | $6,010 | $5,905 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,850 | $3,540 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,810 | $30,685 |
Alaskan Malamute vs Borzoi: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Alaskan Malamute works out to roughly $36,810, while a Borzoi comes to about $30,685 — a difference of $6,125 (17%). The Borzoi 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 grooming: a Alaskan Malamute costs about $480 a year for grooming, versus $250 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 Borzoi wins the first year by $105. If you're planning for the long haul, the Borzoi saves about $6,125 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
Borzoi
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Alaskan Malamute or a Borzoi cheaper to own?
The Borzoi is cheaper in the first year ($5,905 vs $6,010). Over a full lifetime the Borzoi works out cheaper overall — about $30,685 versus $36,810, a difference of roughly $6,125.
How much does an Alaskan Malamute cost per month compared to a Borzoi?
After the first year, an Alaskan Malamute costs about $321/month in ongoing expenses, while a Borzoi costs about $295/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 a Borzoi?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Alaskan Malamute costs about $480 a year versus $250 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Alaskan Malamute typically lives longer (9 vs 8 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Alaskan Malamutes or Borzois cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $815 for an Alaskan Malamute and $770 for a Borzoi. 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.