Alaskan Malamute vs Curly Coated Retriever: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Curly Coated Retriever is cheaper by $900 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $1,075.
| Cost Factor | Alaskan Malamute | Curly Coated Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 9 yrs | 12 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $325 | $330 |
| Initial vet costs | $750 | $575 |
| Annual food | $1,330 | $825 |
| Annual vet | $815 | $625 |
| Annual grooming | $480 | $545 |
| Annual insurance | $955 | $730 |
| First year total (est.) | $5,740 | $4,840 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,775 | $2,925 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $35,940 | $37,015 |
Alaskan Malamute vs Curly Coated Retriever: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Alaskan Malamute works out to roughly $35,940, while a Curly Coated Retriever comes to about $37,015 — a difference of $1,075 (3%). The Alaskan Malamute 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 $825 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 Curly Coated Retriever wins the first year by $900. If you're planning for the long haul, the Alaskan Malamute saves about $1,075 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
Curly Coated Retriever
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Alaskan Malamute or a Curly Coated Retriever cheaper to own?
The Curly Coated Retriever is cheaper in the first year ($4,840 vs $5,740). Over a full lifetime the Alaskan Malamute works out cheaper overall — about $35,940 versus $37,015, a difference of roughly $1,075.
How much does a Alaskan Malamute cost per month compared to a Curly Coated Retriever?
After the first year, a Alaskan Malamute costs about $315/month in ongoing expenses, while a Curly Coated Retriever costs about $244/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Alaskan Malamute and a Curly Coated Retriever?
The largest single difference is food: a Alaskan Malamute costs about $1,330 a year versus $825 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Curly Coated Retriever typically lives longer (12 vs 9 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Alaskan Malamutes or Curly Coated Retrievers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $815 for a Alaskan Malamute and $625 for a Curly Coated Retriever. 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.