Alaskan Malamute vs Gordon Setter: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Gordon Setter is cheaper by $295 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $8,010.
| Cost Factor | Alaskan Malamute | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 9 yrs | 12 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $325 | $400 |
| Initial vet costs | $750 | $600 |
| Annual food | $1,330 | $870 |
| Annual vet | $815 | $655 |
| Annual grooming | $480 | $985 |
| Annual insurance | $955 | $765 |
| First year total (est.) | $6,010 | $5,715 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,850 | $3,555 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,810 | $44,820 |
Alaskan Malamute vs Gordon Setter: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Alaskan Malamute works out to roughly $36,810, while a Gordon Setter comes to about $44,820 — a difference of $8,010 (18%). 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 grooming: a Gordon Setter costs about $985 a year for grooming, versus $480 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 Gordon Setter wins the first year by $295. If you're planning for the long haul, the Alaskan Malamute saves about $8,010 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
Gordon Setter
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Alaskan Malamute or a Gordon Setter cheaper to own?
The Gordon Setter is cheaper in the first year ($5,715 vs $6,010). Over a full lifetime the Alaskan Malamute works out cheaper overall — about $36,810 versus $44,820, a difference of roughly $8,010.
How much does an Alaskan Malamute cost per month compared to a Gordon Setter?
After the first year, an Alaskan Malamute costs about $321/month in ongoing expenses, while a Gordon Setter costs about $296/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 Gordon Setter?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Gordon Setter costs about $985 a year versus $480 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Gordon Setter typically lives longer (12 vs 9 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Alaskan Malamutes or Gordon Setters cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $815 for an Alaskan Malamute and $655 for a Gordon Setter. 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.