Australian Shepherd vs Chow Chow: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Chow Chow is cheaper by $65 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $730.
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $655 | $280 |
| Initial vet costs | $500 | $485 |
| Annual food | $670 | $610 |
| Annual vet | $500 | $485 |
| Annual grooming | $495 | $845 |
| Annual insurance | $600 | $585 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,425 | $4,360 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,445 | $2,715 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,210 | $36,940 |
Australian Shepherd vs Chow Chow: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Shepherd works out to roughly $36,210, while a Chow Chow comes to about $36,940 — a difference of $730 (2%). The Australian Shepherd 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 Chow Chow costs about $845 a year for grooming, versus $495 for the other breed. Both are medium-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Chow Chow wins the first year by $65. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Shepherd saves about $730 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,500 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Australian Shepherd
Chow Chow
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Shepherd or a Chow Chow cheaper to own?
The Chow Chow is cheaper in the first year ($4,360 vs $4,425). Over a full lifetime the Australian Shepherd works out cheaper overall — about $36,210 versus $36,940, a difference of roughly $730.
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost per month compared to a Chow Chow?
After the first year, a Australian Shepherd costs about $204/month in ongoing expenses, while a Chow Chow costs about $226/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 Australian Shepherd and a Chow Chow?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Chow Chow costs about $845 a year versus $495 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Shepherd typically lives longer (14 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Shepherds or Chow Chows cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $500 for a Australian Shepherd and $485 for a Chow Chow. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,500, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.