Breed Comparison

Australian Silky Terrier vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Full Cost Comparison

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

Bottom line

The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper by $95 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $7,865.

Cost FactorAustralian Silky TerrierBasset Fauve de Bretagne
Sizesmallsmall
Lifespan17 yrs13 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$295$340
Initial vet costs$425$460
Annual food$440$415
Annual vet$425$460
Annual grooming$445$395
Annual insurance$475$515
First year total (est.)$3,465$3,560
Annual ongoing (est.)$2,005$2,010
Lifetime total (est.)$35,545$27,680

Australian Silky Terrier vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Silky Terrier works out to roughly $35,545, while a Basset Fauve de Bretagne comes to about $27,680 — a difference of $7,865 (22%). The Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Australian Silky Terrier costs about $445 a year for grooming, versus $395 for the other breed. Both are small-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.

Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Australian Silky Terrier wins the first year by $95. If you're planning for the long haul, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne saves about $7,865 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.

Key Differences

Australian Silky Terrier

Sizesmall
Lifespan17 years
First year$3,465
Annual$2,005
Lifetime$35,545

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Sizesmall
Lifespan13 years
First year$3,560
Annual$2,010
Lifetime$27,680

Frequently asked questions

Is an Australian Silky Terrier or a Basset Fauve de Bretagne cheaper to own?

The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,465 vs $3,560). Over a full lifetime the Basset Fauve de Bretagne works out cheaper overall — about $27,680 versus $35,545, a difference of roughly $7,865.

How much does an Australian Silky Terrier cost per month compared to a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

After the first year, an Australian Silky Terrier costs about $167/month in ongoing expenses, while a Basset Fauve de Bretagne costs about $168/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 Australian Silky Terrier and a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Silky Terrier costs about $445 a year versus $395 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Silky Terrier typically lives longer (17 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.

Do Australian Silky Terriers or Basset Fauve de Bretagnes cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $425 for an Australian Silky Terrier and $460 for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.

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