Australian Silky Terrier vs Japanese Chin: 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 $695 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,785.
| Cost Factor | Australian Silky Terrier | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 17 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $295 | $315 |
| Initial vet costs | $425 | $670 |
| Annual food | $440 | $415 |
| Annual vet | $425 | $670 |
| Annual grooming | $445 | $380 |
| Annual insurance | $475 | $740 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,245 | $3,940 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,930 | $2,355 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,125 | $36,910 |
Australian Silky Terrier vs Japanese Chin: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Silky Terrier works out to roughly $34,125, while a Japanese Chin comes to about $36,910 — a difference of $2,785 (8%). The Australian Silky Terrier 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 insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year for insurance, versus $475 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 $695. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Silky Terrier saves about $2,785 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
Japanese Chin
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Silky Terrier or a Japanese Chin cheaper to own?
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,245 vs $3,940). Over a full lifetime the Australian Silky Terrier works out cheaper overall — about $34,125 versus $36,910, a difference of roughly $2,785.
How much does a Australian Silky Terrier cost per month compared to a Japanese Chin?
After the first year, a Australian Silky Terrier costs about $161/month in ongoing expenses, while a Japanese Chin costs about $196/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 Silky Terrier and a Japanese Chin?
The largest single difference is insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year versus $475 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Silky Terrier typically lives longer (17 vs 15 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Silky Terriers or Japanese Chins cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $425 for a Australian Silky Terrier and $670 for a Japanese Chin. 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.