Australian Terrier vs Chihuahua (Long Coat): Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Terrier is cheaper by $265 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $485.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | Chihuahua (Long Coat) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 16 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $720 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $440 |
| Annual food | $420 | $420 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $440 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $420 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $490 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,580 | $3,845 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,035 | $1,985 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,105 | $33,620 |
Australian Terrier vs Chihuahua (Long Coat): which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $34,105, while a Chihuahua (Long Coat) comes to about $33,620 — a difference of $485 (1%). The Chihuahua (Long Coat) 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 Australian Terrier costs about $510 a year for insurance, versus $490 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 Terrier wins the first year by $265. If you're planning for the long haul, the Chihuahua (Long Coat) saves about $485 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 Terrier
Chihuahua (Long Coat)
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Terrier or a Chihuahua (Long Coat) cheaper to own?
The Australian Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,580 vs $3,845). Over a full lifetime the Chihuahua (Long Coat) works out cheaper overall — about $33,620 versus $34,105, a difference of roughly $485.
How much does an Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a Chihuahua (Long Coat)?
After the first year, an Australian Terrier costs about $170/month in ongoing expenses, while a Chihuahua (Long Coat) costs about $165/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 Terrier and a Chihuahua (Long Coat)?
The largest single difference is insurance: an Australian Terrier costs about $510 a year versus $490 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 16-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Australian Terriers or Chihuahua (Long Coat)s cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for an Australian Terrier and $440 for a Chihuahua (Long Coat). 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.