Australian Terrier vs Chinese Crested: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Chinese Crested is cheaper by $195 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,345.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $270 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $450 |
| Annual food | $420 | $385 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $450 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $300 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $500 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,580 | $3,385 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,035 | $1,875 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,105 | $27,760 |
Australian Terrier vs Chinese Crested: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $34,105, while a Chinese Crested comes to about $27,760 — a difference of $6,345 (19%). The Chinese Crested 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 Terrier costs about $410 a year for grooming, versus $300 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 Chinese Crested wins the first year by $195. If you're planning for the long haul, the Chinese Crested saves about $6,345 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
Chinese Crested
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Terrier or a Chinese Crested cheaper to own?
The Chinese Crested is cheaper in the first year ($3,385 vs $3,580). Over a full lifetime the Chinese Crested works out cheaper overall — about $27,760 versus $34,105, a difference of roughly $6,345.
How much does an Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a Chinese Crested?
After the first year, an Australian Terrier costs about $170/month in ongoing expenses, while a Chinese Crested costs about $156/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 Chinese Crested?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Terrier costs about $410 a year versus $300 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Terrier typically lives longer (16 vs 14 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Terriers or Chinese Cresteds cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for an Australian Terrier and $450 for a Chinese Crested. 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.