Australian Terrier vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan): Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is cheaper by $45 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $1,445.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $275 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $480 |
| Annual food | $420 | $420 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $480 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $425 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $535 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,340 | $3,295 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,960 | $2,000 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $32,740 | $31,295 |
Australian Terrier vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan): which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $32,740, while a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) comes to about $31,295 — a difference of $1,445 (4%). The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) 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 vet care: a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $480 a year for vet care, versus $455 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 English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) wins the first year by $45. If you're planning for the long haul, the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) saves about $1,445 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
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Terrier or a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) cheaper to own?
The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is cheaper in the first year ($3,295 vs $3,340). Over a full lifetime the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) works out cheaper overall — about $31,295 versus $32,740, a difference of roughly $1,445.
How much does a Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)?
After the first year, a Australian Terrier costs about $163/month in ongoing expenses, while a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $167/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 Terrier and a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)?
The largest single difference is vet care: a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $480 a year versus $455 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Terrier typically lives longer (16 vs 15 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Australian Terriers or English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)s cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for a Australian Terrier and $480 for a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan). 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.