Australian Terrier vs Italian Greyhound: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Italian Greyhound is cheaper by $335 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,530.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $130 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $475 |
| Annual food | $420 | $440 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $475 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $185 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $530 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,340 | $3,005 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,960 | $1,785 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $32,740 | $26,210 |
Australian Terrier vs Italian Greyhound: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $32,740, while a Italian Greyhound comes to about $26,210 — a difference of $6,530 (20%). The Italian Greyhound 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 $185 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 Italian Greyhound wins the first year by $335. If you're planning for the long haul, the Italian Greyhound saves about $6,530 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
Italian Greyhound
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Terrier or a Italian Greyhound cheaper to own?
The Italian Greyhound is cheaper in the first year ($3,005 vs $3,340). Over a full lifetime the Italian Greyhound works out cheaper overall — about $26,210 versus $32,740, a difference of roughly $6,530.
How much does a Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a Italian Greyhound?
After the first year, a Australian Terrier costs about $163/month in ongoing expenses, while a Italian Greyhound costs about $149/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 Italian Greyhound?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Australian Terrier costs about $410 a year versus $185 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 Italian Greyhounds cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for a Australian Terrier and $475 for a Italian Greyhound. 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.