Australian Terrier vs Japanese Chin: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Terrier is cheaper by $600 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $4,170.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $315 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $670 |
| Annual food | $420 | $415 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $670 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $380 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $740 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,340 | $3,940 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,960 | $2,355 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $32,740 | $36,910 |
Australian Terrier vs Japanese Chin: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $32,740, while a Japanese Chin comes to about $36,910 — a difference of $4,170 (11%). The Australian 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 $510 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 $600. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Terrier saves about $4,170 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
Japanese Chin
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Australian Terrier or a Japanese Chin cheaper to own?
The Australian Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,340 vs $3,940). Over a full lifetime the Australian Terrier works out cheaper overall — about $32,740 versus $36,910, a difference of roughly $4,170.
How much does a Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a Japanese Chin?
After the first year, a Australian Terrier costs about $163/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 Terrier and a Japanese Chin?
The largest single difference is insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year versus $510 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 Japanese Chins cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for a Australian 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.