Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Terrier is cheaper by $160 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $270.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | Japanese Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $305 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $420 |
| Annual food | $420 | $395 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $420 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $815 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $470 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,580 | $3,740 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,035 | $2,315 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,105 | $33,835 |
Australian Terrier vs Japanese Spitz: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $34,105, while a Japanese Spitz comes to about $33,835 — a difference of $270 (1%). The Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz costs about $815 a year for grooming, versus $410 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 $160. If you're planning for the long haul, the Japanese Spitz saves about $270 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 Spitz
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Terrier or a Japanese Spitz cheaper to own?
The Australian Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,580 vs $3,740). Over a full lifetime the Japanese Spitz works out cheaper overall — about $33,835 versus $34,105, a difference of roughly $270.
How much does an Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a Japanese Spitz?
After the first year, an Australian Terrier costs about $170/month in ongoing expenses, while a Japanese Spitz costs about $193/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 Japanese Spitz?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Japanese Spitz costs about $815 a year versus $410 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 Japanese Spitzs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for an Australian Terrier and $420 for a Japanese Spitz. 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.