Breed Comparison

Azawakh vs Labrador Retriever: Full Cost Comparison

Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.

Bottom line

The Azawakh is cheaper by $555 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $1,855.

Cost FactorAzawakhLabrador Retriever
Sizelargelarge
Lifespan11 yrs11 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$330$670
Initial vet costs$555$585
Annual food$760$745
Annual vet$605$640
Annual grooming$245$295
Annual insurance$705$745
First year total (est.)$4,280$4,835
Annual ongoing (est.)$2,505$2,635
Lifetime total (est.)$29,330$31,185

Azawakh vs Labrador Retriever: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a Azawakh works out to roughly $29,330, while a Labrador Retriever comes to about $31,185 — a difference of $1,855 (6%). The Azawakh 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 Labrador Retriever costs about $295 a year for grooming, versus $245 for the other breed. Both are large-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.

Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Azawakh wins the first year by $555. If you're planning for the long haul, the Azawakh saves about $1,855 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $3,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.

Key Differences

Azawakh

Sizelarge
Lifespan11 years
First year$4,280
Annual$2,505
Lifetime$29,330

Labrador Retriever

Sizelarge
Lifespan11 years
First year$4,835
Annual$2,635
Lifetime$31,185

Frequently asked questions

Is a Azawakh or a Labrador Retriever cheaper to own?

The Azawakh is cheaper in the first year ($4,280 vs $4,835). Over a full lifetime the Azawakh works out cheaper overall — about $29,330 versus $31,185, a difference of roughly $1,855.

How much does a Azawakh cost per month compared to a Labrador Retriever?

After the first year, a Azawakh costs about $209/month in ongoing expenses, while a Labrador Retriever costs about $220/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 Azawakh and a Labrador Retriever?

The largest single difference is grooming: a Labrador Retriever costs about $295 a year versus $245 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 11-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.

Do Azawakhs or Labrador Retrievers cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $605 for a Azawakh and $640 for a Labrador Retriever. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $3,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.

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