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 $575 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $1,875.
| Cost Factor | Azawakh | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 11 yrs | 11 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.) | $4,545 | $5,120 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,580 | $2,710 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $30,345 | $32,220 |
Azawakh vs Labrador Retriever: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Azawakh works out to roughly $30,345, while a Labrador Retriever comes to about $32,220 — a difference of $1,875 (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 $575. If you're planning for the long haul, the Azawakh saves about $1,875 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
Labrador Retriever
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Azawakh or a Labrador Retriever cheaper to own?
The Azawakh is cheaper in the first year ($4,545 vs $5,120). Over a full lifetime the Azawakh works out cheaper overall — about $30,345 versus $32,220, a difference of roughly $1,875.
How much does an Azawakh cost per month compared to a Labrador Retriever?
After the first year, an Azawakh costs about $215/month in ongoing expenses, while a Labrador Retriever costs about $226/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 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 an 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.