Breed Comparison

Barbet vs Devon Rex: Full Cost Comparison

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

Bottom line

The Devon Rex is cheaper by $1,425 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $10,330.

Cost FactorBarbetDevon Rex
Sizemediummedium
Lifespan13 yrs14 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$325$485
Initial vet costs$465$370
Annual food$665$455
Annual vet$465$370
Annual grooming$455$185
Annual insurance$555$315
First year total (est.)$4,010$2,585
Annual ongoing (est.)$2,340$1,475
Lifetime total (est.)$32,090$21,760

Barbet vs Devon Rex: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a Barbet works out to roughly $32,090, while a Devon Rex comes to about $21,760 — a difference of $10,330 (32%). The Devon Rex 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 Barbet costs about $455 a year for grooming, versus $185 for the other breed. Both are medium-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.

Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Devon Rex wins the first year by $1,425. If you're planning for the long haul, the Devon Rex saves about $10,330 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,500 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.

Key Differences

Barbet

Sizemedium
Lifespan13 years
First year$4,010
Annual$2,340
Lifetime$32,090

Devon Rex

Sizemedium
Lifespan14 years
First year$2,585
Annual$1,475
Lifetime$21,760

Frequently asked questions

Is a Barbet or a Devon Rex cheaper to own?

The Devon Rex is cheaper in the first year ($2,585 vs $4,010). Over a full lifetime the Devon Rex works out cheaper overall — about $21,760 versus $32,090, a difference of roughly $10,330.

How much does a Barbet cost per month compared to a Devon Rex?

After the first year, a Barbet costs about $195/month in ongoing expenses, while a Devon Rex costs about $123/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 Barbet and a Devon Rex?

The largest single difference is grooming: a Barbet costs about $455 a year versus $185 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Devon Rex typically lives longer (14 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.

Do Barbets or Devon Rexs cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $465 for a Barbet and $370 for a Devon Rex. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,500, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.

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