Barbet vs Icelandic Sheepdog: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Barbet is cheaper by $390 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,270.
| Cost Factor | Barbet | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $325 | $330 |
| Initial vet costs | $465 | $485 |
| Annual food | $665 | $655 |
| Annual vet | $465 | $485 |
| Annual grooming | $455 | $940 |
| Annual insurance | $555 | $585 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,285 | $4,675 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,415 | $2,905 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $33,265 | $39,535 |
Barbet vs Icelandic Sheepdog: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Barbet works out to roughly $33,265, while a Icelandic Sheepdog comes to about $39,535 — a difference of $6,270 (16%). The Barbet 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 Icelandic Sheepdog costs about $940 a year for grooming, versus $455 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 Barbet wins the first year by $390. If you're planning for the long haul, the Barbet saves about $6,270 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Barbet or an Icelandic Sheepdog cheaper to own?
The Barbet is cheaper in the first year ($4,285 vs $4,675). Over a full lifetime the Barbet works out cheaper overall — about $33,265 versus $39,535, a difference of roughly $6,270.
How much does a Barbet cost per month compared to an Icelandic Sheepdog?
After the first year, a Barbet costs about $201/month in ongoing expenses, while an Icelandic Sheepdog costs about $242/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 an Icelandic Sheepdog?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Icelandic Sheepdog costs about $940 a year versus $455 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 13-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Barbets or Icelandic Sheepdogs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $465 for a Barbet and $485 for an Icelandic Sheepdog. 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.