Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Chow Chow: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is cheaper by $620 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $7,100.
| Cost Factor | Basset Bleu de Gascogne | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $285 | $280 |
| Initial vet costs | $465 | $485 |
| Annual food | $590 | $610 |
| Annual vet | $465 | $485 |
| Annual grooming | $370 | $845 |
| Annual insurance | $555 | $585 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,740 | $4,360 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,175 | $2,715 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $29,840 | $36,940 |
Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Chow Chow: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Basset Bleu de Gascogne works out to roughly $29,840, while a Chow Chow comes to about $36,940 — a difference of $7,100 (19%). The Basset Bleu de Gascogne 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 Chow Chow costs about $845 a year for grooming, versus $370 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 Basset Bleu de Gascogne wins the first year by $620. If you're planning for the long haul, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne saves about $7,100 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
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Chow Chow
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Basset Bleu de Gascogne or a Chow Chow cheaper to own?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is cheaper in the first year ($3,740 vs $4,360). Over a full lifetime the Basset Bleu de Gascogne works out cheaper overall — about $29,840 versus $36,940, a difference of roughly $7,100.
How much does a Basset Bleu de Gascogne cost per month compared to a Chow Chow?
After the first year, a Basset Bleu de Gascogne costs about $181/month in ongoing expenses, while a Chow Chow 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 a Basset Bleu de Gascogne and a Chow Chow?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Chow Chow costs about $845 a year versus $370 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 13-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Basset Bleu de Gascognes or Chow Chows cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $465 for a Basset Bleu de Gascogne and $485 for a Chow Chow. 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.