Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is cheaper by $5 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $3,560.
| Cost Factor | Basset Fauve de Bretagne | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 16 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $340 | $470 |
| Initial vet costs | $460 | $490 |
| Annual food | $415 | $370 |
| Annual vet | $460 | $490 |
| Annual grooming | $395 | $210 |
| Annual insurance | $515 | $545 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,560 | $3,565 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,010 | $1,845 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $27,680 | $31,240 |
Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Basset Fauve de Bretagne works out to roughly $27,680, while a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) comes to about $31,240 — a difference of $3,560 (11%). The Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne costs about $395 a year for grooming, versus $210 for the other breed. Both are small-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne wins the first year by $5. If you're planning for the long haul, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne saves about $3,560 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne or a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) cheaper to own?
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is cheaper in the first year ($3,560 vs $3,565). Over a full lifetime the Basset Fauve de Bretagne works out cheaper overall — about $27,680 versus $31,240, a difference of roughly $3,560.
How much does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne cost per month compared to a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?
After the first year, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne costs about $168/month in ongoing expenses, while a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) costs about $154/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 Fauve de Bretagne and a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Basset Fauve de Bretagne costs about $395 a year versus $210 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) typically lives longer (16 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)s cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $460 for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne and $490 for a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat). Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.