Breed Comparison

Bearded Collie vs Barbet: Full Cost Comparison

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

Bottom line

The Barbet is cheaper by $115 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,155.

Cost FactorBearded CollieBarbet
Sizemediummedium
Lifespan13 yrs13 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$275$325
Initial vet costs$485$465
Annual food$630$665
Annual vet$485$465
Annual grooming$640$455
Annual insurance$585$555
First year total (est.)$4,125$4,010
Annual ongoing (est.)$2,510$2,340
Lifetime total (est.)$34,245$32,090

Bearded Collie vs Barbet: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a Bearded Collie works out to roughly $34,245, while a Barbet comes to about $32,090 — a difference of $2,155 (6%). 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 Bearded Collie costs about $640 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 $115. If you're planning for the long haul, the Barbet saves about $2,155 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

Bearded Collie

Sizemedium
Lifespan13 years
First year$4,125
Annual$2,510
Lifetime$34,245

Barbet

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

Frequently asked questions

Is a Bearded Collie or a Barbet cheaper to own?

The Barbet is cheaper in the first year ($4,010 vs $4,125). Over a full lifetime the Barbet works out cheaper overall — about $32,090 versus $34,245, a difference of roughly $2,155.

How much does a Bearded Collie cost per month compared to a Barbet?

After the first year, a Bearded Collie costs about $209/month in ongoing expenses, while a Barbet costs about $195/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 Bearded Collie and a Barbet?

The largest single difference is grooming: a Bearded Collie costs about $640 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 Bearded Collies or Barbets cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $485 for a Bearded Collie and $465 for a Barbet. 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.

Calculate My Costs — Free