Bloodhound vs Alaskan Malamute: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Alaskan Malamute is cheaper by $100 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $60.
| Cost Factor | Bloodhound | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 9 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $355 | $325 |
| Initial vet costs | $730 | $750 |
| Annual food | $1,280 | $1,330 |
| Annual vet | $795 | $815 |
| Annual grooming | $550 | $480 |
| Annual insurance | $925 | $955 |
| First year total (est.) | $6,110 | $6,010 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,830 | $3,850 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,750 | $36,810 |
Bloodhound vs Alaskan Malamute: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Bloodhound works out to roughly $36,750, while a Alaskan Malamute comes to about $36,810 — a difference of $60 (0%). The Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound costs about $550 a year for grooming, versus $480 for the other breed. Both are large-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Alaskan Malamute wins the first year by $100. If you're planning for the long haul, the Bloodhound saves about $60 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $3,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Bloodhound
Alaskan Malamute
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Bloodhound or an Alaskan Malamute cheaper to own?
The Alaskan Malamute is cheaper in the first year ($6,010 vs $6,110). Over a full lifetime the Bloodhound works out cheaper overall — about $36,750 versus $36,810, a difference of roughly $60.
How much does a Bloodhound cost per month compared to an Alaskan Malamute?
After the first year, a Bloodhound costs about $319/month in ongoing expenses, while an Alaskan Malamute costs about $321/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 Bloodhound and an Alaskan Malamute?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Bloodhound costs about $550 a year versus $480 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 9-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Bloodhounds or Alaskan Malamutes cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $795 for a Bloodhound and $815 for an Alaskan Malamute. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $3,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.