Borzoi vs Alaskan Malamute: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Borzoi is cheaper by $125 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,070.
| Cost Factor | Borzoi | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 8 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $375 | $325 |
| Initial vet costs | $705 | $750 |
| Annual food | $1,335 | $1,330 |
| Annual vet | $770 | $815 |
| Annual grooming | $250 | $480 |
| Annual insurance | $895 | $955 |
| First year total (est.) | $5,615 | $5,740 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,465 | $3,775 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $29,870 | $35,940 |
Borzoi vs Alaskan Malamute: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Borzoi works out to roughly $29,870, while a Alaskan Malamute comes to about $35,940 — a difference of $6,070 (17%). The Borzoi 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 Alaskan Malamute costs about $480 a year for grooming, versus $250 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 Borzoi wins the first year by $125. If you're planning for the long haul, the Borzoi saves about $6,070 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
Borzoi
Alaskan Malamute
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Borzoi or a Alaskan Malamute cheaper to own?
The Borzoi is cheaper in the first year ($5,615 vs $5,740). Over a full lifetime the Borzoi works out cheaper overall — about $29,870 versus $35,940, a difference of roughly $6,070.
How much does a Borzoi cost per month compared to a Alaskan Malamute?
After the first year, a Borzoi costs about $289/month in ongoing expenses, while a Alaskan Malamute costs about $315/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 Borzoi and a Alaskan Malamute?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Alaskan Malamute costs about $480 a year versus $250 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Alaskan Malamute typically lives longer (9 vs 8 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Borzois or Alaskan Malamutes cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $770 for a Borzoi and $815 for a 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.