Bullmastiff vs Alaskan Malamute: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Bullmastiff is cheaper by $245 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,885.
| Cost Factor | Bullmastiff | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 9 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $390 | $325 |
| Initial vet costs | $710 | $750 |
| Annual food | $1,325 | $1,330 |
| Annual vet | $775 | $815 |
| Annual grooming | $260 | $480 |
| Annual insurance | $905 | $955 |
| First year total (est.) | $5,765 | $6,010 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,520 | $3,850 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $33,925 | $36,810 |
Bullmastiff vs Alaskan Malamute: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Bullmastiff works out to roughly $33,925, while a Alaskan Malamute comes to about $36,810 — a difference of $2,885 (8%). The Bullmastiff 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 $260 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 Bullmastiff wins the first year by $245. If you're planning for the long haul, the Bullmastiff saves about $2,885 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
Bullmastiff
Alaskan Malamute
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Bullmastiff or an Alaskan Malamute cheaper to own?
The Bullmastiff is cheaper in the first year ($5,765 vs $6,010). Over a full lifetime the Bullmastiff works out cheaper overall — about $33,925 versus $36,810, a difference of roughly $2,885.
How much does a Bullmastiff cost per month compared to an Alaskan Malamute?
After the first year, a Bullmastiff costs about $293/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 Bullmastiff and an Alaskan Malamute?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Alaskan Malamute costs about $480 a year versus $260 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 9-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Bullmastiffs or Alaskan Malamutes cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $775 for a Bullmastiff 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.