Breed Comparison

Egyptian Mau vs Barbet: Full Cost Comparison

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

Bottom line

The Egyptian Mau is cheaper by $1,810 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $11,485.

Cost FactorEgyptian MauBarbet
Sizemediummedium
Lifespan14 yrs13 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$165$325
Initial vet costs$360$465
Annual food$450$665
Annual vet$360$465
Annual grooming$115$455
Annual insurance$310$555
First year total (est.)$2,475$4,285
Annual ongoing (est.)$1,485$2,415
Lifetime total (est.)$21,780$33,265

Egyptian Mau vs Barbet: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a Egyptian Mau works out to roughly $21,780, while a Barbet comes to about $33,265 — a difference of $11,485 (35%). The Egyptian Mau 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 Barbet costs about $455 a year for grooming, versus $115 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 Egyptian Mau wins the first year by $1,810. If you're planning for the long haul, the Egyptian Mau saves about $11,485 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

Egyptian Mau

Sizemedium
Lifespan14 years
First year$2,475
Annual$1,485
Lifetime$21,780

Barbet

Sizemedium
Lifespan13 years
First year$4,285
Annual$2,415
Lifetime$33,265

Frequently asked questions

Is an Egyptian Mau or a Barbet cheaper to own?

The Egyptian Mau is cheaper in the first year ($2,475 vs $4,285). Over a full lifetime the Egyptian Mau works out cheaper overall — about $21,780 versus $33,265, a difference of roughly $11,485.

How much does an Egyptian Mau cost per month compared to a Barbet?

After the first year, an Egyptian Mau costs about $124/month in ongoing expenses, while a Barbet costs about $201/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.

What's the biggest cost difference between an Egyptian Mau and a Barbet?

The largest single difference is grooming: a Barbet costs about $455 a year versus $115 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Egyptian Mau typically lives longer (14 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.

Do Egyptian Maus or Barbets cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $360 for an Egyptian Mau 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.

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