Field Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Field Spaniel is cheaper by $565 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $7,015.
| Cost Factor | Field Spaniel | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | large |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 11 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $345 | $670 |
| Initial vet costs | $530 | $585 |
| Annual food | $610 | $745 |
| Annual vet | $530 | $640 |
| Annual grooming | $670 | $295 |
| Annual insurance | $635 | $745 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,270 | $4,835 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,610 | $2,635 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $38,200 | $31,185 |
Field Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Field Spaniel works out to roughly $38,200, while a Labrador Retriever comes to about $31,185 — a difference of $7,015 (18%). The Labrador Retriever 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 Field Spaniel costs about $670 a year for grooming, versus $295 for the other breed. The larger Labrador Retriever generally needs more food and carries higher medication and insurance costs.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Field Spaniel wins the first year by $565. If you're planning for the long haul, the Labrador Retriever saves about $7,015 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
Field Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Field Spaniel or a Labrador Retriever cheaper to own?
The Field Spaniel is cheaper in the first year ($4,270 vs $4,835). Over a full lifetime the Labrador Retriever works out cheaper overall — about $31,185 versus $38,200, a difference of roughly $7,015.
How much does a Field Spaniel cost per month compared to a Labrador Retriever?
After the first year, a Field Spaniel costs about $218/month in ongoing expenses, while a Labrador Retriever costs about $220/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 Field Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Field Spaniel costs about $670 a year versus $295 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Field Spaniel typically lives longer (14 vs 11 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Field Spaniels or Labrador Retrievers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $530 for a Field Spaniel and $640 for a Labrador Retriever. 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.