Hovawart vs Alaskan Malamute: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Hovawart is cheaper by $780 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $1,330.
| Cost Factor | Hovawart | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 11 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $335 | $325 |
| Initial vet costs | $575 | $750 |
| Annual food | $875 | $1,330 |
| Annual vet | $630 | $815 |
| Annual grooming | $500 | $480 |
| Annual insurance | $735 | $955 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,960 | $5,740 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,965 | $3,775 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,610 | $35,940 |
Hovawart vs Alaskan Malamute: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Hovawart works out to roughly $34,610, while a Alaskan Malamute comes to about $35,940 — a difference of $1,330 (4%). The Hovawart 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 food: a Alaskan Malamute costs about $1,330 a year for food, versus $875 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 Hovawart wins the first year by $780. If you're planning for the long haul, the Hovawart saves about $1,330 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
Hovawart
Alaskan Malamute
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Hovawart or a Alaskan Malamute cheaper to own?
The Hovawart is cheaper in the first year ($4,960 vs $5,740). Over a full lifetime the Hovawart works out cheaper overall — about $34,610 versus $35,940, a difference of roughly $1,330.
How much does a Hovawart cost per month compared to a Alaskan Malamute?
After the first year, a Hovawart costs about $247/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 Hovawart and a Alaskan Malamute?
The largest single difference is food: a Alaskan Malamute costs about $1,330 a year versus $875 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Hovawart typically lives longer (11 vs 9 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Hovawarts or Alaskan Malamutes cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $630 for a Hovawart 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.