Japanese Chin vs Australian Silky Terrier: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper by $700 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,640.
| Cost Factor | Japanese Chin | Australian Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 15 yrs | 17 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $315 | $295 |
| Initial vet costs | $670 | $425 |
| Annual food | $415 | $440 |
| Annual vet | $670 | $425 |
| Annual grooming | $380 | $445 |
| Annual insurance | $740 | $475 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,165 | $3,465 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,430 | $2,005 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $38,185 | $35,545 |
Japanese Chin vs Australian Silky Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Japanese Chin works out to roughly $38,185, while a Australian Silky Terrier comes to about $35,545 — a difference of $2,640 (7%). The Australian Silky Terrier 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 insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year for insurance, versus $475 for the other breed. Both are small-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Australian Silky Terrier wins the first year by $700. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Silky Terrier saves about $2,640 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Japanese Chin
Australian Silky Terrier
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Japanese Chin or an Australian Silky Terrier cheaper to own?
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,465 vs $4,165). Over a full lifetime the Australian Silky Terrier works out cheaper overall — about $35,545 versus $38,185, a difference of roughly $2,640.
How much does a Japanese Chin cost per month compared to an Australian Silky Terrier?
After the first year, a Japanese Chin costs about $203/month in ongoing expenses, while an Australian Silky Terrier costs about $167/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 Japanese Chin and an Australian Silky Terrier?
The largest single difference is insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year versus $475 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Silky Terrier typically lives longer (17 vs 15 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Japanese Chins or Australian Silky Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $670 for a Japanese Chin and $425 for an Australian Silky Terrier. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.