Japanese Chin vs Australian Terrier: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Terrier is cheaper by $600 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $4,170.
| Cost Factor | Japanese Chin | Australian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 15 yrs | 16 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $315 | $305 |
| Initial vet costs | $670 | $455 |
| Annual food | $415 | $420 |
| Annual vet | $670 | $455 |
| Annual grooming | $380 | $410 |
| Annual insurance | $740 | $510 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,940 | $3,340 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,355 | $1,960 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,910 | $32,740 |
Japanese Chin vs Australian Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Japanese Chin works out to roughly $36,910, while a Australian Terrier comes to about $32,740 — a difference of $4,170 (11%). The Australian 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 $510 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 Terrier wins the first year by $600. If you're planning for the long haul, the Australian Terrier saves about $4,170 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 Terrier
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Japanese Chin or a Australian Terrier cheaper to own?
The Australian Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,340 vs $3,940). Over a full lifetime the Australian Terrier works out cheaper overall — about $32,740 versus $36,910, a difference of roughly $4,170.
How much does a Japanese Chin cost per month compared to a Australian Terrier?
After the first year, a Japanese Chin costs about $196/month in ongoing expenses, while a Australian Terrier costs about $163/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 a Australian Terrier?
The largest single difference is insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year versus $510 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Terrier typically lives longer (16 vs 15 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Japanese Chins or Australian Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $670 for a Japanese Chin and $455 for a Australian 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.