Japanese Chin vs Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit): Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) is cheaper by $610 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $6,350.
| Cost Factor | Japanese Chin | Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 15 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $315 | $300 |
| Initial vet costs | $670 | $445 |
| Annual food | $415 | $425 |
| Annual vet | $670 | $445 |
| Annual grooming | $380 | $435 |
| Annual insurance | $740 | $495 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,940 | $3,330 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,355 | $1,945 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,910 | $30,560 |
Japanese Chin vs Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit): which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Japanese Chin works out to roughly $36,910, while a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) comes to about $30,560 — a difference of $6,350 (17%). The Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) 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 $495 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 Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) wins the first year by $610. If you're planning for the long haul, the Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) saves about $6,350 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
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Japanese Chin or a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) cheaper to own?
The Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) is cheaper in the first year ($3,330 vs $3,940). Over a full lifetime the Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) works out cheaper overall — about $30,560 versus $36,910, a difference of roughly $6,350.
How much does a Japanese Chin cost per month compared to a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)?
After the first year, a Japanese Chin costs about $196/month in ongoing expenses, while a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) costs about $162/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 Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)?
The largest single difference is insurance: a Japanese Chin costs about $740 a year versus $495 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 15-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Japanese Chins or Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)s cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $670 for a Japanese Chin and $445 for a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit). 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.