Japanese Shiba Inu vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is cheaper by $655 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $4,615.
| Cost Factor | Japanese Shiba Inu | Basset Bleu de Gascogne |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $525 | $285 |
| Initial vet costs | $530 | $465 |
| Annual food | $640 | $590 |
| Annual vet | $530 | $465 |
| Annual grooming | $500 | $370 |
| Annual insurance | $635 | $555 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,395 | $3,740 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,505 | $2,175 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,455 | $29,840 |
Japanese Shiba Inu vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Japanese Shiba Inu works out to roughly $34,455, while a Basset Bleu de Gascogne comes to about $29,840 — a difference of $4,615 (13%). The Basset Bleu de Gascogne 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 Japanese Shiba Inu costs about $500 a year for grooming, versus $370 for the other breed. Both are medium-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne wins the first year by $655. If you're planning for the long haul, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne saves about $4,615 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,500 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Japanese Shiba Inu
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Japanese Shiba Inu or a Basset Bleu de Gascogne cheaper to own?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is cheaper in the first year ($3,740 vs $4,395). Over a full lifetime the Basset Bleu de Gascogne works out cheaper overall — about $29,840 versus $34,455, a difference of roughly $4,615.
How much does a Japanese Shiba Inu cost per month compared to a Basset Bleu de Gascogne?
After the first year, a Japanese Shiba Inu costs about $209/month in ongoing expenses, while a Basset Bleu de Gascogne costs about $181/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 Shiba Inu and a Basset Bleu de Gascogne?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Japanese Shiba Inu costs about $500 a year versus $370 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 13-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Japanese Shiba Inus or Basset Bleu de Gascognes cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $530 for a Japanese Shiba Inu and $465 for a Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,500, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.