Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Portuguese Water Dog is cheaper by $195 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $8,255.
| Cost Factor | Labrador Retriever | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | medium |
| Lifespan | 11 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $670 | $320 |
| Initial vet costs | $585 | $540 |
| Annual food | $745 | $670 |
| Annual vet | $640 | $540 |
| Annual grooming | $295 | $850 |
| Annual insurance | $745 | $645 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,835 | $4,640 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,635 | $2,900 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $31,185 | $39,440 |
Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Labrador Retriever works out to roughly $31,185, while a Portuguese Water Dog comes to about $39,440 — a difference of $8,255 (21%). The Labrador Retriever 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 Portuguese Water Dog costs about $850 a year for grooming, versus $295 for the other breed. The larger Labrador Retriever generally needs more food and carries higher medication and insurance costs.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Portuguese Water Dog wins the first year by $195. If you're planning for the long haul, the Labrador Retriever saves about $8,255 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
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Labrador Retriever or a Portuguese Water Dog cheaper to own?
The Portuguese Water Dog is cheaper in the first year ($4,640 vs $4,835). Over a full lifetime the Labrador Retriever works out cheaper overall — about $31,185 versus $39,440, a difference of roughly $8,255.
How much does a Labrador Retriever cost per month compared to a Portuguese Water Dog?
After the first year, a Labrador Retriever costs about $220/month in ongoing expenses, while a Portuguese Water Dog costs about $242/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 Labrador Retriever and a Portuguese Water Dog?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Portuguese Water Dog costs about $850 a year versus $295 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Portuguese Water Dog typically lives longer (13 vs 11 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Portuguese Water Dogs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $640 for a Labrador Retriever and $540 for a Portuguese Water Dog. 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.