Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is cheaper by $790 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $415.
| Cost Factor | Labrador Retriever | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | medium |
| Lifespan | 11 yrs | 12 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $670 | $270 |
| Initial vet costs | $585 | $545 |
| Annual food | $745 | $635 |
| Annual vet | $640 | $545 |
| Annual grooming | $295 | $515 |
| Annual insurance | $745 | $655 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,835 | $4,045 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,635 | $2,505 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $31,185 | $31,600 |
Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Labrador Retriever works out to roughly $31,185, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier comes to about $31,600 — a difference of $415 (1%). 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs about $515 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier wins the first year by $790. If you're planning for the long haul, the Labrador Retriever saves about $415 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
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Labrador Retriever or a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cheaper to own?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($4,045 vs $4,835). Over a full lifetime the Labrador Retriever works out cheaper overall — about $31,185 versus $31,600, a difference of roughly $415.
How much does a Labrador Retriever cost per month compared to a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
After the first year, a Labrador Retriever costs about $220/month in ongoing expenses, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs about $209/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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs about $515 a year versus $295 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically lives longer (12 vs 11 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $640 for a Labrador Retriever and $545 for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. 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.