Breed Comparison

LaPerm Shorthair vs Barbet: Full Cost Comparison

Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.

Bottom line

The LaPerm Shorthair is cheaper by $1,950 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $11,550.

Cost FactorLaPerm ShorthairBarbet
Sizemediummedium
Lifespan15 yrs13 yrs
Adoption/Purchase fee$140$325
Initial vet costs$340$465
Annual food$420$665
Annual vet$340$465
Annual grooming$105$455
Annual insurance$295$555
First year total (est.)$2,060$4,010
Annual ongoing (est.)$1,320$2,340
Lifetime total (est.)$20,540$32,090

LaPerm Shorthair vs Barbet: which costs more?

Over a typical lifespan, owning a LaPerm Shorthair works out to roughly $20,540, while a Barbet comes to about $32,090 — a difference of $11,550 (36%). The LaPerm Shorthair 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 Barbet costs about $455 a year for grooming, versus $105 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 LaPerm Shorthair wins the first year by $1,950. If you're planning for the long haul, the LaPerm Shorthair saves about $11,550 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

LaPerm Shorthair

Sizemedium
Lifespan15 years
First year$2,060
Annual$1,320
Lifetime$20,540

Barbet

Sizemedium
Lifespan13 years
First year$4,010
Annual$2,340
Lifetime$32,090

Frequently asked questions

Is a LaPerm Shorthair or a Barbet cheaper to own?

The LaPerm Shorthair is cheaper in the first year ($2,060 vs $4,010). Over a full lifetime the LaPerm Shorthair works out cheaper overall — about $20,540 versus $32,090, a difference of roughly $11,550.

How much does a LaPerm Shorthair cost per month compared to a Barbet?

After the first year, a LaPerm Shorthair costs about $110/month in ongoing expenses, while a Barbet costs about $195/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 LaPerm Shorthair and a Barbet?

The largest single difference is grooming: a Barbet costs about $455 a year versus $105 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the LaPerm Shorthair typically lives longer (15 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.

Do LaPerm Shorthairs or Barbets cost more at the vet?

Routine annual vet care runs about $340 for a LaPerm Shorthair and $465 for a Barbet. 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.

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