Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Afghan Hound | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $37,363 | $38,185 |
| First year | $6,928 | $6,095 |
| Monthly average | $280 | $227 |
| Puppy price | $1,800 to $3,500 | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,904 | $2,371 |
| Documented conditions | 5 | 26 |
| Median lifespan | 11.1 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adult weight | 50 to 60 lb | 16 to 32 lb |
| Daily food | 3.3 cups | 1.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $470 | $184 |
| Risk profile | High, mid life | |
| Biggest single risk | Skin disease | Extracted teeth (US) |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Extracted teeth (US) | 38%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Dental calculus (US) | 30%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (US) | 16%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Intervertebral disc disease | 16%lifetime, owner | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Intervertebral disc disease (US) | 15%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 10%owner survey | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Chocolate (US) | 10%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Murmur (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Gingivitis (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Cataracts (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Fractured teeth (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Dog bite (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Pancreatitis (US) | 6%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia | 5%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Patellar luxation | 4%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Anal gland/sac impaction/blockage | 3%owner survey | $84–$226 |
| Dermatitis | 3%owner survey | $252–$679 |
| Unspecified Skin Ear or Coat | 3%owner survey | $252–$679 |
| Lipoma | 2%owner survey | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 2%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Pancreatitis | 2%owner survey | $254–$682 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 1%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Congenital heart disease | 0%screened dogs | $534–$1,438 |
| Dental disease | n/a | $246–$663 |
| Obesity | n/a | $168–$452 |
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Common questions
Is an Afghan Hound or a Dachshund more expensive?
The Afghan Hound is cheaper by about $822 over a lifetime. Afghan Hound: $37,363. Dachshund: $38,185. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, an Afghan Hound or a Dachshund?
The Dachshund has the longer typical lifespan. Afghan Hound: 11.1 years. Dachshund: 14 years.
Which is healthier, an Afghan Hound or a Dachshund?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Afghan Hound's biggest single risk is skin disease, seen in 36% of the breed. For the Dachshund it is extracted teeth (us), at 38%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.