Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Chow Chow | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $40,164 | $39,988 |
| First year | $6,400 | $6,969 |
| Monthly average | $277 | $295 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,926 | $3,095 |
| Documented conditions | 11 | 31 |
| Median lifespan | 12.1 yrs | 11.3 yrs |
| Adult weight | 45 to 70 lb | 65 to 90 lb |
| Daily food | 3.4 cups | 4.3 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $470 | $470 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | High, mid life |
| Biggest single risk | Elbow dysplasia | Diarrhea |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow dysplasia | 51%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Hip dysplasia | 22%screened dogs | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 6%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 6%screened dogs | not priced |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 2%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea | 5%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Osteoarthritis | 6%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Overweight/obesity | 5%1-yr clinical | $168–$452 |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 19%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Musculoskeletal disorder | 15%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Cutaneous disorder | 14%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Aural disorder | 11%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Seasonal allergies (US) | 10%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Gastroenteropathy | 10%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Ear infection (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Giardia (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Dog bite (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Osteoarthritis (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Fractured teeth (US) | 6%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Behavioral disorder | 6%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Pruritis (US) | 6%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Sebaceous cysts (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Torn or broken toenail (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 5%owner survey | not priced |
| Aggression | 5%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Arthritis | 3%owner survey | $281–$756 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 3%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Lipoma | 3%owner survey | not priced |
| Chronic Itching | 2%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis externa | 2%owner survey | $100–$270 |
| Umbilical hernia | 2%owner survey | $621–$1,671 |
| Patellar luxation | 1%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Gastric dilatation volvulus | n/a | $3,709–$9,986 |
| Hip dysplasia | n/a | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | n/a | not priced |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $0 for the Chow Chow and $735 for the German Shepherd. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
Common questions
Is a Chow Chow or a German Shepherd more expensive?
The German Shepherd is cheaper by about $176 over a lifetime. Chow Chow: $40,164. German Shepherd: $39,988. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, a Chow Chow or a German Shepherd?
The Chow Chow has the longer typical lifespan. Chow Chow: 12.1 years. German Shepherd: 11.3 years.
Which is healthier, a Chow Chow or a German Shepherd?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Chow Chow's biggest single risk is elbow dysplasia, seen in 51% of the breed. For the German Shepherd it is diarrhea, at 5%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.