Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | French Bulldog | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $29,367 | $36,956 |
| First year | $7,995 | $5,331 |
| Monthly average | $250 | $230 |
| Puppy price | $2,000 to $6,500 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,371 | $2,457 |
| Documented conditions | 19 | 28 |
| Median lifespan | 9.8 yrs | 13.4 yrs |
| Adult weight | 20 to 28 lb | 15 to 25 lb |
| Daily food | 1.8 cups | 1.5 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $184 | $338 |
| Risk profile | High, early onset | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Hip dysplasia | Skin disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 33%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Skin disease | 18%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 17%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Ear disease | 16%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Upper respiratory disease, including BOAS | 13%1-yr clinical | $422–$1,136 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Eye disease | 11%1-yr clinical | $449–$1,209 |
| Intervertebral disc disease (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 8%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 7%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) | 5%owner survey | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis media | 4%owner survey | $100–$270 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 4%screened dogs | not priced |
| Persistent vomiting | 3%owner survey | not priced |
| Food Allergy | 3%owner survey | $378–$1,017 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 3%owner survey | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Patellar luxation/Slipping kneecap | 3%owner survey | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 0%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Spinal disease including IVDD | n/a | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Dental calculus (US) | 29%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Extracted teeth (US) | 23%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 12%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Osteoarthritis (US) | 12%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Gingivitis (US) | 10%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 |
| Hearing loss (incompletely deaf) (US) | 6%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Dog bite (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Chronic kidney disease (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Murmur (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Fleas (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Arthritis | 4%owner survey | $281–$756 |
| Lipoma | 4%owner survey | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 3%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Cryptorchidism | 3%owner survey | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia | 3%owner survey | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 3%owner survey | not priced |
| Colitis | 2%owner survey | $354–$954 |
| Heart (cardiac) murmur | 2%owner survey | $534–$1,438 |
| Distichiasis | 2%owner survey | $662–$1,782 |
| Patellar luxation | 1%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 1%screened dogs | not priced |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $0 for the French Bulldog and $0 for the Shetland Sheepdog. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
Common questions
Is a French Bulldog or a Shetland Sheepdog more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $7,589 over a lifetime. French Bulldog: $29,367. Shetland Sheepdog: $36,956. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, a French Bulldog or a Shetland Sheepdog?
The Shetland Sheepdog has the longer typical lifespan. French Bulldog: 9.8 years. Shetland Sheepdog: 13.4 years.
Which is healthier, a French Bulldog or a Shetland Sheepdog?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The French Bulldog's biggest single risk is hip dysplasia, seen in 33% of the breed. For the Shetland Sheepdog it is skin disease, at 36%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.