Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | French Bulldog | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $29,367 | $38,392 |
| First year | $7,995 | $5,762 |
| Monthly average | $250 | $239 |
| Puppy price | $2,000 to $6,500 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,371 | $2,538 |
| Documented conditions | 19 | 19 |
| Median lifespan | 9.8 yrs | 13.4 yrs |
| Adult weight | 20 to 28 lb | 15 to 20 lb |
| Daily food | 1.8 cups | 1.4 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $184 | $462 |
| Risk profile | High, early onset | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Hip dysplasia | Allergic skin disorder |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic skin disorder | 7%1-yr clinical | $629–$1,694 |
| Obesity | 6%1-yr clinical | $168–$452 |
| Overgrown nails | 7%1-yr clinical | $36–$98 |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Cutaneous disorder | 23%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Dental disorder | 18%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Hip dysplasia | 13%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Aural disorder | 12%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 9%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Dermatitis | 4%owner survey | $252–$679 |
| Chronic Itching | 4%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 4%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Patellar luxation | 4%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Otitis externa | 3%owner survey | $100–$270 |
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS Dry Eye) | 2%owner survey | $224–$604 |
| Otitis media | 2%owner survey | $100–$270 |
| Unspecified Skin Ear or Coat | 2%owner survey | $252–$679 |
| Pyoderma | 2%owner survey | $252–$679 |
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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 $1,131 for the West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $9,025 over a lifetime. French Bulldog: $29,367. West Highland White Terrier: $38,392. 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 West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier has the longer typical lifespan. French Bulldog: 9.8 years. West Highland White Terrier: 13.4 years.
Which is healthier, a French Bulldog or a West Highland White Terrier?
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 West Highland White Terrier it is allergic skin disorder, at 7%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.