Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | German Shepherd | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $39,988 | $38,042 |
| First year | $6,969 | $7,590 |
| Monthly average | $295 | $352 |
| Puppy price | $1,500 to $3,500 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $3,095 | $3,716 |
| Documented conditions | 31 | 12 |
| Median lifespan | 11.3 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Adult weight | 65 to 90 lb | 120 to 230 lb |
| Daily food | 4.3 cups | 7.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $470 | $300 |
| Risk profile | High, mid life | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Diarrhea | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Hip dysplasia | 20%screened dogs | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 16%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| 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 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 3%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 1%screened dogs | not priced |
| Patellar luxation | 0%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Congenital heart disease | 0%screened dogs | $534–$1,438 |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $735 for the German Shepherd and $0 for the Mastiff. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
Common questions
Is a German Shepherd or a Mastiff more expensive?
The Mastiff is cheaper by about $1,946 over a lifetime. German Shepherd: $39,988. Mastiff: $38,042. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, a German Shepherd or a Mastiff?
The German Shepherd has the longer typical lifespan. German Shepherd: 11.3 years. Mastiff: 9 years.
Which is healthier, a German Shepherd or a Mastiff?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The German Shepherd's biggest single risk is diarrhea, seen in 5% of the breed. For the Mastiff 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.