Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Boxer | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $36,605 | $39,756 |
| First year | $6,305 | $5,885 |
| Monthly average | $270 | $249 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,831 | $2,661 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 19 | 14 |
| Median lifespan | 11.3 yrs | 13.3 yrs |
| Adult weight | 50 to 80 lb | 11 to 20 lb |
| Daily food | 3.7 cups | 1.3 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $200 | $660 |
| Risk profile | High, late onset | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Degenerative myelopathy | Skin disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative myelopathy | 50% | not priced |
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Hip dysplasia | 13% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 11% | $169–$455 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Skin cancer/tumour | 6% | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 6% | not priced |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5% | $629–$1,694 |
| Lipoma | 5% | not priced |
| Corneal Ulcer | 5% | $469–$1,264 |
| Skin lump | 5% | not priced |
| Arthritis | 4% | $281–$756 |
| Colitis | 4% | $354–$954 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 1% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Congenital heart disease | 1% | $534–$1,438 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Cancer | n/a | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Aortic stenosis | n/a | $534–$1,438 |
| Brachycephalic airway signs | n/a | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Lipoma | 5% | not priced |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 3% | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia | 3% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Umbilical hernia | 2% | $621–$1,671 |
| Dermatitis | 2% | $252–$679 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 2% | not priced |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 1% | $629–$1,694 |
| Chronic Itching | 1% | $629–$1,694 |
| Heart (cardiac) murmur | 1% | $534–$1,438 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Pancreatitis | n/a | $254–$682 |
| Dental disease | n/a | $246–$663 |
| Hyperlipidaemia | n/a | not priced |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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Common questions
Is a Boxer or a Miniature Schnauzer more expensive?
The Boxer is cheaper by about $3,151 over a lifetime. Boxer: $36,605. Miniature Schnauzer: $39,756. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Boxer or a Miniature Schnauzer?
The Miniature Schnauzer has the longer typical lifespan. Boxer: 11.3 years. Miniature Schnauzer: 13.3 years.
Which is healthier, a Boxer or a Miniature Schnauzer?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Boxer's biggest single risk is degenerative myelopathy, seen in 50% of the breed. For the Miniature Schnauzer 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.