Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Chow Chow | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $42,741 | $28,769 |
| First year | $6,613 | $7,485 |
| Monthly average | $294 | $245 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Routine care, yearly | $3,139 | $2,361 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 11 | 18 |
| Median lifespan | 12.1 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 45 to 70 lb | 20 to 28 lb |
| Daily food | 3.4 cups | 1.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $570 | $180 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | High, early onset |
| Biggest single risk | Elbow dysplasia | Hip dysplasia |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow dysplasia | 51% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Hip dysplasia | 22% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 6% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 6% | not priced |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 2% | $169–$455 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 33% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Skin disease | 18% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 17% | $354–$954 |
| Ear disease | 16% | $100–$270 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Upper respiratory disease, including BOAS | 13% | $422–$1,136 |
| Eye disease | 11% | $449–$1,209 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 8% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 7% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) | 5% | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5% | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis media | 4% | $100–$270 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 4% | not priced |
| Persistent vomiting | 3% | not priced |
| Food Allergy | 3% | $378–$1,017 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 3% | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Patellar luxation/Slipping kneecap | 3% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2% | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 0% | $169–$455 |
| Spinal disease including IVDD | n/a | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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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 $0 for the French Bulldog. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
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Common questions
Is a Chow Chow or a French Bulldog more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $13,972 over a lifetime. Chow Chow: $42,741. French Bulldog: $28,769. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Chow Chow or a French Bulldog?
The Chow Chow has the longer typical lifespan. Chow Chow: 12.1 years. French Bulldog: 9.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Chow Chow or a French Bulldog?
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 French Bulldog it is hip dysplasia, at 33%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.