Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Dalmatian | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $42,954 | $28,769 |
| First year | $6,029 | $7,485 |
| Monthly average | $271 | $245 |
| Puppy price | $1,000 to $2,500 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,905 | $2,361 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 18 | 18 |
| Median lifespan | 13.2 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 45 to 70 lb | 20 to 28 lb |
| Daily food | 3.4 cups | 1.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $336 | $180 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | High, early onset |
| Biggest single risk | Skin disease | Hip dysplasia |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 11% | $169–$455 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Urolithiasis (Urate crystals) | 8% | $1,515–$4,079 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5% | $629–$1,694 |
| Lipoma | 5% | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia | 4% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Arthritis | 4% | $281–$756 |
| Otitis externa | 3% | $100–$270 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 3% | not priced |
| Urinary incontinence | 3% | $118–$318 |
| Epilepsy | 2% | $1,485–$3,999 |
| Congenital heart disease | 2% | $534–$1,438 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 1% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 1% | not priced |
| 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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Common questions
Is a Dalmatian or a French Bulldog more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $14,186 over a lifetime. Dalmatian: $42,954. French Bulldog: $28,769. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Dalmatian or a French Bulldog?
The Dalmatian has the longer typical lifespan. Dalmatian: 13.2 years. French Bulldog: 9.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Dalmatian or a French Bulldog?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Dalmatian's biggest single risk is skin disease, seen in 36% 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.