Alaskan Malamute vs Boston Terrier Vet Costs
Alaskan Malamute owners spend $550-$1,300/yr at the vet. Boston Terrier: $550-$1,400/yr. That's a $50/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Alaskan Malamute
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (11 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$2,500
Alaskan Malamute costs less
Boston Terrier
$8,000-$20,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
high health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Alaskan Malamute | Boston Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $925/yr | $975/yr | Alaskan Malamute |
| Annual Range | $550-$1,300 | $550-$1,400 | - |
| Preventive Care | $400/yr | $320/yr | Boston Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $500/yr | $600/yr | Alaskan Malamute |
| Pet Insurance | $48-$88/mo | $55-$95/mo | Alaskan Malamute |
| Spay/Neuter | $250-$600 | $175-$400 | Boston Terrier |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,000-$16,000 | $8,000-$20,000 | Alaskan Malamute |
Alaskan Malamute Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 75-100 lbs · 11-year lifespan · 2 visits/year
- Hip dysplasia (15-20%) $1,500-$6,000
- Hypothyroidism (10-15%) $200-$600
- Inherited polyneuropathy (Rare) $500-$2,000
Boston Terrier Health Risks
high risk · small, 12-25 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) (40-60%) $1,500-$5,000
- Corneal ulcers (20-30%) $300-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15%) $1,500-$5,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Alaskan Malamute
- Hip OFA screening $250-$500
- Thyroid panel $150-$300
- Dental cleaning $350-$750
Boston Terrier
- BOAS evaluation + surgery $1,500-$5,000
- Eye exam $80-$200
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Alaskan Malamute
$48-$88/mo ($576-$1,056/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Boston Terrier
$55-$95/mo ($660-$1,140/yr)
high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.