Alaskan Malamute vs Great Pyrenees Vet Costs
Alaskan Malamute owners spend $550-$1,300/yr at the vet. Great Pyrenees: $530-$1,300/yr. That's a $10/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
$250
Alaskan Malamute costs less
Great Pyrenees
$7,500-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (10 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Alaskan Malamute | Great Pyrenees | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $925/yr | $915/yr | Great Pyrenees |
| Annual Range | $550-$1,300 | $530-$1,300 | - |
| Preventive Care | $400/yr | $400/yr | Alaskan Malamute |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $500/yr | $500/yr | Alaskan Malamute |
| Pet Insurance | $48-$88/mo | $40-$78/mo | Great Pyrenees |
| Spay/Neuter | $250-$600 | $300-$700 | Alaskan Malamute |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,000-$16,000 | $7,500-$16,000 | 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
Great Pyrenees Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 85-115 lbs · 10-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (10-15%) $1,500-$6,000
- Bloat/GDV (5-8%) $3,000-$8,000
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) (5-8%) $5,000-$20,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Alaskan Malamute
- Hip OFA screening $250-$500
- Thyroid panel $150-$300
- Dental cleaning $350-$750
Great Pyrenees
- Bloat prevention (gastropexy) $400-$1,200
- Hip screening X-rays $250-$450
- Dental cleaning $350-$700
- Wellness exam + vaccines $175-$350
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.
Great Pyrenees
$40-$78/mo ($480-$936/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.