Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Dachshund Vet Costs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners spend $550-$1,400/yr at the vet. Dachshund: $400-$1,000/yr. That's a $275/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
$8,000-$20,000
lifetime vet costs (11 yrs)
high health risk
Lifetime Gap
$1,250
Dachshund costs less
Dachshund
$7,500-$18,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate-high health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Dachshund | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $975/yr | $700/yr | Dachshund |
| Annual Range | $550-$1,400 | $400-$1,000 | - |
| Preventive Care | $300/yr | $300/yr | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $600/yr | $450/yr | Dachshund |
| Pet Insurance | $40-$80/mo | $30-$55/mo | Dachshund |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$350 | $150-$350 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $8,000-$20,000 | $7,500-$18,000 | Dachshund |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Risks
high risk · small, 12-18 lbs · 11-year lifespan · 3-4 visits/year average
- Mitral valve disease (MVD) (nearly 100%) $500-$5,000
- Syringomyelia (SM) (25-70%) $500-$8,000
- Patellar luxation (10-15%) $1,500-$4,000
- Ear infections (20-30%) $100-$300
- Eye conditions (dry eye, cataracts) (10-15%) $300-$2,000
Dachshund Health Risks
moderate-high risk · small, 11-32 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (20-25%) $3,000-$8,000
- Obesity (20-30%) $100-$500
- Dental disease (15-25%) $300-$1,200
- Cushing's disease (2-5%) $200-$800
- Progressive retinal atrophy (2-4%) $200-$500
Breed-Specific Procedures
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cardiac auscultation $50-$150
- Echocardiogram $300-$600
- MRI (if SM symptoms) $1,500-$3,000
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
- Eye exam $50-$150
Dachshund
- Spinal evaluation $200-$500
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
- Weight management $0-$50
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$280
- Eye exam $50-$150
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
$40-$80/mo ($480-$960/yr)
high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Dachshund
$30-$55/mo ($360-$660/yr)
moderate-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.