Dachshund vs Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs
Dachshund owners spend $400-$1,000/yr at the vet. Yorkshire Terrier: $380-$900/yr. That's a $60/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Dachshund
$7,500-$18,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate-high health risk
Lifetime Gap
$1,250
Yorkshire Terrier costs less
Yorkshire Terrier
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Dachshund | Yorkshire Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $700/yr | $640/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Annual Range | $400-$1,000 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $300/yr | $280/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $450/yr | $300/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$55/mo | $25-$50/mo | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$350 | $150-$350 | Dachshund |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,500-$18,000 | $7,000-$16,000 | Yorkshire Terrier |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (30-40%) $400-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) (2-5%) $3,000-$8,000
- Tracheal collapse (5-10%) $500-$4,500
- Hypoglycemia (10-15%) $100-$500
Breed-Specific Procedures
Dachshund
- Spinal evaluation $200-$500
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
- Weight management $0-$50
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$280
- Eye exam $50-$150
Yorkshire Terrier
- Dental cleaning + extractions $400-$800
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
- Blood glucose check $30-$80
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
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.
Yorkshire Terrier
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/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.