Labrador Retriever vs Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs
Labrador Retriever owners spend $480-$1,100/yr at the vet. Yorkshire Terrier: $380-$900/yr. That's a $150/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Labrador Retriever
$7,200-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (12 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$350
Yorkshire Terrier costs less
Yorkshire Terrier
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Labrador Retriever | Yorkshire Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $790/yr | $640/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Annual Range | $480-$1,100 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $280/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $400/yr | $300/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $35-$65/mo | $25-$50/mo | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $150-$350 | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,200-$16,500 | $7,000-$16,000 | Yorkshire Terrier |
Labrador Retriever Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 55-80 lbs · 12-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (12-15%) $1,500-$6,000
- Elbow dysplasia (10-12%) $1,500-$5,000
- Progressive retinal atrophy (3-5%) $200-$500
- Obesity (30-40%) $100-$600
- Cruciate ligament tears (5-8%) $2,000-$6,000
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
Labrador Retriever
- Hip/elbow screening X-rays $200-$400
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$300
- Heartworm/flea prevention $180-$350
- Blood work panel $150-$350
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?
Labrador Retriever
$35-$65/mo ($420-$780/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
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.