Adult weight20–40 lbs
Lifespan12–14 yrs
Monthly run-rate$188
First-year total (acquisition + setup + care)$4,514
−$177 vs. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling RetrieverAnnual recurring run-rate$2,259 / year≈ $188 / month steady state
Emergency reserve
Lifetime financial exposure, clinical risk tiers, and routine veterinary spend for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, audited line by line against the US national baseline.
Over their full lifetimes the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje runs $31,622 ($2,432 / yr amortized) against the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's $33,923 ($2,609 / yr). Choosing the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje saves roughly $2,301 over the animal's lifetime. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's premium is led by vet & insurance.
One-time onboarding capital and steady-state maintenance, line by line.
| Expense category & rationale | Nederlandse Kooikerhondje | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Variance (Nederlandse Kooikerhondje delta) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 · Initial Acquisition & Onboarding Capital | |||
Purchase / Adoption Fee Varies by breeder vs rescue | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 (Parity) |
Initial Vet Visit & Vaccinations Spay/neuter, microchip, health check | $660 | $660 | $0 (Parity) |
Starter Supplies Bed, crate, collar, bowls, toys | $475 | $475 | $0 (Parity) |
Training Classes Basic obedience recommended | $260 | $260 | $0 (Parity) |
| Subtotal · One-time onboarding capital | $2,395 | $2,395 | $0 (Parity) |
| Phase 2 · Annual Recurring Operations (Year 2+) | |||
Food | $398 | $575 | −$177 (−31%) |
Vet Care | $660 | $660 | $0 (Parity) |
Grooming | $312 | $312 | $0 (Parity) |
Pet Insurance | $749 | $749 | $0 (Parity) |
Supplies & Toys | $140 | $140 | $0 (Parity) |
| Subtotal · Annual recurring | $2,259 | $2,436 | −$177 (−7%) |
| Total annual run-rate (steady state) | $2,259 / yr | $2,436 / yr | −$177 (−7%) / yr |
| Lifetime actuarial total | $31,622 | $33,923 | −$2,301 (−7%) |
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: 13 yrs · Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: 13 yrs
Why the underwriting tiers diverge, and the liquid buffer each breed warrants before acquisition.
A small founder population brings inherited risks such as epilepsy and kneecap problems, but the breed is otherwise sturdy and mid-sized.
The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing skipping lameness and sometimes needing surgical correction.
Recurrent seizures with no structural cause, managed for life with daily anticonvulsant medication and monitoring bloodwork.
A rare inherited spinal cord disease of the breed causing progressive hind-limb weakness in young puppies, with a DNA test available.
Coat load, energy, and temperament shape boarding, grooming, and handling costs beyond the medical ledger.
Adjust the compounded annual CPI. Veterinary clinical services have trailed near +7.8% YoY; the pet-care basket sits lower.
Tune your metro ZIP, daily-care schedule, nutrition grade, and insurance deductible in the live actuarial engine.
Primary cost driver: Vet & insurance
Primary cost driver: Vet & insurance
Tollers carry a defining autoimmune risk in Addison's disease, but it is treatable at moderate recurring cost and the rest of the breed's profile is average for a medium sporting dog.
The adrenal glands stop making enough hormone, so the dog needs lifelong replacement injections or pills plus regular blood checks.
A loose, poorly fitting hip joint that leads to arthritis and lameness, sometimes needing surgery in an active dog.
An inherited retinal disease that starts with night blindness and can end in total vision loss, managed with home adjustments rather than treatment.