Adult weight18–33 lbs
Lifespan12–15 yrs
Monthly run-rate$176
First-year total (acquisition + setup + care)$4,189
+$142 vs. Cardigan Welsh CorgiAnnual recurring run-rate$2,114 / year≈ $176 / month steady state
Emergency reserve
Lifetime financial exposure, clinical risk tiers, and routine veterinary spend for the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-Haired) and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, audited line by line against the US national baseline.
Over their full lifetimes the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-Haired) runs $31,671 ($2,262 / yr amortized) against the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's $27,711 ($2,132 / yr). Choosing the Cardigan Welsh Corgi saves roughly $3,960 over the animal's lifetime. The Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-Haired)'s premium is led by vet & insurance.
One-time onboarding capital and steady-state maintenance, line by line.
| Expense category & rationale | Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-Haired) | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Variance (Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-Haired) delta) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 · Initial Acquisition & Onboarding Capital | |||
Purchase / Adoption Fee Varies by breeder vs rescue | $900 | $900 | $0 (Parity) |
Initial Vet Visit & Vaccinations Spay/neuter, microchip, health check | $607 | $607 | $0 (Parity) |
Starter Supplies Bed, crate, collar, bowls, toys | $437 | $437 | $0 (Parity) |
Training Classes Basic obedience recommended | $260 | $260 | $0 (Parity) |
| Subtotal · One-time onboarding capital | $2,204 | $2,204 | $0 (Parity) |
| Phase 2 · Annual Recurring Operations (Year 2+) | |||
Food | $392 | $367 | +$25 (+7%) |
Vet Care | $607 | $607 | $0 (Parity) |
Grooming | $312 | $195 | +$117 (+60%) |
Pet Insurance | $674 | $674 | $0 (Parity) |
Supplies & Toys | $129 | $129 | $0 (Parity) |
| Subtotal · Annual recurring | $2,114 | $1,972 | +$142 (+7%) |
| Total annual run-rate (steady state) | $2,114 / yr | $1,972 / yr | +$142 (+7%) / yr |
| Lifetime actuarial total | $31,671 | $27,711 | +$3,960 (+14%) |
Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-Haired): 14 yrs · Cardigan Welsh Corgi: 13 yrs
Why the underwriting tiers diverge, and the liquid buffer each breed warrants before acquisition.
A small, athletic herding breed with a few joint and eye predispositions but no defining expensive syndrome, so costs sit near the breed average.
The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing skipping gaits and sometimes needing surgery.
Clouding of the eye lens that reduces vision and may need surgical removal.
A loose or malformed hip joint that leads to arthritis and lameness over time.
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
A long-backed herding breed whose spinal risk keeps costs breed-average rather than low despite an otherwise sturdy build.
A long-backed body shape that raises the risk of disc herniation, sometimes needing emergency surgery.
Abnormal hip joint formation that can cause arthritis and, in severe cases, require surgical correction.
An inherited, degenerative eye disease that leads to gradual, incurable vision loss.