Adult weight26–40 lbs
Lifespan11–14 yrs
Monthly run-rate$207
First-year total (acquisition + setup + care)$4,554
+$119 vs. Scottish TerrierAnnual recurring run-rate$2,479 / year≈ $207 / month steady state
Emergency reserve
Lifetime financial exposure, clinical risk tiers, and routine veterinary spend for the Skye Terrier and the Scottish Terrier, audited line by line against the US national baseline.
Over their full lifetimes the Skye Terrier runs $31,823 ($2,652 / yr amortized) against the Scottish Terrier's $30,395 ($2,533 / yr). Choosing the Scottish Terrier saves roughly $1,428 over the animal's lifetime. The Skye Terrier's premium is led by vet & insurance.
One-time onboarding capital and steady-state maintenance, line by line.
| Expense category & rationale | Skye Terrier | Scottish Terrier | Variance (Skye Terrier 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 | $380 | $261 | +$119 (+46%) |
Vet Care | $668 | $668 | $0 (Parity) |
Grooming | $507 | $507 | $0 (Parity) |
Pet Insurance | $795 | $795 | $0 (Parity) |
Supplies & Toys | $129 | $129 | $0 (Parity) |
| Subtotal · Annual recurring | $2,479 | $2,360 | +$119 (+5%) |
| Total annual run-rate (steady state) | $2,479 / yr | $2,360 / yr | +$119 (+5%) / yr |
| Lifetime actuarial total | $31,823 | $30,395 | +$1,428 (+5%) |
Skye Terrier: 12 yrs · Scottish Terrier: 12 yrs
Why the underwriting tiers diverge, and the liquid buffer each breed warrants before acquisition.
A long-backed, short-legged frame predisposes the breed to disc herniation that can need costly spinal surgery, alongside a breed-linked liver disease.
Long backs and short legs make discs prone to herniating, causing pain or weakness that can need spinal surgery.
An underactive thyroid causes weight gain, dull coat and lethargy and needs lifelong daily medication.
The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing skipping lameness and sometimes needing surgery.
A breed-associated liver scarring disease that can progress to cirrhosis, with no established cause.
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 strong bladder cancer predisposition plus congenital liver shunts and recurring skin allergies raise both surprise bills and ongoing care.
Bone thickens along the jaw during puppyhood, making chewing painful until growth ends.
A birth defect lets blood bypass the liver, often needing surgery and lifelong dietary management.
Environmental allergies cause itchy, inflamed skin and ear problems that flare repeatedly.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is far more common in this breed than in mixed breeds.