Shih Tzu cost calculator
Quick answer: Shih Tzus typically cost $1,000 from a breeder, $1,800/year to own, and $19,320–$29,580 over a 13-year average lifespan.
The Shih Tzu is a affectionate playful outgoing dog. Origin traces to Tibetan and Chinese royalty — name means little lion.
First-year cost (Shih Tzu)
| Item | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase / adoption | $600 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Spay/neuter | $80 | $320 | $700 |
| Puppy vaccine series + initial vet | $180 | $340 | $560 |
| Starter kit (crate, bed, leash, bowls) | $160 | $300 | $520 |
| Year-1 food | $180 | $300 | $420 |
| Year-1 prevention (heartworm, flea/tick) | $140 | $260 | $420 |
| Year-1 grooming | $300 | $600 | $900 |
Where these numbers come from: Purchase ranges from AKC / CFA breeder directories and adoption-fee averages. Annual food + grooming from AAHA pet care cost guidance scaled by breed size. Vet care + prevention from Banfield State of Pet Health + AAHA preventive care guidelines. Insurance from NAPHIA 2024 State of the Industry. Full bibliography: /sources/. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Shih Tzu-specific cost drivers
- Daily coat care or professional grooming every 6 weeks
- Ocular discharge and keratitis
- Ear infections if coat left matted
Insurance fit
Shih Tzus often benefit from pet insurance given documented health risks in the breed. Early enrollment locks in coverage before conditions develop, especially for joint issues and cardiac concerns common to the line.
Ways to manage cost
- Professional grooming or daily brushing non-negotiable
- Use eye drops for dryness
- Keep ears trimmed and dry
Note: This is an editorial recommendation linking to our own analysis, not a paid placement. PetPlanWise has no current affiliate partnerships; future paid placements will be labeled "Sponsored" here. Policy.
Compare insurance for Shih Tzus
Coverage can help offset the cost of breed-specific health concerns and emergency care, especially for giant and toy breeds with higher incident rates.
FAQ
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?
Shih Tzus typically cost $1,800 per year in ongoing expenses including food, preventive care, grooming, and emergency fund contributions. Costs vary by location, insurance, and individual health.
What is the lifetime cost of a Shih Tzu?
Over a typical 13-year lifespan, including a $1,000 purchase price, a Shih Tzu will cost roughly $19,320–$29,580. This assumes standard preventive care and no major emergencies.
Is a Shih Tzu expensive to insure?
Pet insurance premiums vary, but Shih Tzus often qualify for breed-specific rates. Early enrollment typically offers lower premiums and better coverage options.
A single average can’t show the rare, expensive years. The Pet Cost Simulator runs 10,000 lifetimes of a Shih Tzu to reveal the full range — the typical cost, the unlucky year, and the catastrophic tail.
See the full cost range →Sources
- AKC breed standards
- OFA — orthopedic registry
- NAPHIA 2024 — insurance premium averages
- BLS CPI — veterinary services
Traits and temperament — Shih Tzu
A quick read on what living with a Shih Tzu is actually like. Numbers are typical breed-standard ranges from AKC (dogs) and CFA / TICA (cats); individual Shih Tzus vary.
Temperament: Affectionate playful outgoing. Great with kids; Friendly with strangers.
What they are good at: apartment living companion lap-warming therapy.
Things Shih Tzu owners ask about
- Origin traces to Tibetan and Chinese royalty — name means little lion
- Long double coat needs daily brushing or it mats
- Brachycephalic — heat sensitivity and breathing concerns
- Eye injuries from prominent eyes are a common ER visit
Sources: AKC breed standards (dogs), CFA / TICA breed standards (cats), Stanley Coren "The Intelligence of Dogs" (trainability ranking), Banfield State of Pet Health (breed-typical conditions). Individual pets vary widely — these are typical, not guaranteed.