How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?

After the first year, a Shih Tzu costs approximately $2,825 per year on average, covering food ($410), vet care ($665), grooming ($775), and insurance ($740).

smalldog15 yr lifespan

Your Shih Tzu Cost Estimate

Q: Is a Shih Tzu expensive to own?

Shih Tzus have a lifetime ownership cost of approximately $44,500 over 15 years. Annual running costs average $2,825/yr, putting them in the mid-range for annual ownership costs.

The Shih Tzu is a small-sized dog whose ownership costs reflect its size, coat, and energy level. Their flat-faced build can lead to breathing, skin-fold, and dental issues, which tends to push vet and insurance costs above average. A relatively low-key temperament means exercise and enrichment costs tend to stay modest. This is a popular breed, so adoption or purchase prices tend to run above average — shop around and consider rescue options.

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Prefer the full write-up? Read the complete Shih Tzu cost guide →

$4,950

First Year Total

inc. one-time setup

$2,825

Annual Ongoing

per year from year 2

$44,500

Lifetime Estimate

over 15 years

What these figures assume: US national average pricing, own home (no pet deposit), standard food, grooming at the breed's typical frequency, insurance and professional training included, no daycare, routine dental care only. See how this is calculated or change these assumptions.

First Year Costs (inc. setup)

Purchase / Adoption Fee

Varies by breeder vs rescue

$705

Initial Vet Visit & Vaccinations

Spay/neuter, microchip, health check

$665

Starter Supplies

Bed, crate, collar, bowls, toys

$535

Training Classes

Basic obedience recommended

$220

First Year Food

$410

First Year Vet Care

$665

First Year Grooming

$775

First Year Insurance

$740

Total$4,950

Annual Ongoing Costs (Year 2+)

Food

$410

Vet Care

$665

Grooming

$775

Pet Insurance

$740

Supplies & Toys

$160

Total$2,825

Budget for emergencies

We recommend keeping $2,000 in a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.

What Shih Tzu costs actually look like

The Shih Tzu is a small-sized dog breed living an average of 15 years. Grooming is its largest running cost at $775 a year, or 27% of the annual total — well above the 21% a typical small dog spends on it, and the line most worth planning around.

At $2,825 a year it is dearer to keep than 92% of the 64 small dog breeds costed here. Across 15 years that compounds to about $44,500.

These figures are US national averages — your actual costs will vary based on your city, lifestyle, and whether you use a breeder or rescue organisation. Use our calculator above to get a personalised estimate.

For a deeper breakdown of Shih Tzu costs — puppy prices, monthly spend, and lifetime totals — read our complete Shih Tzu cost guide.

What drives Shih Tzu costs

The Shih Tzu combines two expensive traits: a continuously growing coat and a flat face. Grooming runs about $775 a year, the 49th highest of 218 dogs, because the long double coat mats readily and needs a full groom every four to six weeks. Vet care at $665 and insurance at $740 rank 41st and 57th — high for a dog of this size, and priced on conformation rather than weight.

The eye risk is specific and measured. In 104,233 dogs under primary veterinary care in England, corneal ulcerative disease affected 0.80% of dogs overall but 3.45% of Shih Tzus, the third highest breed prevalence behind the Pug at 5.42% and the Boxer at 4.98%; brachycephalic types as a group carried 11.18 times the odds of crossbreds (O'Neill et al., Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2017). Prominent, shallow-set eyes with reduced blink coverage are the cause, and ulcers are urgent, recurrent and sometimes surgical.

Lifespan is what turns moderate annual costs into a large total. At 15 years the Shih Tzu reaches roughly $44,500 across its life on $2,825 a year, more than many large breeds that cost far more annually. A $705 acquisition fee, 16th highest of 218, adds to the front end. Keeping the coat in a short pet clip reduces grooming meaningfully; the eyes and the airway do not offer the same flexibility, which is why early insurance matters more here than in most small breeds.

Written by Darren Newland. Health information here summarises published veterinary and breed-health sources for cost-planning purposes and is not clinical advice — we do not have a veterinarian on staff. Talk to your vet about your own animal.

How to save on Shih Tzu costs

→Learn to maintain the coat yourself. At $775 a year, grooming is one of this breed's largest running costs. Booking a professional groom quarterly instead of monthly, and brushing and bathing at home in between, is the single biggest saving available on a Shih Tzu — typically $310–$388 a year.
→Insure early, before anything is pre-existing. At $740 a year, insurance is one of the larger predictable costs — but Shih Tzus insured as puppies see lower premiums and, more importantly, no pre-existing-condition exclusions. Every condition that appears before cover starts is excluded for life, which is why waiting is the expensive option.
→Adopt rather than buy. Rescue organisations typically charge $150–$400, against $705+ from a breeder — a difference of about $430. Adult dogs from shelters usually arrive vaccinated and desexed, which also removes part of the $665 initial vet bill.
→Use a wellness plan for routine care. Routine veterinary care runs about $665 a year for this breed — high enough that many practices' annual wellness plans, which bundle vaccinations, checks and parasite control, work out cheaper than paying per visit. Ask your practice for the itemised comparison before signing up.
→Build an emergency fund. We suggest $2,000 in a dedicated pet savings account for a small breed. A single emergency surgery runs $3,000–$8,000 without insurance, and four in five owners face an unexpected veterinary bill at some point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

A Shih Tzu typically costs $4,950 in the first year, including the purchase or adoption fee ($705), initial vet visits ($665), supplies ($535), and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance. Annual ongoing costs from year two are approximately $2,825/year.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost per month?

After the first year, a Shih Tzu costs approximately $235/month on average. This covers food ($34/month), vet care ($55/month), grooming ($65/month), and insurance ($62/month).

Is a Shih Tzu expensive to own?

Shih Tzus cost approximately $2,825/year to maintain — in the mid-range for annual dog ownership costs. Over their 15-year lifespan, total costs come to around $44,500.

How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost?

A Shih Tzu puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $705. Rescue or shelter adoption fees are usually $150–$400 and often include initial vaccinations and desexing. Remember the purchase price is just one part of the first-year cost of $4,950.

How common are eye problems in Shih Tzus?

Measurably more common than in most dogs. Corneal ulcerative disease affected 3.45% of Shih Tzus in a study of 104,233 dogs under primary care in England, against 0.80% of dogs overall — the third highest breed prevalence, behind the Pug at 5.42% and Boxer at 4.98% (O'Neill et al., Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2017). Prominent, shallow-set eyes with incomplete blink coverage are the cause. Ulcers need same-day treatment, tend to recur and occasionally require surgery.

Why does a Shih Tzu cost so much over its life?

Longevity multiplied by moderate annual costs. At $2,825 a year across a 15-year lifespan the total reaches roughly $44,500 — more than many large breeds that cost considerably more per year but live half as long. Grooming at $775 and a $705 acquisition fee, the 16th highest of 218 dogs, are the other notable lines. A short pet clip genuinely reduces the grooming bill; the eye and airway risks do not offer the same flexibility.