Your Shih Tzu Cost Estimate
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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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)
Annual Ongoing Costs (Year 2+)
Budget for emergencies
We recommend keeping $2,000 in a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.
About the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small-sized dog breed with an average lifespan of 15 years. First-year ownership costs typically run around $4,950, which includes the purchase or adoption fee, initial vet visits, vaccinations, starter supplies, and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance.
From year two onwards, ongoing costs average $2,825 per year. The largest recurring expense is vet care at $665/year, followed by food at $410/year. Grooming is a significant cost for this breed at $775/year, reflecting their coat maintenance requirements.
Over a 15-year lifespan, the total estimated cost of owning a Shih Tzu is approximately $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
Grooming is the Shih Tzu's defining cost at ~$775/year: the coat grows continuously and mats quickly, so most owners commit to a professional groom every 4–6 weeks or keep it in a short 'puppy cut'. Learning basic home maintenance between visits is the biggest lever on the breed's running costs.
As a flat-faced breed the Shih Tzu has mild breathing and heat-tolerance issues, dental crowding (budget for regular cleanings), and prominent eyes prone to ulcers and injury. None is usually catastrophic, but across a long ~15-year lifespan they add up, which is why the ~$740/year insurance is generally worth carrying.
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.
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