Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Shih Tzu is cheaper by $505 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $5,765.
| Cost Factor | Golden Retriever | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | small |
| Lifespan | 12 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $640 | $705 |
| Initial vet costs | $545 | $665 |
| Annual food | $820 | $410 |
| Annual vet | $590 | $665 |
| Annual grooming | $600 | $775 |
| Annual insurance | $690 | $740 |
| First year total (est.) | $5,220 | $4,715 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,930 | $2,750 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $37,450 | $43,215 |
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Golden Retriever works out to roughly $37,450, while a Shih Tzu comes to about $43,215 — a difference of $5,765 (13%). The Golden Retriever is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.
The biggest single difference is food: a Golden Retriever costs about $820 a year for food, versus $410 for the other breed. The larger Golden Retriever generally needs more food and carries higher medication and insurance costs.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Shih Tzu wins the first year by $505. If you're planning for the long haul, the Golden Retriever saves about $5,765 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $3,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Golden Retriever
Shih Tzu
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Golden Retriever or a Shih Tzu cheaper to own?
The Shih Tzu is cheaper in the first year ($4,715 vs $5,220). Over a full lifetime the Golden Retriever works out cheaper overall — about $37,450 versus $43,215, a difference of roughly $5,765.
How much does a Golden Retriever cost per month compared to a Shih Tzu?
After the first year, a Golden Retriever costs about $244/month in ongoing expenses, while a Shih Tzu costs about $229/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Golden Retriever and a Shih Tzu?
The largest single difference is food: a Golden Retriever costs about $820 a year versus $410 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Shih Tzu typically lives longer (15 vs 12 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Golden Retrievers or Shih Tzus cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $590 for a Golden Retriever and $665 for a Shih Tzu. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $3,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.