Puppy price
$500–$1,250 From reputable breederBreed cost calculator
How much does a Shih Tzu cost?
Complete 2026 cost breakdown for Shih Tzu ownership, including puppy price, annual expenses, lifetime estimate, first-year setup costs, and state-adjusted insurance estimates.
- Small size
- Regular energy
- Long coat
- 9–16 lb
Annual cost
$2,014 Per year ongoingLifetime total
$21,152 Over ~1.3 yearsPet insurance estimate
Shih Tzu insurance estimate
Age 3 · California $52.58/mo $631/year
Showing estimates for: California Dog age: 3 years
Base premium
$36.00/mo Breed-specific rateAge factor
×1.09 Age 3State multiplier
×1.34 California (CA) Low-Standard risk
Formula: $36.00 × 1.09 × 1.34 = $52.58/mo
Insurance estimates are indicative. Actual premiums vary by provider, coverage level, deductible, reimbursement rate, age, location, and individual health history.
Annual breakdown
Shih Tzu annual cost breakdown
Dog food
$324/yrBased on Small breed feeding requirements
Veterinary care
$600/yrRegular energy breeds have typical baseline vet costs
Grooming
$640/yrLong coat requires frequent grooming
Toys & enrichment
$250/yrStandard toy rotation
Other costs
$200/yrTraining, boarding, supplies, insurance contributions, and miscellaneous care
Total annual cost $2,014
Estimates are based on the Shih Tzu profile: Small size, Regular energy, and Long coat. Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle, product choices, and individual health.
First year
First year cost for a Shih Tzu
Puppy / adoption fee Reputable breeder or rescue
$500–$1,250
Initial vet visit Health check, vaccines, and microchip
$150–$300
Spay / neuter Often recommended around 6–12 months
$200–$500
Supplies Crate, bed, bowls, leash, collar, and toys
$400–$600
Food Puppy food and growth-stage nutrition
$324–$389
Training classes Puppy classes and basic obedience
$150–$400
First year total estimate $1,724–$3,439
Long-term view
Shih Tzu lifetime cost projection
| Year | Annual cost | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (puppy) | $3,414 | $3,414 |
| Year 2 (senior) | $2,014 | $5,428 |
Budget smarter
How to reduce Shih Tzu ownership costs
Buy food strategically
$100–300/yrBulk buying and auto-ship discounts can reduce repeat food costs.
Budget for preventive care
$200–800/yrDental care, healthy weight, exercise, and routine checkups can reduce avoidable vet bills.
Compare insurance early
Potentially thousandsPremiums are often lower when a dog is young and healthy.
Learn basic grooming
$200–600/yrBrushing, nail trims, and coat maintenance between appointments can cut grooming costs.
Rotate toys
$100–200/yrA small rotating set keeps novelty high without constant buying.
Consider adoption
$1,000+ upfrontRescue and rehoming fees are often far lower than breeder purchase prices.
Quick answers
FAQs about Shih Tzu costs
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?
A Shih Tzu costs approximately $2,014 per year in ongoing expenses, including food, vet care, grooming, toys, enrichment, and miscellaneous care.
What is the estimated lifetime cost of a Shih Tzu?
The estimated lifetime cost is $21,152, based on an average lifespan of about 1.3 years and ongoing annual costs of $2,014.
How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost?
A Shih Tzu puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $500–$1,250. Adoption or rehoming may cost less upfront.