How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost Per Year?
The short answer: $1,400–$3,800 per year for a typical Shih Tzu in the US in 2026, with grooming — not food — as the surprise heavyweight. Over a Shih Tzu's long ~11–14-year lifespan, that's roughly $18,000–$48,000 all-in.
Shih Tzus eat like birds and vet like average dogs. But that flowing coat is a standing appointment every 4–6 weeks, and it never takes a year off.
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $240–$600 | 9–16 lbs; tiny appetite is the breed's cheapest trait |
| Routine vet care | $200–$600 | Annual exam, vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm prevention |
| Pet insurance | $300–$720 | $25–$60/mo for accident & illness; cheaper than average |
| Grooming | $400–$1,200 | Every 4–6 weeks at $40–$75/session — rivals food as a line item |
| Treats, toys, supplies | $100–$300 | Small dog, small toy budget |
| Training / boarding / walking | $150–$400 | Companion breed; modest training needs |
| Total | $1,400–$3,800 |
The first year costs more
Budget an extra $1,500–$3,500 on top of the annual figure in year one:
- Purchase: $150–$450 to adopt from a breed rescue (often includes spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip), or $500–$3,000 from a reputable breeder
- Setup: $200–$600 — crate, bed, bowls, leash, brushes and combs for daily coat care
- Initial vet: $400–$800 — puppy vaccines ($280–$300), spay/neuter ($150–$500), first full groom
- Training: $150–$400 for puppy classes — house-training a Shih Tzu takes patience
What drives Shih Tzu costs above average
Three breed-specific factors:
- Grooming is the stealth expense. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks costs $400–$1,200/year — it can exceed the food budget entirely. Skipping sessions leads to painful matting, which leads to vet bills, which cost more than the groom did.
- Eyes. The breed's prominent eyes are prone to cataracts, cherry eye, corneal ulcers, and entropion. Cataract surgery runs $2,600–$3,800; the smaller procedures each start around $1,000.
- Breathing and teeth. The flat face brings brachycephalic airway issues (corrective surgery can exceed $1,000; heatstroke treatment $500–$1,000+), and small crowded mouths mean annual professional dental cleanings at $300–$700.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Shih Tzu?
At $25–$60/month, Shih Tzu premiums sit below the dog average — around $300–$720/year. The case for insurance is the eye and airway tail risk: common claims are cheap, but a $3,000 cataract surgery or a heatstroke emergency is not. Enroll while the dog is young, before eye, airway, or dental issues become pre-existing exclusions.
Not sure how much coverage you need? Our 2-minute insurance quiz matches your dog to a budget, balanced, or comprehensive plan profile.
Five ways Shih Tzu owners save real money
- Keep the coat in a short "puppy cut" — less daily brushing and potentially fewer full grooming sessions.
- Brush daily and wipe the face and eyes at home — prevents mats and eye infections between professional visits.
- Learn the in-between trims. Face, feet, and sanitary touch-ups at home stretch each $40–$75 groom further.
- Brush teeth daily. Dental disease is rampant in the breed; home care delays $300–$700 professional cleanings.
- Enroll in insurance young and keep a $1,000–$2,000 emergency fund — the breed's surprises are expensive but infrequent.
FAQ
Are Shih Tzus expensive to maintain?
Moderately — cheap to feed and vet, but grooming makes them pricier than most small dogs.
How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost from a breeder?
$500–$2,000 from a reputable breeder; $2,500+ for champion lines.
What's the lifetime cost of a Shih Tzu?
Roughly $18,000–$48,000 over an 11–14-year lifespan, including the pricier first year.
Calculate your Shih Tzu's lifetime cost Take the insurance quiz