How much does a Shih Tzu cost?
Data reviewed August 1, 2026
Quick answer
A Shih Tzu costs $1,210 to $3,210 per year to own. The low end covers food, routine vet care, grooming, and supplies; the high end adds an accident and illness insurance policy. Expect $1,740 to $7,010 in the first year and $15,100 to $55,200 over a typical 12 to 16 year lifespan. Temperament: calm lap dog bred for companionship.
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Annual cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $160 to $265 | 9 to 16 lb small breed |
| Routine vet care | $300 to $430 | exams, vaccines, preventives |
| Grooming | $600 to $1,200 | salon visits every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Supplies & misc | $150 to $350 | toys, beds, replacements |
| Insurance (optional) | $710 to $960 | 100% of the national average premium |
| Total | $1,210 to $3,210 | low end excludes insurance |
Up-front costs
- From a breeder: $700 to $2,500 for a well-bred Shih Tzu from health-tested parents.
- Adoption: $75 to $350 through shelters and breed-specific rescues.
- First-year total including setup, initial vet work, and a full year of care: $1,740 to $7,010.
Health costs to know about
- Eye problems (corneal ulcers, dry eye) are the breed's signature cost.
- Brachycephalic features add mild heat and airway risk.
- The coat requires professional grooming unless kept in a short puppy cut.
How this compares
See the full breed cost table to compare all 12 breeds we track, or build a personalized estimate with the dog cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per month?
About $101 to $268 per month, covering food, routine vet care, grooming, supplies, and optional insurance.
How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost?
$700 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder, or $75 to $350 through adoption. Total first-year cost including care runs $1,740 to $7,010.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Typically 12 to 16 years, which puts realistic lifetime ownership cost at $15,100 to $55,200.
Sources
- APPA National Pet Owners Survey (food and vet anchors)
- NAPHIA State of the Industry (insurance premium anchor)
We only publish numbers we can attribute. How we build estimates: methodology.