How much does a Shih Tzu cost?
Data reviewed October 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.
For symptoms to watch and care tips, read the Shih Tzu health guide.
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.