Cost of Owning a Shih Tzu
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Total cost of owning a Shih Tzu: purchase price, food, vet bills, grooming, and insurance. Annual and lifetime budget for this small breed.
Purchase/Adoption Cost
Owning a Shih Tzu is a significant financial commitment over their 10-18 yrs lifespan. While smaller breeds cost less for food and medications, they can still have expensive health conditions like dental disease and luxating patella.
Plan for 9-16 lbs of animal, a 10-18 yrs lifespan, and a distinct combination of health considerations and temperament that matters more than a species-level view would suggest. The Shih Tzu's moderate shedding coat and low activity requirements tell only part of the story — their toy heritage shapes everything from trainability to health risks.
Health Predisposition Summary: Shih Tzus show higher-than-average incidence of brachycephalic syndrome, dental disease, eye problems based on breed health database data. Individual risk depends on lineage, environment, and care. Work with your vet to determine which screenings are appropriate at each life stage.
First-Year Expenses
Breed traits give you a general idea, but every pet has its own personality. Shih Tzus with low energy levels are more laid-back but still need daily engagement.
- Size: small (9-16 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Lifespan: 10-18 yrs
Annual Costs
The closer your schedule sits to what the breed was designed for, the less friction there is in day-to-day care. Shih Tzus bring a small build, a moderate shedding pattern, and breed-specific health risk around brachycephalic syndrome and dental disease — each of those shifts routine care in a different direction.
Medical Expenses
The Shih Tzu's moderate shedding coat and low activity requirements tell only part of the story — their toy heritage shapes everything from trainability to health risks. Mental engagement during activity sessions multiplies the benefit — a training walk where the animal practices commands is more valuable than the same distance walked passively.
Hidden Costs
Several breed-specific considerations deserve attention beyond routine care protocols. As a toy breed, the Shih Tzu has instincts and behaviors shaped by centuries of selective breeding for specific tasks.
Money-Saving Tips
Many breed-associated conditions are manageable when detected early but become significantly more complex — and expensive — when diagnosis is delayed. Watch for early signs of brachycephalic syndrome, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your dog at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens most of the conditions Shih Tzus are prone to.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Shih Tzus
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, Brachycephalic Syndrome screening, Dental Disease screening, Eye Problems screening |
Shih Tzus should receive breed-specific screening for brachycephalic syndrome starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. Proactive testing tends to pay for itself in avoided complications.
Cost of Shih Tzu Ownership
Before committing to ownership, evaluate whether these costs are sustainable long-term for Shih Tzu ownership.
More Shih Tzu Guides
Explore related Shih Tzu guides.
- Shih Tzu Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Shih Tzu Pet Insurance Cost
- How to Train a Shih Tzu
- Shih Tzu Grooming Guide
- Shih Tzu Health Issues
- Shih Tzu Temperament & Personality
- Shih Tzu Exercise Needs
- Adopt a Shih Tzu