Shih Tzu Cost of Ownership: Complete Guide to Monthly, Yearly & Lifetime Costs
Owning a Shih Tzu is often seen as an affordable choice because of the breed’s small size—but in reality, the Shih Tzu cost of ownership is driven more by grooming, healthcare, and long-term maintenance than by food alone. This guide looks at the real financial commitment, not just the upfront price of the dog.
Shih Tzus are companion dogs with a long lifespan (often 12–16 years), a high-maintenance coat, and breed-specific health needs. Those factors make their overall ownership cost more predictable—but also higher than many first-time owners expect.
Before breaking down first-year and monthly expenses in later sections, it helps to see the big picture.
Shih Tzu ownership cost at a glance
| Cost timeframe | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $90 – $220 |
| Annual cost | $1,100 – $2,600 |
| Estimated lifetime cost | $15,000 – $35,000+ |
These numbers assume:
- One healthy Shih Tzu
- Average-quality food and routine veterinary care
- Regular professional grooming
- No extreme medical emergencies (which can push costs higher)
Why Shih Tzus cost more than many people expect
Many owners underestimate Shih Tzu expenses for three main reasons:
- Grooming is non-negotiable
Their long, dense coat requires frequent professional grooming or significant at-home investment. Skipping grooming often leads to matting, skin infections, and higher vet bills later. - Healthcare goes beyond routine checkups
Shih Tzus are prone to dental disease, eye problems, allergies, and breathing issues. These aren’t rare edge cases—they’re common lifetime considerations. - Longevity increases total cost
A Shih Tzu that lives 14–16 years will naturally cost more over time than a breed with a shorter lifespan, even if yearly expenses seem modest.
Are Shih Tzus expensive compared to other small dogs?
Shih Tzus are not the cheapest small breed to own, but they are also not among the most expensive. Compared to low-maintenance short-coated breeds, they typically cost more due to grooming and dental care. Compared to high-risk toy breeds with severe genetic issues, their costs are more predictable.
In simple terms:
- Food costs are relatively low
- Grooming and healthcare costs are consistently higher
- Lifetime cost is shaped more by maintenance than by emergencies
Shih Tzu First-Year Costs (Puppy vs Adult Dog)
The first year of owning a Shih Tzu is usually the most expensive. This is when most one-time and setup costs happen. Whether you choose a puppy or an adult dog makes a big difference in what you pay during this first year.
To keep this easy to understand, let’s break it down step by step.
Puppy vs adult Shih Tzu: first-year cost comparison
| Expense area | Shih Tzu puppy (first year) | Adult Shih Tzu (first year) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase or adoption | Higher (breeder price) | Lower (adoption fee) |
| Initial vet care | Higher (full vaccines, spay/neuter) | Lower (often already done) |
| Grooming | High (frequent visits) | Moderate to high |
| Training & socialization | Higher | Lower |
| Total first-year cost | $2,000 – $4,000+ | $1,200 – $2,500 |
Key takeaway:
Puppies cost more in the first year, mainly due to vet care, training, and grooming. Adult Shih Tzus are usually cheaper to start with, but monthly costs later on are similar.
Purchase price or adoption fees
- Breeder puppy: Often the biggest upfront cost. Price depends on location, breeder quality, and bloodline.
- Adoption or rescue: Usually much cheaper and often includes vaccines, microchip, and spay/neuter.
Even when adoption costs less upfront, you should still budget for early vet visits and grooming.
Initial veterinary care in the first year
First-year vet costs are higher because they usually include:
- Multiple puppy vaccines or boosters
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Microchipping
- First full health exams
- Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, worms)
These are not optional costs. Skipping early vet care often leads to bigger medical bills later.
One-time setup and starter supplies
When you bring a Shih Tzu home, you need basic items right away.
| Item | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Crate or carrier | $40 – $100 |
| Bed and blankets | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls, leash, collar | $25 – $60 |
| Toys and chews | $20 – $50 |
| Grooming tools (brush, comb, clippers) | $30 – $70 |
These are mostly one-time purchases, but toys and beds often need replacement during the year.
Grooming and training in the first year
- Grooming: Shih Tzus need grooming early, even as puppies. Many owners start professional grooming within the first few months.
- Training: Puppies often need basic obedience or puppy classes. Adult dogs may need less formal training, especially if already house-trained.
These costs surprise many first-time owners because they are ongoing during the first year, not just one-time expenses.
Why the first year feels expensive
The first year includes:
- Setup costs
- Medical setup
- Learning costs (training and grooming)
- Mistakes and replacements (chewed toys, beds, accidents)
After the first year, costs become more predictable.
Monthly and Annual Shih Tzu Expenses
After the first year, Shih Tzu costs become more steady. These are the regular expenses you will pay every month and every year to keep your dog healthy, clean, and happy.
This section helps you answer a very common question:
“How much does a Shih Tzu cost per month and per year?”
Average monthly Shih Tzu costs
| Monthly expense | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Food | $20 – $40 |
| Grooming (averaged monthly) | $40 – $80 |
| Flea, tick, and worm prevention | $15 – $30 |
| Pet insurance (optional) | $25 – $50 |
| Toys, treats, small supplies | $10 – $20 |
| Estimated monthly total | $90 – $220 |
Simple explanation:
Food is not very expensive for a Shih Tzu, but grooming and health care add up every month.
Food and nutrition costs
Shih Tzus are small dogs, so they eat less than large breeds.
Most owners spend:
- More for good-quality food
- Less for quantity, because Shih Tzus eat small portions
Special diets for allergies or sensitive stomachs can raise food costs.
Grooming and coat care costs
Grooming is one of the biggest monthly costs for a Shih Tzu.
- Most Shih Tzus need grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Professional grooming includes bathing, haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning
- Skipping grooming can cause pain, skin problems, and vet visits
Some owners learn to groom at home, but tools and time are still required.
Routine vet care and preventatives
Even a healthy Shih Tzu needs regular care, such as:
- Yearly vet checkups
- Vaccines
- Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
These costs are spread out over the year but should always be part of your budget.
Annual Shih Tzu expenses
| Yearly expense | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Routine vet visit & vaccines | $150 – $300 |
| Dental care (averaged yearly) | $100 – $300 |
| Licenses and registration | $10 – $30 |
| Emergency fund (recommended) | $200 – $500 |
| Estimated annual total | $1,100 – $2,600 |
Dental care is often forgotten, but it is very important for Shih Tzus.
Why monthly costs feel higher than expected
Many people think small dogs are cheap. But Shih Tzus:
- Need regular grooming
- Often need dental care
- Live many years, which increases total cost
The good news is that these costs are predictable, which makes budgeting easier.
Major Cost Drivers: Grooming, Health, Insurance, and Lifestyle
Not every Shih Tzu costs the same to own. Some owners spend much more than others. This section explains what causes costs to go up or down, so you understand where your money really goes.
Grooming needs and how they affect cost
Grooming is the biggest cost driver for most Shih Tzu owners.
- Shih Tzus have long hair that keeps growing
- Most need grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
- Missed grooming can cause painful mats and skin problems
| Grooming style | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Home grooming (tools + time) | $300 – $600 per year |
| Professional grooming | $600 – $1,200+ per year |
Dogs kept in a short “puppy cut” usually cost less to groom than dogs with long coats.
Health issues that can raise vet bills
Shih Tzus are generally loving and strong dogs, but they have some common health problems.
| Common health issue | Possible cost range |
|---|---|
| Dental disease | $300 – $1,000 |
| Eye infections or injuries | $150 – $600 |
| Skin allergies | $200 – $800 per year |
| Breathing problems | $500 – $2,000+ |
Dental care is the most common long-term cost. Many owners are surprised by how often Shih Tzus need teeth cleaning.
Emergency vet costs
Even healthy dogs can have accidents or sudden illness.
- Emergency vet visits often cost $500 to $3,000 or more
- Surgery, overnight care, and tests raise the bill fast
This is why many owners either:
- Keep a savings fund, or
- Use pet insurance
Pet insurance for Shih Tzus
Pet insurance can help with large vet bills, but it is not free.
| Insurance level | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Basic accident-only | $15 – $25 |
| Accident + illness | $25 – $50 |
| Premium coverage | $50 – $70 |
Insurance helps most with big, unexpected bills, not routine care. It works best if started when the dog is young.
Lifestyle and living situation
Where and how you live also changes costs.
- Apartment living: More grooming and indoor supplies
- House with yard: Lower grooming mess, but higher cleaning costs
- Urban areas: Vet and grooming prices are usually higher
- Rural areas: Services may be cheaper but harder to find
Travel, work hours, and family size also affect spending on boarding or pet sitters.
Why costs vary so much between owners
Two Shih Tzus can cost very different amounts because of:
- Coat style
- Health history
- Grooming choices
- Insurance decisions
- Living location
Understanding these drivers helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
Shih Tzu Lifetime Cost, Hidden Expenses, and Budget Reality Check
Owning a Shih Tzu is not a short-term cost. Most Shih Tzus live 12 to 16 years, and some live even longer. Small monthly costs may feel light, but over many years, they add up.
This section helps you understand the full lifetime cost, the hidden expenses many owners forget, and whether a Shih Tzu truly fits your budget.
Estimated lifetime cost of owning a Shih Tzu
| Ownership level | Estimated lifetime cost |
|---|---|
| Low-cost care | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Average care (most owners) | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| High-maintenance care | $30,000 – $35,000+ |
These numbers depend on:
- Grooming choices
- Health problems
- Vet emergencies
- Insurance use
- How long your Shih Tzu lives
A long life is a blessing—but it also means more years of care and spending.
Hidden costs many Shih Tzu owners forget
Some costs do not show up right away, but they are very real.
| Common hidden expense | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dental cleanings | Needed often for this breed |
| Replacing toys and beds | Shih Tzus chew and wear items out |
| Boarding or pet sitting | Needed for travel or long work hours |
| Emergency vet visits | Can happen anytime |
| Medication or special diets | Common with allergies or aging |
Many owners say these surprise costs hurt their budget more than food or toys.
Common budgeting mistakes new owners make
- Thinking small dogs are always cheap
- Forgetting grooming is a lifelong cost
- Not saving for emergencies
- Skipping dental care to save money
- Waiting too long to consider insurance
Skipping care often leads to higher costs later, not savings.
Smart ways to save without hurting your dog
You can reduce costs safely by:
- Learning basic grooming at home
- Keeping up with vet visits to prevent illness
- Brushing teeth regularly to avoid dental surgery
- Buying quality food to avoid health problems
- Setting aside a small emergency fund each month
Cheap care often becomes expensive care later.
Can you afford a Shih Tzu?
You may be financially ready if:
- You can afford regular grooming
- You can handle monthly costs without stress
- You have savings or insurance for emergencies
- You understand this is a long-term commitment
A Shih Tzu gives years of love and companionship—but only if you can support its needs.
For more detailed, research-backed information on average pet care expenses and responsible ownership, you can also review cost guidance published by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which regularly analyzes real-world dog ownership costs based on owner data and veterinary surveys.