The average annual cost of owning a Shih Tzu in the US ranges from $1,380 to $2,736 per year ($115–$228/month). This includes food, routine vet care, pet insurance, grooming, and supplies. Actual costs depend on your Dog’s age, weight, diet, activity level, and location.
Unlike generic pet cost guides, this breakdown is tuned to Shih Tzus: size, coat type, and known health risks all change the line items below.
Annual Cost Breakdown for Shih Tzus
Here’s how the average Shih Tzu owner’s annual budget breaks down across five key categories. Shih Tzus are a small Dog breed with a long-haired coat.
| Category | Annual Range | Monthly Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍖 Food | $432–$720 | $36–$60 | 28% |
| Vet Care | $240–$600 | $20–$50 | 20% |
| Insurance | $288–$576 | $24–$48 | 21% |
| Grooming | $240–$480 | $20–$40 | 17% |
| Supplies | $150–$300 | $12–$25 | 11% |
| Total | $1,380–$2,736 | $115–$228 | 100% |
Food
Nutrition affects coat quality too — Shih Tzus on omega-rich diets may spend $432–$720/year, with premium kibble or fresh food at the higher end.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care for Shih Tzus costs $240–$600 per year. This covers annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which means they are prone to breathing difficulties, eye problems, and may need specialized veterinary care. Unexpected emergencies can add thousands in a single visit.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance for a Shih Tzu costs $288–$576 per year. Given the breed's predisposition to brachycephalic, insurance is worth considering. An emergency visit can cost $2,000 to $5,000 — far more than a year's premiums.
Grooming
Shih Tzus have a gorgeous long-haired coat that needs regular brushing 2-3 times per week and occasional professional grooming. Annual grooming costs: $240–$480. Regular grooming prevents matting and hairballs.
Supplies
Plan $150–$300/year for supplies. Active shih tzus need replaced toys, grooming tools, and weather gear more often than couch-potato breeds.
Why Shih Tzus Cost Less Than Average
Shih Tzus cost less than the average dog primarily because of their small size and breed-specific health considerations. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which means they are prone to breathing difficulties, eye problems, and may need specialized veterinary care. Additionally, shih tzus have long-haired coats, which affects annual grooming costs.
How to Save on Shih Tzu Ownership
- Use a pet-specific HSA mindset. Set aside $50/month in a dedicated savings account. When the emergency hits, you pay cash instead of credit-card interest.
- Negotiate vet bills. Many clinics offer payment plans or 5–10% discounts for cash pay. Ask before the procedure, not after.
- Generic preventatives work. Ask your vet about generic flea, tick, and heartworm options — same active ingredient, lower price.
- Groom at home between pro visits. YouTube tutorials plus a $30 tool kit can halve grooming spend for dogs that need regular coat care.
- Price-check prescriptions online. Vet markup on medications runs 100–200%. Chewy, Costco, and 1800PetMeds often beat in-clinic pricing.
First-Year vs. Annual Costs
Your first year with a Shih Tzu will be more expensive. Expect to spend an extra $823 on:
- Initial vet package plus flea/tick prevention
- Spay/neuter and recovery supplies
- Puppy training classes ($100–$300), crate, gates, enrichment toys
FAQ About Shih Tzu Costs
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per month?
Monthly costs for a Shih Tzu range from $115 to $228. This includes food, vet care, insurance, grooming, and supplies. Dogs and seniors typically cost more than healthy adults.
Is a Shih Tzu expensive to own compared to other dogs?
Shih Tzus are less expensive than average to own. A typical dog costs around $2,800 per year, while shih tzus at $1,380–$2,736/year cost less due to their small size, generally good health, and low-maintenance needs.
What health issues do Shih Tzus have?
Shih Tzus are prone to brachycephalic. These conditions can require ongoing medication, special diets, or surgery — increasing annual veterinary costs beyond the routine care baseline.