Shih Tzu — cost & care
Affectionate, playful, outgoing. Small toy dog.
A Shih Tzu costs roughly $30,200 over its lifetime (10–18 years), or about $1,950/year: ~$270 food, ~$380 insurance, ~$450 routine vet, ~$600 grooming. Purchase price runs $800–$2,500.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
1.2cups of food / day (~9.1 lb/mo)
1.6cups of water / day
14 yraverage lifespan (10–18)
Customize your estimate — tick only what you actually pay for
Your estimate: / year · lifetime
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Get Shih Tzu insurance quotes — average plan ~$380/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A Shih Tzu eats ~9.1 lb/month. Shop small-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $800–$2,500 |
| Food / year | $270 (1.2 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $380 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $450 |
| Grooming / year | $600 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $250 |
| Total annual | $1,950 |
| Lifetime total | $30,200 |
Breed stats
| Size | Small |
| Avg weight | 12 lb |
| Height | 9–11 in |
| Lifespan | 10–18 yrs |
| Group | Toy |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 2/5 |
| Good with families | 5/5 |
| Apartment-friendly | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 |
| Grooming need | 5/5 |
| Barking | 3/5 |
Common health conditions
- Brachycephalic issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?
About $1,950 a year — roughly $270 food, $380 insurance, $450 vet and $600 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a Shih Tzu?
Around $30,200 across its 10–18-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a Shih Tzu eat?
About 1.2 cups of food a day (~9.1 lb per month).
How much water should a Shih Tzu drink?
About 1.6 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the Shih Tzu hypoallergenic?
Yes — it is a low-shedding, allergy-friendlier breed.