How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost?
Annual ownership cost, first-year expenses, lifetime total, health cost profile, and state-by-state cost comparison.
The Shih Tzu's grooming cost is the highest of any small breed by a significant margin. The long, flowing double coat that defines the breed standard requires professional grooming every 5-6 weeks at $70-$130 per session — that is 8-10 professional appointments annually, putting grooming at $560-$1,300/year. Owners of show-coated Shih Tzus also brush daily and wrap the topknot to prevent floor contact. The practical solution is the 'puppy cut' that trims everything to 1-2 inches, but this still requires the same grooming frequency because the coat grows continuously and mats rapidly if neglected. The brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy creates a cluster of related costs that hit in tandem. The squished facial structure means tear staining is daily — a stained, permanently wet under-eye area that requires cleaning 2-3 times daily and occasional antibiotic drops when infection sets in. Dry eye develops in many adults, requiring cyclosporine drops ($40-$80/month) for life. Breathing difficulty in warm, humid weather or during exercise is real; some dogs require surgical correction of the nares and soft palate. The breed's dental situation is among the worst of any dog — cleanings every 12-18 months are the norm, and extractions commonly accompany those cleanings by middle age. The long lifespan (some reach 16 years) means these costs accumulate across an extended timeline. The lifetime grooming bill alone for a Shih Tzu with professional grooming every 5-6 weeks across a 14-year life hits $7,800-$18,200.
Cost Breakdown — Shih Tzu
National average estimates. Adjust for your state using the table below.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (Mid) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $900/yr | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, preventatives |
| Food | $350/yr | $29/month for quality small/medium-breed food |
| Grooming | $1,100/yr | Professional grooming appointments; varies by coat type |
| Supplies & Misc | $250/yr | Toys, treats, bedding, leash/collar replacement, licenses |
| Annual Total | $2,600/yr | Year 2+ ongoing costs |
Purchase & First-Year Cost
Acquisition Cost
$500 – $2,500
Reputable breeders: $500-$2,500. Rescues and shelters often have Shih Tzus available at $50-$300.
First Year Total Estimate
$4,450 – $6,100
Includes mid-range purchase price, annual ongoing costs, initial supplies (crate/carrier, bed, bowls, toys), and first vet visit series.
Health Cost Profile — Shih Tzu
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) causes breathing difficulty in moderate to severe cases, with corrective soft-palate and nare surgery running $1,500-$3,500. The flat face means shortened tear ducts that cause chronic eye discharge requiring daily cleaning and periodic antibiotic eye drops. Eye conditions including dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) require lifelong cyclosporine drops at $40-$80/month. Dental disease is severe — teeth are packed in an undersized jaw. Kidney disease develops in the breed at above-average rates. Intervertebral disc disease affects some individuals. Umbilical hernias are common and usually repaired during spay/neuter.
Lifespan & Lifetime Cost
Lifetime estimate is based on 13 years of ongoing costs ($2,600/yr × 13) and does not include the purchase price or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Shih Tzu Cost by State
Annual cost estimates adjusted for state cost-of-living. Click any state for a full pet cost breakdown.
Most Affordable States
- Mississippi — $2,132/yr (18% below avg)
- Arkansas — $2,184/yr (16% below avg)
- West Virginia — $2,184/yr (16% below avg)
- Oklahoma — $2,236/yr (14% below avg)
- Alabama — $2,262/yr (13% below avg)
Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $4,420/yr (+70% above avg)
- District of Columbia — $3,848/yr (+48% above avg)
- California — $3,588/yr (+38% above avg)
- Massachusetts — $3,380/yr (+30% above avg)
- Alaska — $3,276/yr (+26% above avg)
| State | Est. Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $2,132/yr | -18% |
| Arkansas | $2,184/yr | -16% |
| West Virginia | $2,184/yr | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $2,236/yr | -14% |
| Alabama | $2,262/yr | -13% |
| Kansas | $2,262/yr | -13% |
| Iowa | $2,288/yr | -12% |
| Kentucky | $2,288/yr | -12% |
| Missouri | $2,288/yr | -12% |
| South Dakota | $2,288/yr | -12% |
| Indiana | $2,314/yr | -11% |
| Nebraska | $2,314/yr | -11% |
| North Dakota | $2,340/yr | -10% |
| Ohio | $2,340/yr | -10% |
| Tennessee | $2,340/yr | -10% |
| Louisiana | $2,366/yr | -9% |
| Michigan | $2,366/yr | -9% |
| South Carolina | $2,392/yr | -8% |
| Texas | $2,392/yr | -8% |
| Georgia | $2,418/yr | -7% |
| New Mexico | $2,418/yr | -7% |
| Wisconsin | $2,418/yr | -7% |
| Wyoming | $2,418/yr | -7% |
| Idaho | $2,470/yr | -5% |
| North Carolina | $2,470/yr | -5% |
| Illinois | $2,496/yr | -4% |
| Montana | $2,496/yr | -4% |
| Arizona | $2,522/yr | -3% |
| Minnesota | $2,522/yr | -3% |
| Utah | $2,522/yr | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $2,574/yr | -1% |
| Florida | $2,626/yr | +1% |
| Delaware | $2,678/yr | +3% |
| Nevada | $2,704/yr | +4% |
| Virginia | $2,704/yr | +4% |
| Colorado | $2,730/yr | +5% |
| Maine | $2,756/yr | +6% |
| New Hampshire | $2,808/yr | +8% |
| Oregon | $2,860/yr | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $2,860/yr | +10% |
| Maryland | $2,912/yr | +12% |
| Vermont | $2,912/yr | +12% |
| Washington | $2,990/yr | +15% |
| New Jersey | $3,068/yr | +18% |
| Connecticut | $3,120/yr | +20% |
| New York | $3,250/yr | +25% |
| Alaska | $3,276/yr | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $3,380/yr | +30% |
| California | $3,588/yr | +38% |
| District of Columbia | $3,848/yr | +48% |
| Hawaii | $4,420/yr | +70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?
A Shih Tzu costs approximately $2,600/year in ongoing expenses including veterinary care ($900/yr), food ($350/yr), and grooming ($1,100/yr). This estimate covers year-2+ costs and does not include the purchase price or one-time setup supplies.
How much does it cost to buy a Shih Tzu?
Purchase prices for Shih Tzus range from $500 to $2,500 from reputable breeders. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues often have Shih Tzus available for $150-$400.
What is the lifetime cost of a Shih Tzu?
The estimated lifetime cost of a Shih Tzu is $28,600, based on a 10-16 year typical lifespan and ongoing annual costs of $2,600. This does not include the purchase price (add $500-$2,500) or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Is a Shih Tzu expensive to own?
At $2,600/year, Shih Tzus are above average in annual cost compared to similar dogs. The key cost consideration: Brachycephalic — eye, breathing, and dental issues; grooming every 5-6 weeks.