Cost of Owning a Shih Tzu (2026): Purchase, Vet Bills, and More

Shih Tzus are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., ranking 20th according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).^[1] The cost of a Shih Tzu ranges widely — from $100 to $3,000 — depending on whether you buy a show dog from champion lines or adopt a mixed breed from an animal shelter.^[2]

And your costs don’t stop there. Once you purchase your dog, you’ll have food, care, and pet insurance to think about.

These little dogs have been popular family companions in Asia for centuries, where they’ve affectionately received the nickname of “little lions.” The breed lives between 10 and 18 years on average.^[3]

Here’s what you should know about costs and ongoing care for these wonderfully fluffy dogs.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

The price of a Shih Tzu typically ranges from $100 to $3,000, but it can be more or less in some cases. Buying from a certified, trustworthy breeder is the most expensive option, while adopting a Shih Tzu from a shelter is the most affordable.

Shih Tzu puppies cost more than adults because of high demand. The cost of a Shih Tzu puppy can also be higher because, like other small dogs with large heads, they may need surgical help during birth.

Buying a Shih Tzu from a breeder: $1,000–$3,000

Buying a Shih Tzu from a breeder is typically much more expensive than adopting one from a shelter. The overall cost from a breeder can start as low as $500 and go as high as $5,000 for a dog with championship show-dog lineage. That said, the average price ranges between $1,000 and $3,000.

Though it’s the more expensive option, purchasing a Shih Tzu from a breeder is often the easiest way to get one. It may also be harder to find an adult Shih Tzu in a shelter, since Shih Tzus have small litters. Most mothers only give birth to between one and four puppies at a time.

Adopting a Shih Tzu from a shelter or rescue group: $100–$300

Choosing to adopt a Shih Tzu from a shelter or rescue group, instead of directly from a breeder, is a much cheaper option. Adoption typically costs between $100 and $300.

The main disadvantage of adopting from a shelter or rescue group is that you may not be able to find a Shih Tzu as easily. It may require more patience and looking around to find your future pup.

On the other hand, adopting a Shih Tzu in need of a good home from a shelter or breed-specific rescue can be an affordable and beneficial way to find your family pet. You’ll get to see your dog’s final adult coat color and personality, and you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you.

Costs of owning a Shih Tzu

The purchase price of your new pup isn’t the only expense to think about. Like all dogs, Shih Tzus come with many ongoing costs, too. It’s a good idea to review your budget and make sure you can afford these additional costs before bringing a new dog into your household.

The table below offers a brief look at some of the costs you may face.

Area of Care	Average Annual Cost
Vaccination and vet visits	$423
Food, toys, and supplies	$240–$700
Grooming and maintenance	$50–$900
Training	$200–$600 per week
Pet insurance	$408

Vaccination and vet visits

Regular veterinary care for most dogs typically costs $423 per year, according to the AKC.^[4] This includes things like annual checkups, routine vaccinations, and preventative care treatments. Breeders and veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your pup if you won’t be breeding it. This typically costs about $160 but can vary widely across the country.

Even healthy dogs can surprise you with unplanned veterinary costs. Shih Tzus are prone to many joint and eye problems. Imperial and teacup Shih Tzus, in particular, may be more prone to these types of health issues.^[5]

Food, toys, and supplies

You won’t have to worry about spending as much on dog food because of the Shih Tzu’s small size. Most Shih Tzus only eat about a cup of food per day, costing between $240 and $600 per year. Feeding your Shih Tzu a high-quality diet is one of the best ways to maintain your dog’s general health.

You may also spend between $50 and $100 per year on toys and other supplies for your pup.^[6]

Grooming and maintenance

One area where you should plan on spending more time and money is your Shih Tzu’s grooming needs. Shih Tzu parents spend between $35 for at-home grooming and $700 per year for professional grooming.

Dog lovers adore Shih Tzus for their gorgeous coats, but that requires daily brushing and hairstyling to keep the coat out of your dog’s eyes. You can also pay a professional groomer to specially clip your dog for a shorter coat.

You’ll also need to plan for regular baths to keep its coat from tangling and matting.

Training

If you want to train your Shih Tzu at a training facility, you’ll pay an average of $200–$600 per week. Group classes are more affordable, averaging around $100–$275 for a four- to six-week class. And if you want professional service dog training, you’ll pay between $150 and $250 per hour for more specialized training.

Pet insurance for a Shih Tzu

If you’re worried about being able to afford a large veterinary bill for your Shih Tzu, consider enrolling your pup in pet insurance. These plans reimburse a certain percentage of your veterinary costs if your pet has a covered illness or accident, so you don’t have to make any tough decisions about your family pet. Some plans even cover routine wellness care.

Pet insurance costs vary widely depending on various factors like your pet’s age and location. That said, pet insurance costs an average of $408 per year, according to data from Insurify’s pet insurance partner, Fletch.

Below, you can compare average costs to insure a Shih Tzu from top pet insurers.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
ASPCA	$27
Figo	$42
Healthy Paws	$30
Lemonade	$23
Pets Best	$32
Prudent	$43
Pumpkin	$55
Spot	$22

Factors influencing the price of a Shih Tzu

It’s hard to put a price on your future best friend, but here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about adding a Shih Tzu to your family.

Where you purchase from

Reputable breeders charge higher prices for Shih Tzus, but you’ll generally have the best chance of getting the exact dog you want. Many dogs even come with health guarantees to protect the breeder’s reputation and maintain breed standards. Unless you plan on showing your Shih Tzu, you may be able to get a special sale price on a pet-quality dog from a breeder.

You can also find adoptable Shih Tzus in animal shelters, though you may have to spend time looking for adoptable dogs. You can also look into Shih Tzu rescues around the country. You’re more likely to find adult dogs in shelters and rescues, but some puppies may also be available. It’s often tough to know the background of these dogs or what their future healthcare needs will be, though.

Adopting an older dog means you can skip the chaotic puppy phase, get a dog of known temperament, and save a life all at once.

Coat color

Shih Tzus come in a remarkable number of colors. The AKC, for example, allows for more than a dozen different color options when registering a new Shih Tzu puppy. Most, in some form, feature white fur with patches in various shades of brown and black.

If you’ll be buying a Shih Tzu as a pet, many breeders recommend choosing a dog with dark markings on its face in order to hide tear stains, which are generally harmless but often unsightly. Show dogs have these marks meticulously removed, which pet parents may not have the time and effort to do.

Age and gender

Shih Tzus are long-lived dogs that take a longer time to mature. In fact, the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) recommends breeders keep puppies for at least 12 weeks before selling them, rather than the typical eight to 10 weeks with other breeds.^[7] In addition, Shih Tzus are generally more adaptable compared to other dog breeds.

Males and females often behave similarly. But it may be easier to maintain the coats of males than females, because males typically experience fewer hormonal changes, according to the ASTC.

Common health issues in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are usually very healthy, but like all purebred dogs, they can be at higher risk for certain health conditions. Here are a few that veterinarians and breeders have noted over the years:

• Cataracts: The lenses in a dog’s eye can get progressively cloudier, just like in humans, eventually impeding its vision enough to render it blind.

• Hip dysplasia: Improperly shaped ball-and-socket hip joints can eventually cause a dog to go lame. Hip dysplasia is more common in large breeds, but Shih Tzus can develop this condition as well. This issue is particularly common in poorly bred Shih Tzus.

• Patellar luxation: This joint malformation causes a dog’s kneecap to become dislocated. It’s more common in smaller-breed dogs and can cause a lot of pain and lameness.

• Progressive retinal atrophy: This genetic condition causes the cells in a dog’s retina to slowly die away so it can no longer process visual information, leading to blindness.

Comparing costs: Shih Tzu vs. other breeds

The breed of dog you choose matters less when it comes to its purchase price than other factors, like where you get it from. Adopting a dog of any breed will generally cost less than buying one from a breeder, for example. If all you want is a small, family-friendly dog with a fashionable coat, consider whether one of the other breeds below might be a good fit.

Dog Breed	Average Cost
Shih Tzu	$100–$3,000
Bichon frise	$300–$3,500
Toy poodle	$100–$5,000
Lhasa Apso	$75–$2,000
Havanese	$150–$2,500

Shih Tzu FAQs