The price of a new Shih Tzu can be difficult to pin down. If you are in the market for one, you will need to account for a variety of things – the cost of the dog or puppy itself, veterinary fees, training, food, supplies and the like. Our team has developed a calculator that helps you estimate your costs when it comes to buying, raising, and maintaining a Shih Tzu.
A Shih Tzu puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,600 with the average price being $850. First-year expenses are around $2,570 and will be about $1,180/year (or $98/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Shih Tzu is $17,910.
These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials – supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming costs, license registration and a microchip are included. Additionally, optional costs, such as medical procedures that may be necessary and insurance, as well as services like dog walking and dog boarding are not included.
If you spay/neuter your Shih Tzu, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost could rise between $68,440 and $133,355.
This would put the overall average cost of maintaining a Shih Tzu at $99,115 throughout its lifetime. Prices in the higher range are relevant for people buying high-end products and services and/or living in expensive areas, while the lower range will be more accurate for cheaper products and services and/or owners living in a less expensive area.
We have put together a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising a Shih Tzu puppy and adult dog. Moreover, at the end of this article you will find a cost calculator that will give you a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise a Shih Tzu through the course of its lifetime.
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
How much is a Shih Tzu puppy?
After reviewing more than a thousand ads from reputable websites like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, we found that the average price for a Shih Tzu under 6 months is $850 per puppy. While puppies can be found for as low as $500, they can also end up being as high as $1,600, with almost 80% of prices found falling within that range.
The most expensive purebred puppies were priced at $6,000.
Puppy Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Shih Tzu | $500 – $1,600 | $850 |
If you are interested in a Shih Tzu puppy, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable shelter or breeder, as this can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of your dog! Adoption can be a much more affordable alternative, as rehoming fees usually amount to anywhere between $50-$500 depending on location.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A SHIH TZU PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$150 – $800 | 560 |
$801 – $1,450 | 402 |
$1,451 – $2,100 | 180 |
$2,101 – $2,750 | 25 |
$2,751 – $3,400 | 2 |
$3,401- $6,000 | 4 |
Total | 1173 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think Shih Tzu breeding dogs should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist annually. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
Related: How Much Should Shih Tzu Weigh?
The cost of supplies when welcoming a Shih Tzu
As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Shih Tzu easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few.
Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $150-$650 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location.
Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Food & Water Bowls | $5 – $20 | $15 |
Dog Collars (x2) | $5 – $40 | $20 |
Leash | $5 – $20 | $10 |
ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Dog Bed (24″ or 30″) | $15 – $65 | $35 |
Dog Crate (24″ or 30″) | $20 – $80 | $40 |
Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Toys | $15 – $50 | $30 |
First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
Toenail Clippers | $5 – $20 | $10 |
As your Shih Tzu grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $55 to $260, with an average of $140. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush).
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $150 – $650 | $345 |
Subsequent Years | $55 – $260 | $140 |
Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for, such as clothing, play pens, fences, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
Do Shih Tzu need professional training?
Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that private training is usually not necessary for Shih Tzu. However, she would recommend a few group lessons for socialization with other people and dogs outside home as well as to address their tendency to bark.
These sessions usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions.
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Shih Tzu | $150 – $200 | $175 |
A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them.
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You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.
If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Shih Tzu are intelligent and are good family dogs. They tend to be barkers so group classes for troubleshooting are recommended.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
Related: When Is Shih Tzu Full Grown?
The veterinary costs for a Shih Tzu
Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks (DVM) has helped us highlight all the important medical expenses that come with owning a Shih Tzu. On average, expect to spend around $590 for the first year on veterinary fees and $465 every year after that. These expenses may vary depending on location as well as your dog’s age and health condition.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $385 – $795 | $590 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $300 | $175 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $280 – $645 | $465 |
Medical cost for the first year with a Shih Tzu
Experts like Leslie Brooks typically suggest a minimum of three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, with the first visit being scheduled when the puppy is around 8 weeks of age. Each appointment should cost you anywhere between $65 and $170. At her clinic, these include physical checkups, vaccines (including rabies), heartworm prevention, flea prevention and a fecal examination.
Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing with heartworm and flea medication after the initial visits, which respectively cost $50-$105 and $70-$105 for the rest of the year.
Moreover, the dog may need vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities:
- Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often ($15-$25 but is sometimes included in the appointment fees with the other essential vaccines).
- Influenza is recommended if the Shih Tzu is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for initial dose and booster shot).
- Lyme if exposed to ticks when camping, hiking, or staying in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for initial dose and booster shot).
As your Shih Tzu dog grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. Generally, these cost $100-$300, depending on your locality as well as the clinics therein. Keep in mind that spays (female) are usually slightly more expensive. Some low-cost clinics also provide sterilization services for $50-$100.
Veterinary expenses for the adult years
Generally, your adult dog will require at least one trip to the vet for every year. This falls in the $125-$265 range, depending on your clinic and the services provided. This usually includes the annual exam and vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (to detect any hidden medical conditions for older dogs especially).
Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually fall in the $55-$70 and $100-$150 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, optional lifestyle vaccines may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet is regularly exposed to other animals or has inconsistent stool quality, adding another $40-$50 to the total.
Possible Shih Tzu health issues
Shih Tzu are subject to some potential medical problems throughout the course of their life according to Dr Brooks.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Brachycephalic Syndrome | High | $250 – $3,000 |
Patellar Luxation | High | $300 – $2,000 |
Collapsing Trachea | High | $250 – $4,500 |
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) | High | $55 – $150 per month |
Eye Problems | High | $100 – $1,200 |
Dental Disease | High | $400 – $800 |
Brachycephalic syndrome is a combination of different abnormalities associated with the breathing apparatus. The following ones can be corrected surgically: elongated soft palate ($1,000-$2,000), stenotic nares ($250-$800, low end of price range is applicable when done when a puppy as a preventative measure before it develops problems breathing), everted laryngeal saccules ($1,000-$3,000).
Patellar luxation: the low end is just for pain management as needed and joint supplements. The high end is if surgery is needed (if it is causing the Shih Tzu a lot of pain and if it cannot get its knee back in place on its own).
Diagnostic x-rays and medications to control symptoms will be around $250-$450 for collapsing trachea. Budget $3,000-$4,500 for surgery if the condition is severe enough. Surgery is usually not recommended due to many severe complications post-surgery.
Eye problems: budget $100-$200 to treat corneal ulcers (this could be a recurring cost throughout the Shih Tzu’s life) and $800 to $1,200 for an emergency eye removal surgery (emergency eye enucleation due to proptosis).
Dental disease: this is the cost estimate for the dental procedures to clean the teeth and remove any infected teeth if needed. It will likely need to be done two to four times throughout a Shih Tzu’s life.
“Shih Tzu will likely need to have multiple dental procedures throughout their life in order to maintain a healthy oral cavity. So, budgeting $400-800 every 3-4 years for dental care alone is important.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Dog insurance
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, while $190 is the cost for accident-only plans. This can be particularly important and may help you save a lot of money in the long run.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
The cost to feed a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu are small dogs that grow to be 13 lb. on average (usually 9 to 16 lb.). As a result, Shih Tzu puppies tend to consume close to 70 lb. of food for the first year. This puts food-related expenses in the $50-$130 range. Adult Shih Tzu generally eat up about 90 lb. of dry food a year, resulting in costs ranging from $45 to $135. These figures are based on the prices of four popular dog food brands detailed below.
Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $50 – $130 | $85 |
Adult Dog | $45 – $135 | $90 |
Treats to reward a small dog can add another $40-$240 to yearly expenses, based on the price of more than 25 best-selling treats seen at Walmart, PetSmart and on Amazon. Naturally, expenses will depend on the quality of food or treats you buy, premium grade brands being considerably more expensive.
Treats Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Yearly Treats | $40 – $240 | $150 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
A Shih Tzu puppy will eat close to 70 lb. of dry food during the first year.
Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 2 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $55.56 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 5 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $109.90 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 2 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $51.66 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 3 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $132.24 |
A Shih Tzu owner should expect to buy around 90 lb. of food every year for his/her adult dog.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags/Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 2 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $45.96 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 3 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $121.08 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 2 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $51.66 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 3 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $134.94 |
Dog food is perishable but can be stored for extended periods of time. This means that bulk purchases are a viable option and will give you the best bang for buck on the market, so consider bulk-purchasing food for your Shih Tzu. Also make sure to consult your vet on the type of food you should be giving to your dog.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Small Puppy | 13 lb. | 6 | $44.99 (PetSmart) | $269.94 |
Small Adult | 14 lb. | 7 | $41.99 (PetSmart) | $293.93 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Shih Tzu grooming
Typically, Shih Tzu require quite a lot of care. Our expert, Corryne Smith, suggests taking the dog to a professional groomer 4 to 8 times a year. With prices ranging from $40 to $60 for each visit, the annual cost should be close to $320. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but will benefit the dog’s health and well-being.
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Shih Tzu | $160 – $480 | $320 |
Professional dog grooming usually includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing and eye and ear cleaning. Prices will vary depending on multiple factors, such as dog size, coat condition, health and age, dog behavior and the services requested.
If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, a DIY grooming kit is a viable alternative if you have the skills and time to do it yourself. You can find these online or in store for $75 on average and they ship with all the tools and equipment you will need to handle your Shih Tzu’s grooming needs at home!
Additional costs to consider for a Shih Tzu
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
License
On average, licenses for a dog fall between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this cost could be a little bit higher. Across the U.S.A, you might get into legal problems if you have an unlicensed dog, so we strongly suggest licensing your Shih Tzu as early as possible. It also makes locating your dog easier in any sort of emergency, making it even more important.
Microchip
Microchips help create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on common medical and emergency databases. Many states require dogs to be microchipped, so you will likely need to spend $25-$50 for your Shih Tzu.
Dog walking
Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter says that Shih Tzu have a moderate need for exercise. If you cannot take your dog out during the day, she would still recommend hiring a dog walker for 30-minutes sessions, as it is best that your dog gets a little exercise and spends some time outside. These 30-minute walks usually range from $15 and $25 each, ($25-$50 for a 1-hour walk).
These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so take that into consideration when planning for the expenses that come with a dog. Dog walkers can be found on apps like Rover or Wag. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.
Traveling
It is highly inadvisable to leave a dog alone, particularly if you are traveling over days or weeks. In the case that you must leave your dog somewhere, dog boarding services are generally available and accessible. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-$85 per day, depending on location and time of year.
During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, be sure to book dog boarding or sitting services in advance, as you are likely to get much better prices. Affordable alternatives include looking to see if any friends/family would be open to hosting your dog, as these prices can add up very quickly.
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your Shih Tzu.
Yearly and monthly cost of a Shih Tzu
The cost of the first year with a puppy
The total first year expenses that come with raising a Shih Tzu averages out at $2,570, with the spectrum ranging from $1,470 to $4,165. Keep in mind that many of the essential expenses that come with raising a puppy fall within the first weeks.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $500 – $1,600 | $850 |
Supplies | $150 – $650 | $345 |
Training | $150 – $200 | $175 |
Medical | $385 – $795 | $590 |
Food & Treats | $90 – $370 | $235 |
Grooming | $160 – $480 | $320 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $1,470 – $4,165 | $2,570 |
The dog owner might also want to take into consideration the following costs.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $300 | $175 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
With a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $5,195-$11,090 range through the course of the puppy’s first year only.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $1,870 – $5,245 | $3,310 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,195 – $11,090 | $7,790 |
Yearly and monthly cost with a Shih Tzu for the following years
After the first year, the annual cost of owning a dog does go down and will run you anywhere between $590 and $1,780, with an average cost of $1,180. This puts your monthly expenses in the $49-$148 range.
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $55 – $260 | $140 |
Medical | $280 – $645 | $465 |
Food & Treats | $85 – $375 | $240 |
Grooming | $160 – $480 | $320 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $590 – $1,780 | $1,180 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $49 – $148 | $98 |
Again, you might also want to consider additional services that could drastically change your budget like buying insurance and/or hiring a dog walker 5 times a week for 30-minute walks and leaving your dog in a boarding facility for a week while going on vacation.
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $940 – $2,560 | $1,745 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $4,865 – $9,405 | $7,025 |
Total cost of ownership for the Shih Tzu
On average, Shih Tzu live for 14 years (usually 10 to 18 years). Using the metrics and figures above, we estimate that the total cost of owning a Shih Tzu falls within the $9,140-$27,305 range, with a $17,910 average.
Total Cost of Ownership (14 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Shih Tzu | $9,140 – $27,305 | $17,910 |
Adding spay/neuter as well as pet insurance, the average cost of ownership will be around $25,995. Finally, with 30-minute professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week in a dog boarding facility every year on top of that, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $68,440 to $133,355 averaging $99,115 for the 14 years spent raising a Shih Tzu.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $14,090 – $38,525 | $25,995 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $68,440 – $133,355 | $99,115 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Shih Tzu cost calculator
The cost of a Shih Tzu – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Shih Tzu puppy?
On average a Shih Tzu puppy will cost $850 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $1,600. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 – How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Shih Tzu need training and how much will it cost?
Having a Shih Tzu professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on socialization and barking.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Shih Tzu?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $385 to $795 for a Shih Tzu puppy during the first year and around $280 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300).
5 – How much food does a Shih Tzu eat and how much will it cost?
A Shih Tzu puppy will eat around 70 lb. and an adult close to 90 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $50 and $270 for a puppy and $45 to $295 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Shih Tzu be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
A Shih Tzu should be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $40 to $60 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered.
7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?
In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.
A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.
Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.
A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.
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Other breeds you might like
Are you living in an apartment? Please read our article about the cost of 32 popular apartment dog breeds.
Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Shih Tzu, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Shih Tzu. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
- Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
This article is original content from PetBudget.