How Much Does A Shih Tzu Cost? Don’t Skimp!

Bringing a Shih Tzu into your family is one of the best decisions you can make if you want a loyal, affectionate companion. But before you start shopping for tiny dog beds and puppy toys, you need to know what this is going to cost. The purchase price is just the beginning. Between vet care, grooming, food, and supplies, owning a Shih Tzu adds up to a significant financial commitment. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect.

How Much Does a Shih Tzu Puppy Cost?

The price of a Shih Tzu puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Several factors influence where within that range you will land. Show quality puppies from champion bloodlines can cost $3,000 to $5,000 or more. Pet quality puppies (perfectly healthy dogs that do not meet every breed standard for showing) are usually on the lower end.

Coat color also affects price. Rare colors like solid black, blue, or liver tend to cost more than the more common gold and white or brown and white combinations. Gender can play a small role too, with females sometimes costing slightly more than males because of their breeding potential.

Location matters as well. Shih Tzu puppies in large metropolitan areas tend to cost more than those in rural areas, simply because demand is higher. If you are willing to travel a bit to pick up your puppy, you may find better prices.

Adoption as an Alternative

Adopting a Shih Tzu from a rescue organization or shelter is a wonderful option that typically costs between $150 and $500. Adoption fees usually cover spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and a health checkup. You may not get a puppy (most rescue Shih Tzus are adults), but adult dogs come with some real advantages. They are usually already house trained, past the destructive puppy stage, and their personality is fully developed so you know exactly what you are getting.

Shih Tzu specific rescue organizations exist across the country and often have dogs available for adoption. These organizations evaluate each dog’s temperament and health before placing them, which gives you extra peace of mind.

First Year Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

The first year of owning a Shih Tzu is the most expensive because of all the initial setup costs and puppy specific expenses.

Veterinary care in the first year runs about $500 to $800. This covers a series of puppy vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, a wellness exam, and spaying or neutering (typically $200 to $400 on its own). If your puppy needs any unexpected vet visits for things like digestive issues or minor injuries, add another $200 to $500.

Grooming is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for Shih Tzu owners. Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks costs $40 to $75 per visit, which works out to roughly $500 to $900 per year. Shih Tzus have continuously growing hair that requires regular trimming, and their coat mats quickly if not maintained. You can learn to groom at home to save money, but you will still need to invest in quality grooming tools (clippers, scissors, brushes, and a grooming table) which costs about $100 to $200 upfront.

Food costs about $300 to $500 per year for a high quality small breed dog food. Shih Tzus are small dogs that do not eat much (roughly 1/2 to 1 cup per day), so food costs are quite reasonable compared to larger breeds.

Supplies for the first year include a crate ($30 to $60), bed ($20 to $50), leash and collar ($15 to $30), food and water bowls ($10 to $20), and toys ($30 to $50). Add in training treats, pee pads for potty training, and basic cleaning supplies, and you are looking at another $200 to $400 for initial supplies.

All told, the first year of Shih Tzu ownership typically costs between $2,500 and $5,500 including the purchase price, or $1,500 to $3,000 if you adopt.

Annual Costs After the First Year

After the expensive first year, annual costs settle into a more predictable range of about $1,200 to $2,500 per year. This breaks down roughly as follows: veterinary care ($200 to $400 for annual checkups and preventatives), grooming ($500 to $900), food ($300 to $500), and miscellaneous expenses like toys, treats, boarding, and replacement supplies ($200 to $700).

Pet insurance is optional but worth considering for Shih Tzus, given their predisposition to certain health issues. Plans typically run $30 to $60 per month ($360 to $720 per year) and can save you thousands if your dog develops a serious condition like intervertebral disc disease, eye problems, or dental issues.

How to Find a Reputable Shih Tzu Breeder

The price you pay upfront for a well bred Shih Tzu is an investment in your dog’s long term health. Reputable breeders cost more because they invest in health testing, quality nutrition, proper veterinary care, and responsible breeding practices. Here is what to look for.

A good breeder will health test their breeding dogs for conditions common in Shih Tzus, including eye evaluations, patellar luxation screening, and cardiac exams. They should be happy to show you test results and explain what they mean. If a breeder cannot or will not show health clearances, walk away.

Visit the breeder in person whenever possible. The dogs should be clean, well socialized, and living in good conditions. Puppies should be raised in a home environment, not in outdoor kennels or commercial facilities. A reputable breeder will ask you questions too because they care about where their puppies end up.

Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. A Shih Tzu advertised for $500 or less is often coming from a puppy mill or backyard breeder where profit is prioritized over health. These puppies are more likely to have genetic health problems, behavioral issues from poor socialization, and shorter lifespans. You may save money upfront but spend far more on veterinary bills down the road.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

A few expenses catch new Shih Tzu owners off guard. Dental care is a big one. Shih Tzus are extremely prone to dental disease because of their small mouths and crowded teeth. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia cost $300 to $700 and many Shih Tzus need them annually starting around age 3. Daily tooth brushing at home helps reduce the frequency of professional cleanings.

Eye problems are another potential expense. Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes that are vulnerable to scratches, ulcers, dry eye, and other conditions. Emergency vet visits for eye injuries can cost $200 to $500, and chronic conditions like dry eye require ongoing medication.

If you are a Shih Tzu family that travels, boarding costs $25 to $50 per night. In home pet sitters charge $50 to $100 per day. These costs add up quickly during vacation season.