The cost of a Shih Tzu in the United States
Everything in one place — from the price to buy a Shih Tzu to food, vet bills, grooming and the all-in lifetime total of about $25,650 (~$150.56/mo). Pick a topic below.
Buying & first year
What it costs to get the dog and set up.Lifetime cost to own
The all-in number over the dog's whole life.
Shih Tzu lifetime cost to own →
Price to buy this breed
Typical breeder & puppy price for this breed.
Shih Tzu price to buy this breed →
New-puppy setup
Crate, bed, bowls, leash and starter gear.
Shih Tzu new-puppy setup →
Adoption fees
Shelter & rescue adoption costs vs. buying.
Shih Tzu adoption fees →
Everyday care
Recurring month-to-month costs.Food & diet
Kibble, fresh, raw and treats — scaled to size.
Shih Tzu food & diet →
Grooming
Professional grooms and at-home upkeep.
Shih Tzu grooming →
Boarding & daycare
Kennel nights, daycare and dog walkers.
Shih Tzu boarding & daycare →
Training
Group classes, private and board-and-train.
Shih Tzu training →
Routine vet
Preventive care most dogs need.Vaccinations & shots
Puppy series, boosters and non-core shots.
Shih Tzu vaccinations & shots →
Spay / neuter
Desexing cost by size, clinic vs. low-cost.
Shih Tzu spay / neuter →
Dental cleaning
Cleaning under anesthesia, with/without extractions.
Shih Tzu dental cleaning →
Microchip
Implant and registration cost.
Shih Tzu microchip →
Deworming, flea & tick
Heartworm, flea/tick and worming prevention.
Shih Tzu deworming, flea & tick →
Diagnostics & surgery
When something goes wrong.Bloodwork & imaging
X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and lab panels.
Shih Tzu bloodwork & imaging →
Surgery
ACL/TPLO, mass removal, cataract, bloat and more.
Browse procedures →
Cancer & chemo
Chemotherapy and tumour treatment costs.
Shih Tzu cancer & chemo →
Emergency vet
After-hours ER visits and hospitalization.
Shih Tzu emergency vet →