Shih Tzu Cost & Insurance Guide
Shih Tzus are popular apartment dogs but their flat faces and dental crowding mean steady vet and grooming bills throughout their long lives.
Weight
9–16 lb
Lifespan
10–16 yrs
Food
~$25/mo
Ins. risk
4/5
⚠️Get quote →Get quote →
Shih Tzus have an elevated insurance risk (4/5)
This breed's health profile — brachycephalic airway syndrome, dental disease — makes pet insurance a strong financial consideration. Enroll while your dog is healthy to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Lemonade Pet
Pet insurance from $10/mo
Bundle with renters or homeowners insurance for an extra discount.
Not available in every state — check your zip on their site.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Spot Pet Insurance
Customizable plans, unlimited annual cap
Endorsed by Cesar Millan. Strong coverage for chronic conditions.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Shih Tzu lifetime cost
Pre-filled with realistic Shih Tzu assumptions. Adjust for your state, food, grooming, and insurance preferences.
Year 1
$5,505
Annual ongoing
$2,705
Lifetime (13.0 yrs)
$37,965
| Category | Year 1 | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition (adoption fee or breeder) | $1,500 | $0 |
| Initial setup (crate, leash, bowls, beds) | $600 | $0 |
| Spay / neuterOne-time | $350 | $0 |
| Food | $300 | $300 |
| Routine vet care + breed-specific risk | $700 | $700 |
| Grooming | $600 | $600 |
| Boarding / dog-walker | $385 | $385 |
| Pet insurance | $540 | $540 |
| Misc (license, treats, toys, replacement gear) | $180 | $180 |
| Training classesYear 1 only | $350 | $0 |
Vet costs use a state cost-of-living multiplier (Texas: ×1.00). Lifespan based on breed midpoint; individual dogs vary considerably.
Get insurance quotes for Shih Tzu
Lemonade Pet
Pet insurance from $10/mo
Bundle with renters or homeowners insurance for an extra discount.
Not available in every state — check your zip on their site.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Spot Pet Insurance
Customizable plans, unlimited annual cap
Endorsed by Cesar Millan. Strong coverage for chronic conditions.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Trupanion
90% reimbursement, pays vets directly
One plan, no per-incident limits. Best for chronic-condition breeds.
Sponsored / affiliate link
How many calories does a Shih Tzu need?
Pre-filled at the midpoint weight for the breed. Adjust to your dog's actual weight and activity level.
Daily calories
424kcal/day
Resting needs are 265 kcal. We multiply by an activity factor for adult, moderate activity.
Approx. food per day
1.2cups (mid-tier kibble)
Estimated monthly food spend: $48. Adjust for your specific brand's kcal/cup printed on the bag.
These are veterinary-nutrition starting points (RER × activity factor). Always confirm your dog's individual needs with your vet, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with weight or health conditions.
Shih Tzu pet insurance estimate
Breed-risk-adjusted monthly premium estimates. Compare real quotes from the carriers below.
How this is calculated: Industry base premium × breed risk tier × age multiplier × state cost factor × plan tier. Actual quotes vary by deductible, reimbursement %, and annual coverage limit. Use the affiliate links below for real quotes.
Estimated monthly premium
$59/month
About $708 per year. Most owners see quotes in the $43–$78 range depending on deductible and reimbursement choices.
| Carrier | Midpoint | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lemonade Pet | $50/mo | $43–$58 |
| Spot Pet Insurance | $59/mo | $48–$70 |
| Trupanion | $71/mo | $64–$78 |
Illustrative pricing — get real quotes from the carriers below.
Get real quotes
Lemonade Pet
Pet insurance from $10/mo
Bundle with renters or homeowners insurance for an extra discount.
Not available in every state — check your zip on their site.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Spot Pet Insurance
Customizable plans, unlimited annual cap
Endorsed by Cesar Millan. Strong coverage for chronic conditions.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Trupanion
90% reimbursement, pays vets directly
One plan, no per-incident limits. Best for chronic-condition breeds.
Sponsored / affiliate link
Common Shih Tzu health risks
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Dental disease
- Eye problems
- Hip dysplasia
These are statistical predispositions, not guarantees. Reputable breeders test for breed-specific conditions; rescues and shelter dogs may carry mixed risk profiles. Always work with a vet familiar with your breed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?＋
A typical Shih Tzu costs roughly $1,200 per year in food, routine vet care, grooming, and supplies. Insurance, boarding, and training are additional. Use the lifetime calculator below for a state-adjusted figure.
Is a Shih Tzu a good dog for first-time owners?＋
Apartments, seniors, low-activity homes. Affectionate, outgoing, alert. Their main lifetime-cost considerations are brachycephalic airway syndrome and dental disease, plus regular professional grooming costs.
What health issues are Shih Tzus prone to?＋
The most common breed-specific health conditions are Brachycephalic airway syndrome, Dental disease, Eye problems, Hip dysplasia. Their insurance risk tier is 4 out of 5, which directly affects monthly premiums.
How long do Shih Tzus live?＋
Expected lifespan is 10–16 years, with a typical midpoint around 13.0 years. We use the midpoint to project lifetime cost in the calculator.