How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?

The annual cost of owning a Shih Tzu is approximately $1,796 at a moderate care level. This includes food ($336), veterinary care ($515), grooming ($440), pet insurance ($480), and licensing ($25).

How much does it cost to own a Shih Tzu in the first year?

The first year of owning a Shih Tzu typically costs around $2,516. This is higher than subsequent years because it includes one-time setup costs such as supplies, a grooming kit, and puppy training classes on top of the recurring annual expenses of $1,796.

What is the lifetime cost of owning a Shih Tzu?

The lifetime cost of owning a Shih Tzu is estimated at $25,864 over approximately 14 years (average lifespan). This accounts for first-year setup costs plus recurring annual expenses of $1,796 for each subsequent year.

How much is pet insurance for a Shih Tzu?

Pet insurance for a Shih Tzu typically costs around $40 per month ($480 per year) at a moderate coverage level. Rates vary by your location, the dog's age, and the level of coverage chosen. Shih Tzus can face unexpected vet bills of $2,500 or more for emergencies, making insurance a worthwhile investment.

How much does food cost for a Shih Tzu?

Food for a Shih Tzu costs approximately $28 per month ($336 per year) at a moderate quality level. Budget options can reduce this, while premium raw or prescription diets will increase it.

Is a Shih Tzu expensive to own?

Owning a Shih Tzu costs around $1,796 per year on average, or about $150 per month. The first year runs higher at approximately $2,516 due to one-time setup expenses. Over a lifetime of ~14 years, total ownership costs are roughly $25,864.

What is the temperament of a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus are known to be clever, spunky, outgoing, friendly, affectionate, lively, alert, loyal, independent, playful, gentle, intelligent, happy, active, courageous. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

Shih Tzus have low energy levels and require minimal daily exercise, typically 15-30 minutes of gentle activity.

How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus require intensive grooming with daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions.

How do I train a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus have moderate trainability and benefit from consistent, positive training approaches.

Are Shih Tzus good with children?

Shih Tzus are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Shih Tzu unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Shih Tzu stands out from other breeds due to its rich heritage from China, specialized abilities for lapdog. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Shih Tzu?

Before bringing a Shih Tzu into your home, potential owners should consider: They have relatively low exercise needs (2/5), making them suitable for less active households. Their coat requires significant maintenance (4/5) with regular grooming sessions. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They may be prone to breed-specific health issues including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Patellar Luxation, Eye Conditions (Corneal Ulcers), Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Renal Dysplasia. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Shih Tzu. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Shih Tzus originally bred for?

Shih Tzus were originally bred for lapdog. This companion-focused breeding has resulted in their affectionate, people-oriented temperament that makes them excellent pets. As part of the Toy group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Shih Tzu's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Shih Tzus are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Shih Tzus typically live?

The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 10 - 18 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Shih Tzus may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Shih Tzu

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: May 5, 2026

Temperament

Clever, Spunky, Outgoing, Friendly, Affectionate, Lively, Alert, Loyal, Independent, Playful, Gentle, Intelligent, Happy, Active, Courageous

At a Glance

👶

Good with Kids

Excellent

🐕

Good with Dogs

Very Friendly

🎓

Trainability

Moderate

⚡

Energy Level

Laid-back

✂️

Grooming

High Maintenance

Quick Facts

Breed Group:: Toy
Bred For:: Lapdog
Origin:: China
Life Span:: 10 - 18 years
Weight:: 9 - 16 lbs
Height:: 8 - 11 in

💰 Shih Tzu Cost Guide

Food · Vet · Grooming · Insurance · Full breakdown

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability3/5

Energy Level2/5

Grooming Needs4/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs2/5

They have a low to moderate energy level and need regular but not extensive exercise.

Grooming Requirements4/5

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability3/5

Moderately trainable with consistent methods

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

🐕

Shih Tzu

Complete Breed Guide

6 sections

📋Overview

About the Shih Tzu

🐾The Breed

The Shih Tzu is a toy breed that originated in China, where it was bred as a companion dog for royalty. Typically weighing between 9 to 16 pounds and standing 8 to 11 inches tall, they are known for their long, flowing coat and distinctive flat face. Shih Tzus are characterized by their clever, outgoing, and affectionate temperament, making them excellent family pets and companions. They are alert and playful, often displaying a lively spirit while remaining loyal and gentle with their owners. With a lifespan of 10 to 18 years, they thrive in a loving environment and enjoy being part of family activities.

⚡Personality

Shih Tzus are known for being clever, spunky, outgoing, friendly, affectionate, and lively, alert, loyal. As a low-key and calm breed, they are moderately trainable and thrive with regular mental and physical activity. They are excellent with children of all ages and friendly with other dogs, making them a popular choice for families and experienced dog owners alike.

🏡Daily Life

Caring for a Shih Tzu means committing to regular grooming (brushing several times a week), regular daily walks, and positive-reinforcement training. Their gentle, social nature makes them a wonderful addition to active families.

At a Glance

👶

Good with Kids

Excellent

🐕

Good with Dogs

Very Friendly

🎓

Trainability

Moderate

⚡

Energy Level

Laid-back

✂️

Grooming

High Maintenance

Quick Facts

Breed Group:: Toy
Bred For:: Lapdog
Origin:: China
Life Span:: 10 - 18 years
Weight:: 9 - 16 lbs
Height:: 8 - 11 in

Temperament

CleverSpunkyOutgoingFriendlyAffectionateLivelyAlertLoyalIndependentPlayfulGentleIntelligentHappyActiveCourageous

Free Shih Tzu Health Guide

Shih Tzus can be prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome and other conditions. Get our owner's health checklist and monthly vet tips — free.

✓Shih Tzu-specific health warning signs
✓Vet visit checklist & cost tracker
✓Monthly breed health newsletter

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Shih Tzu

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