How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost? (2026 Guide)

Owning a Shih Tzu is more financially demanding than the breed's small size might initially suggest, primarily because grooming requirements and breed-specific health risks create recurring costs that extend well beyond basic food and routine vet visits. Understanding those costs upfront prevents unpleasant surprises.

For a puppy purchased from a health-tested, reputable breeder who is a member of the American Shih Tzu Club, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500, with dogs from champion lines or breeders with particularly strong health clearance records occasionally reaching $4,000 or more. Prices vary by geography, with metropolitan West Coast and Northeast breeders generally at the higher end. Pet-quality puppies from responsible breeders with full health clearances typically fall in the $1,500 to $2,500 range.

Food costs are modest. An adult Shih Tzu consuming a high-quality dry kibble formulated for small breeds will eat roughly 0.5 to 1 cup of food daily, putting monthly food expenditure at approximately $30 to $60 depending on brand. Raw or fresh-food diets — increasingly popular among Shih Tzu owners who find them helpful for coat quality — can run $80 to $150 per month for a dog of this size.

Grooming is where costs escalate sharply. Shih Tzus in a full show coat require daily brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks. Most companion owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" or "teddy bear cut," but even those require professional grooming every six to eight weeks. PetSmart Grooming lists bath and full groom services for small dogs starting around $55 to $75, while independent groomers with Shih Tzu-specific experience often charge $65 to $100 per session. Annually, grooming costs typically run $600 to $1,200 for a dog kept in a shorter trim, and higher for full-coat maintenance.

Veterinary costs are elevated by the breed's health profile. Routine annual wellness care — exam, vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental cleaning — runs approximately $400 to $700 per year. Eye-related emergencies, which are statistically common in the breed, can cost $300 to $1,500 depending on severity. Surgical correction for BOAS, if needed, typically runs $1,000 to $4,000. Patellar luxation surgery, when required, averages $1,500 to $3,000 per knee. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for this breed given its risk profile. Providers like Embrace and Healthy Paws typically quote Shih Tzu owners between $40 and $80 per month for comprehensive accident and illness coverage, depending on the deductible chosen, the dog's age at enrollment, and geographic location. Enrolling at puppy age before any conditions are documented is the most cost-effective strategy.