Shih Tzu Price: How Much Do They Cost? 2026 Update
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View 3 More +The Shih Tzu is a small breed that can live in an apartment, doesn’t need too much exercise each day, and makes a loving and loyal pet for its family. However, despite being a relatively small breed, owning a Shih Tzu still comes at a price.
As well as the approximate $1,200 that a Shih Tzu puppy will cost, there are initial costs for all the equipment and items needed, as well as monthly ongoing costs.
Although the actual price of a Shih Tzu can vary greatly according to what items you deem necessary, whether you choose crate training or not, and whether you take out pet insurance, we have provided a guide below to help you budget accordingly before buying one of these happy and loving little dogs.
Bringing Home a New Shih Tzu: One-Time Costs
Shih Tzus are a popular breed, which means that there are breeders across the country.
Some breeders offer pet-grade Shih Tzus, which may not have the same championship lineage as an exhibition or show Shih Tzu but should have started their socialization and can make wonderful pets. Pet Shih Tzus also tend to cost less than those with medal-winning parents.
The breed can also be found in shelters and rescues—adopting a dog costs less than buying from a breeder, but there are still costs, and you do need to make sure you have some idea of the dog’s background and temperament.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus are a popular white or black dog breed. They are relatively low maintenance, although their coat does require some regular grooming. They don’t eat much, and they don’t need much exercise. But like any dog, they do have certain requirements that need to be met. You will have to buy food, pay for treatments like worming and flea treatments, and if they get ill, you will have to cover vet bills.
The smaller size of the Shih Tzu means that it has lower ongoing care costs than a lot of other breeds, but you can still expect to pay around $100 a month, on average.
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Featured Image Credit: Duncan Woodhouse, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
