How Much Does A Shih Tzu Cost? - SpiritDog Training

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How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

How much does a Shih Tzu cost? January 19, 2025 2025-01-19 6:48

How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

Breeds How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

Steffi Trott January 19, 2025 0 comments

Did you decide to get a Shih Tzu puppy? These lap dogs are docile and friendly companions. They are easy to train and do not require large amounts of exercise – making them perfect for beginner dog owners or city dwellers!

But one question remains: How much will a Shih Tzu puppy cost? What should you budget for acquiring him?

The price could be as low as $250 if you get your puppy of off Craigslist – or around $1,200 if you get him from a registered breeder. Dogs with exceptional pedigrees may run as high as $3,000.

Rescues charge about $350 for Shih Tzu puppies.

Today we want to look at the price breakdown, as well as future costs that are associated with owning a Shih Tzus.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

How much exactly you end up paying for a Shih Tzu will depend on the puppy’s pedigree as well as how much effort was put into selecting the parents and caring for the puppies. Of course, if you select an especially rare kind of Shih Tzu such as the Teacup Shih Tzu, you should be prepared to spend quite a bit!

When buying a puppy from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay a multiple of the price that a classified ad might ask for. Breeders often spend months on planning pairings and titling the parents in conformation show. Rescues will let you have a puppy for a lower price which mostly covers the cost of veterinary care for the puppies.

Let’s look in detail at which price you can expect from which seller.

Shih Tzu puppies in classifieds

The cheapest way to get a Shih Tzu puppy is often to look in your local classified ads (such as Craigslist). Facebook used to offer selling puppies on their marketplace as well, but put a stop on selling of live animals a few years ago.

When looking for a puppy on Craigslist you could come across young dogs for as little as $250. Unfortunately this comes with a catch: Those puppies usually receive little to no veterinary care and come from non-health-tested parents.

Shih Tzus are not a healthy dog breed in general. They are prone to a variety of conditions such as:

Eye problems
Breathing problems
Hip dysplasia
Back problems
Luxating patellas

All of these have a genetic component. If parents of a litter are tested before a breeding, the likelihood that the offspring will display these health conditions sinks.

Back to the classified ads now. While the low price for Shih Tzu puppies might be tempting and seem like a steal, the $250 might buy you a very sick puppy.

Many sellers on classified ads also do not take puppies to necessary health checks. All puppies should be dewormed and vaccinated before going to their forever home.

Rescue Shih Tzu puppy prices

If you are searching for a Shih Tzu through a rescue, you will be able to get a vet-checked puppy for a medium price.

A Shih Tzu puppy from a rescue will run about $350. While this might seem steeper than the Craigslist price, remember that it already includes health care!

Nearly all rescues only let puppies go to their adopter’s forever homes if they have been vaccinated, microchipped and dewormed. Some rescues spay or neuter the dogs before adoption, others give the future owners a free voucher for doing so.

Rescues often can only give their best guess at a dog’s breed and are unable to accurately say of it is a purebred or not. If you are happy with potentially acquiring a mixed breed such as a Shichon or Shorkie, a rescue Shih Tzu puppy is a great choice.

Cost of a Shih Tzu from a breeder

Getting a Shih Tzu from a reputable AKC breeder will be the most expensive option on our list. Prices of around $1,200 are typical for breeders who pair titles parents. Keep in mind that a puppy from a registered breeding program will always come from health-tested parents.

The breeder will also be aware of the parents’ (and grandparents’) temperament and characteristics. This is especially important if you are planning on adding a Shih Tzu to a family with other dogs or children. Your breeder will tell you in detail about the puppy’s disposition.

Breeders usually send puppies to their forever homes with shots, dewormings and a microchipped. They are typically intact and the future owners have to pay for a spay or neuter surgery themselves.

Shih Tzus from highly decorated champion lines or those that have especially rare colors and patterns may be a multiple of the price of a pet dog. Expect to pay $3,000 (or even more) for an especially well-bred Shih Tzu from a prestigious pedigree.

Why are Shih Tzus so expensive?

As small dogs, Shih Tzus do not have puppies per litter. Typical litters contain about 3 pups. A reputable breeder does not get rich from breeding Shih Tzus – the price of the puppies reflects the amount of health tests, veterinary care and time spent with the puppies.

Health tests of the parents can easily run up to $3,000 – so splitting this evenly between the pups you already have prices of $1,000. And this is before factoring in the vet care of the puppies, food, toys etc.

Most breeders barely break even when breeding dogs, especially small dogs!

Annual Costs of Owning a Shih Tzu: A Breakdown

Owning a Shih Tzu is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to budget for the costs that come with caring for this adorable breed. Below is a breakdown of the annual costs associated with owning a Shih Tzu:

Vet Costs in the First Year

In the first year of owning a Shih Tzu, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 on veterinary care, with an average of $700. This includes puppy vaccinations, deworming, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and the first-year wellness exams. Shih Tzus are generally healthy, but their small size and specific needs may also require initial health checks for dental health or eye care, which are common concerns for this breed.

Annual Vet Costs in Following Years

After the first year, annual vet costs typically range from $400 to $600. Routine expenses include wellness exams, vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues, so professional cleanings may become a recurring cost. Additionally, owners should be prepared for potential age-related issues like cataracts or arthritis as the dog gets older.

Food

Shih Tzus are small dogs with modest appetites, which helps keep food costs low. High-quality dry kibble or wet food specifically formulated for small breeds may cost around $200 to $400 annually, depending on the brand and the dog’s individual dietary needs. Feeding a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and preventing weight issues, which Shih Tzus can be prone to.

Toys and Enrichment

Shih Tzus are playful and enjoy mental stimulation, so you’ll need to budget for toys and enrichment activities. Expect to spend about $50 to $150 per year on chew toys, puzzle toys, and other interactive items. Rotating toys regularly helps prevent boredom and keeps your Shih Tzu mentally engaged, reducing the likelihood of destructive behavior.

Training

Group puppy classes or basic obedience training can cost between $100 and $300, depending on your location. Additionally, you may need to invest in specific training for housebreaking or behavioral issues, as Shih Tzus can be slow to house-train.

The Bottom Line

When considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family, you have several options. I recommend to stay away from purchasing puppies off of Craiglist or big-block stores.

The most affordable option that also guarantees that the puppy will be in good health is to get a Shih Tzu from a rescue. You may not end up with a purebred Shih Tzu – but you can be certain your puppy is dewormed and vaccinated.

If you want to own a purebred Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder, the cost will be higher. Expect to pay at least $1,200. This price will rise if you are looking for a specific color, gender or want to have a show quality puppy.

While this seems expensive, you should also consider the annual cost of owning a dog! This breed is not the healthiest and may require high vet expenses. Unless you cut your Shih Tzu’s hair at home with clippers, factor in the cost of a professional groomer as well.

Only if you can budget for these you should decide on a Shih Tzu!

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Steffi Trott

Steffi is the founder of SpiritDog Training. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

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