Shih Tzu: cost, insurance & feeding guide
Sturdy little companion with flat-faced eye and breathing issues; prone to weight gain needing measured meals.
Profile
True cost of ownership
Owning a Shih Tzu costs roughly $2,032 in year one (setup included) and about $1,347/year after that — an estimated $19,548 across a 14-year life. Here's where it goes for a representative adult, then dial it in for your situation.
| Annual line item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Food | $291 |
| Routine vet & wellness | $250 |
| Parasite prevention | $98 |
| Pet insurance | $468 |
| Grooming | $40 |
| Toys, treats & extras | $200 |
| Total per year | $1,347 |
💡 Budget tip: set aside about $112/month, plus a separate $1,000–$3,000 emergency fund for the unexpected.
A modeled planning estimate, not a bill — anchored to published 2024–2025 US ranges and scaled to your inputs. How we estimate.
Everything your pet needs
Ad · Fur Forecast may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.Insurance outlook
Moderate riskA typical accident-and-illness policy for a Shih Tzu is modeled at $28–$50/month as an adult — roughly $6,552 over a 14-year life. Brachycephalic toy with eye, airway and dental claims.
Conditions this breed is prone to
- brachycephalic airway syndrome
- intervertebral disc disease
- eye ulcers/proptosis
- patellar luxation
- dental disease
Get a real quote & fine-tune for your pet
These are modeled estimates for comparison, not quotes, adjusted for your state & coverage off a $5k limit / $500 deductible / 80% baseline — see how we estimate. Get real numbers from the insurers below.
Compare insurers for a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are predisposed to specific hereditary conditions, so Embrace's genetic/breed-condition coverage is worth comparing against the lower base price of Lemonade.
| Insurer | Annual limit | Reimburse | Deductible | Waiting periods | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $5k–$100k | 70/80/90% | $100–$500 | 2-day accident · 14-day illness | Lowest base price; app-based; multi-pet & bundle discounts |
| Healthy Paws | Unlimited (no caps) | 70/80/90% | $100–$500 | 15-day | No per-incident or lifetime payout caps — strong for big claims |
| Embrace ★ best fit | $5k–$30k | 70/80/90% | $100–$1,000 (diminishing) | 2-day accident · 14-day illness | Covers genetic & breed-specific conditions; deductible shrinks each claim-free year |
| Pets Best | $5k–Unlimited | 70/80/90% | $50–$1,000 | 3-day accident · 14-day illness | Direct-to-vet pay option; low-deductible flexibility |
Ad · Ad · Fur Forecast may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.
Get real quotes
Ad · Fur Forecast may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.Feeding guide
A neutered adult Shih Tzu at about 13 lb with moderate activity needs roughly 424 kcal/day. That’s about 1.1 cups of a typical 350-kcal/cup food across two meals, keeping ~42 kcal (10% of the total) for treats. Dial it in for your pet’s exact weight, age, and food below.
Estimates use the standard RER/MER veterinary formula. Every animal differs — confirm with your vet, especially for puppies, seniors, or weight-loss plans.