Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: cost, insurance & feeding
A side-by-side of the modeled cost of ownership, insurance outlook and feeding needs for the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso. On a modeled basis the Shih Tzu is the more affordable of the two to own per year.
| Metric | Shih Tzu | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Toy dog | Small dog |
| Life span | 10–18 yrs | 12–15 yrs |
| Insurance / mo | $28–$50 | $24–$44 |
| Risk tier | Moderate risk | Lower risk |
| Food / yr | $291 | $292 |
| Annual all-in | $1,347 | $1,351 |
| First year | $2,032 | $2,126 |
| Lifetime (modeled) | $19,548 | $19,010 |
| Feeding / day | 424 kcal | 425 kcal |
The verdict
Over a year, a Shih Tzu runs about $4 less than a Lhasa Apso on a modeled all-in basis — driven mostly by size (food, vet and prevention scale with weight) and each breed's insurance risk tier. Adjust the calculator below for your own coverage, food and region to see how the gap shifts.
Modeled estimates for comparison — see how we estimate.
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