Akita vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Akita costs $2,630/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $32,580 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Akita
$32,580
lifetime (11 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$5,420
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Akita | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $840 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $600 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $120 | $480 | Akita |
| Pet Insurance | $40–$78/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $510 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,630 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $32,580 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Akita Cost Profile
- Size
- giant
- Lifespan
- 11 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,630/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $32,580
Shih Tzu Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $500–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $1,790/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,160
Bottom Line
Shih Tzu costs $840/yr less than Akita ($1,790 vs $2,630). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $5,420 difference.