Australian Shepherd vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Australian Shepherd costs $2,000/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $30,800 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Australian Shepherd
$30,800
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$3,640
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,500 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $540 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $120 | $480 | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$58/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,000 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $30,800 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Australian Shepherd Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,000/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $30,800
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 $210/yr less than Australian Shepherd ($1,790 vs $2,000). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $3,640 difference.