BreedCost

Basset Hound vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026

Basset Hound costs $1,780/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $23,610 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.

Basset Hound

$23,610

lifetime (12 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$3,550

Basset Hound costs less

Shih Tzu

$27,160

lifetime (14 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Basset Hound Shih Tzu Winner
Purchase Price $600–$1,800 $500–$1,800 Shih Tzu
Annual Food $480 $280 Shih Tzu
Routine Vet Care $500 $450 Shih Tzu
Grooming $60 $480 Basset Hound
Pet Insurance $30–$58/mo $24–$50/mo Shih Tzu
Supplies & Training $320 $240 Shih Tzu
Total Annual Cost $1,780 $1,790 Basset Hound
Lifetime Cost $23,610 $27,160 Basset Hound

Basset Hound Cost Profile

Size
medium
Lifespan
12 years
Purchase Price
$600–$1,800
Annual Cost
$1,780/yr
Lifetime Total
$23,610
Full Basset Hound Cost Breakdown →

Shih Tzu Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
14 years
Purchase Price
$500–$1,800
Annual Cost
$1,790/yr
Lifetime Total
$27,160
Full Shih Tzu Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Annual costs are nearly identical — $10/yr difference. Your choice comes down to lifespan, grooming needs, and health risk, not ongoing budget impact.