Belgian Malinois vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Belgian Malinois costs $2,200/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $31,900 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Belgian Malinois
$31,900
lifetime (13 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$4,740
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Belgian Malinois | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $660 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $60 | $480 | Belgian Malinois |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$60/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $540 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,200 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $31,900 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Belgian Malinois Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 13 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,200/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $31,900
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 $410/yr less than Belgian Malinois ($1,790 vs $2,200). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $4,740 difference.