Bernese Mountain Dog vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Bernese Mountain Dog costs $3,090/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $29,070 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Bernese Mountain Dog
$29,070
lifetime (8 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,910
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Bernese Mountain Dog | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500–$4,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $960 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $750 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $180 | $480 | Bernese Mountain Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $55–$110/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $480 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $3,090 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $29,070 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Bernese Mountain Dog Cost Profile
- Size
- giant
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,500–$4,000
- Annual Cost
- $3,090/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $29,070
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 $1,300/yr less than Bernese Mountain Dog ($1,790 vs $3,090). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,910 difference.
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