Boston Terrier vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Boston Terrier costs $1,500/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $21,800 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Boston Terrier
$21,800
lifetime (13 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$5,360
Boston Terrier costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Boston Terrier | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $600–$2,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $300 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $50 | $480 | Boston Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $28–$55/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $250 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,500 | $1,790 | Boston Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $21,800 | $27,160 | Boston Terrier |
Boston Terrier Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 13 years
- Purchase Price
- $600–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $1,500/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $21,800
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
Boston Terrier costs $290/yr less than Shih Tzu ($1,500 vs $1,790). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $5,360 difference.