Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Chihuahua costs $1,160/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $20,360 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Chihuahua
$20,360
lifetime (16 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$6,800
Chihuahua costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Chihuahua | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $400–$1,500 | $500–$1,800 | Chihuahua |
| Annual Food | $180 | $280 | Chihuahua |
| Routine Vet Care | $420 | $450 | Chihuahua |
| Grooming | $40 | $480 | Chihuahua |
| Pet Insurance | $20–$45/mo | $24–$50/mo | Chihuahua |
| Supplies & Training | $220 | $240 | Chihuahua |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,160 | $1,790 | Chihuahua |
| Lifetime Cost | $20,360 | $27,160 | Chihuahua |
Chihuahua Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 16 years
- Purchase Price
- $400–$1,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,160/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $20,360
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
Chihuahua costs $630/yr less than Shih Tzu ($1,160 vs $1,790). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $6,800 difference.