Chow Chow vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Chow Chow costs $2,600/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $29,600 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Chow Chow
$29,600
lifetime (10 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$2,440
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Chow Chow | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $660 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $600 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $360 | $480 | Chow Chow |
| Pet Insurance | $40–$78/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,600 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $29,600 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Chow Chow Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,600/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $29,600
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 $810/yr less than Chow Chow ($1,790 vs $2,600). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $2,440 difference.