Dalmatian vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Dalmatian costs $2,020/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $26,690 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Dalmatian
$26,690
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$470
Dalmatian costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Dalmatian | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $600–$2,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $600 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $60 | $480 | Dalmatian |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$60/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,020 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $26,690 | $27,160 | Dalmatian |
Dalmatian Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $600–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,020/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $26,690
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 $230/yr less than Dalmatian ($1,790 vs $2,020). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $470 difference.