Is a English Springer Spaniel or Shih Tzu more expensive to own?

Shih Tzu is less expensive over a lifetime. English Springer Spaniel costs approximately $27,330 over its 13-year lifespan vs $27,160 for a Shih Tzu over 14 years. Annual costs: $1,910/yr for English Springer Spaniel vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu.

How much does a English Springer Spaniel cost per year?

A English Springer Spaniel costs $1,910/year on average. This includes food ($480), routine vet care ($480), grooming ($200), pet insurance ($400), supplies ($200), and training ($150).

How much does a Shih Tzu cost per year?

A Shih Tzu costs $1,790/year on average. This includes food ($280), routine vet care ($450), grooming ($480), pet insurance ($340), supplies ($140), and training ($100).

What is the purchase price difference between English Springer Spaniel and Shih Tzu?

English Springer Spaniel purchase price from a reputable breeder: $800–$2,000. Shih Tzu: $500–$1,800. Shih Tzu costs less upfront by roughly $250.

English Springer Spaniel vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026

English Springer Spaniel costs $1,910/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $27,330 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.

English Springer Spaniel

$27,330

lifetime (13 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$170

Shih Tzu costs less

Shih Tzu

$27,160

lifetime (14 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	English Springer Spaniel	Shih Tzu	Winner
Purchase Price	$800–$2,000	$500–$1,800	Shih Tzu
Annual Food	$480	$280	Shih Tzu
Routine Vet Care	$480	$450	Shih Tzu
Grooming	$200	$480	English Springer Spaniel
Pet Insurance	$28–$55/mo	$24–$50/mo	Shih Tzu
Supplies & Training	$350	$240	Shih Tzu
Total Annual Cost	$1,910	$1,790	Shih Tzu
Lifetime Cost	$27,330	$27,160	Shih Tzu

English Springer Spaniel Cost Profile

Size: medium
Lifespan: 13 years
Purchase Price: $800–$2,000
Annual Cost: $1,910/yr
Lifetime Total: $27,330

Full English Springer Spaniel Cost Breakdown →

Shih Tzu Cost Profile

Size: small
Lifespan: 14 years
Purchase Price: $500–$1,800
Annual Cost: $1,790/yr
Lifetime Total: $27,160

Full Shih Tzu Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Annual costs are nearly identical — $120/yr difference. Your choice comes down to lifespan, grooming needs, and health risk, not ongoing budget impact.

Compare With Other Breeds

English Springer Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd English Springer Spaniel vs Basset Hound English Springer Spaniel vs Beagle English Springer Spaniel vs Bichon Frise English Springer Spaniel vs Border Collie English Springer Spaniel vs Boston Terrier English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany English Springer Spaniel vs Bull Terrier

Shih Tzu vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Shih Tzu vs Dachshund Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog

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