Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Golden Retriever costs $2,280/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $28,580 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Golden Retriever
$28,580
lifetime (11 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,420
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Golden Retriever | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $660 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $180 | $480 | Golden Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $38–$70/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $370 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,280 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $28,580 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Golden Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 11 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,280/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $28,580
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 $490/yr less than Golden Retriever ($1,790 vs $2,280). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,420 difference.