Great Dane vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Great Dane costs $3,000/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $27,600 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Great Dane
$27,600
lifetime (8 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$440
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Great Dane | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $1,080 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $700 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $60 | $480 | Great Dane |
| Pet Insurance | $48–$95/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $500 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $3,000 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,600 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Great Dane Cost Profile
- Size
- giant
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,000
- Annual Cost
- $3,000/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,600
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 $1,210/yr less than Great Dane ($1,790 vs $3,000). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $440 difference.