Irish Setter vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Irish Setter costs $2,060/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $27,170 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Irish Setter
$27,170
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$10
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Irish Setter | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$1,800 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $600 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $480 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $180 | $480 | Irish Setter |
| Pet Insurance | $28–$58/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $400 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,060 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,170 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Irish Setter Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $2,060/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,170
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 $270/yr less than Irish Setter ($1,790 vs $2,060). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $10 difference.