Labrador Retriever vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $27,800 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Labrador Retriever
$27,800
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$640
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Labrador Retriever | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $660 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $60 | $480 | Labrador Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $35–$65/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,100 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,800 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Labrador Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,100/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,800
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 $310/yr less than Labrador Retriever ($1,790 vs $2,100). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $640 difference.