Is a Old English Sheepdog or Shih Tzu more expensive to own?

Shih Tzu is less expensive over a lifetime. Old English Sheepdog costs approximately $33,060 over its 11-year lifespan vs $27,160 for a Shih Tzu over 14 years. Annual costs: $2,710/yr for Old English Sheepdog vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu.

How much does a Old English Sheepdog cost per year?

A Old English Sheepdog costs $2,710/year on average. This includes food ($660), routine vet care ($550), grooming ($600), pet insurance ($500), supplies ($220), and training ($180).

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 Old English Sheepdog and Shih Tzu?

Old English Sheepdog purchase price from a reputable breeder: $1,200–$2,500. Shih Tzu: $500–$1,800. Shih Tzu costs less upfront by roughly $700.

Old English Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026

Old English Sheepdog costs $2,710/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $33,060 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.

Old English Sheepdog

$33,060

lifetime (11 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$5,900

Shih Tzu costs less

Shih Tzu

$27,160

lifetime (14 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Old English Sheepdog	Shih Tzu	Winner
Purchase Price	$1,200–$2,500	$500–$1,800	Shih Tzu
Annual Food	$660	$280	Shih Tzu
Routine Vet Care	$550	$450	Shih Tzu
Grooming	$600	$480	Shih Tzu
Pet Insurance	$36–$70/mo	$24–$50/mo	Shih Tzu
Supplies & Training	$400	$240	Shih Tzu
Total Annual Cost	$2,710	$1,790	Shih Tzu
Lifetime Cost	$33,060	$27,160	Shih Tzu

Old English Sheepdog Cost Profile

Size: large
Lifespan: 11 years
Purchase Price: $1,200–$2,500
Annual Cost: $2,710/yr
Lifetime Total: $33,060

Full Old English Sheepdog 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

Shih Tzu costs $920/yr less than Old English Sheepdog ($1,790 vs $2,710). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $5,900 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

Old English Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound Old English Sheepdog vs Beagle Old English Sheepdog vs Belgian Malinois Old English Sheepdog vs Bichon Frise Old English Sheepdog vs Bloodhound Old English Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier Old English Sheepdog vs Boxer Old English Sheepdog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua Shih Tzu vs Dachshund Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Shih Tzu vs Havanese

← All Breed Costs · Old English Sheepdog Full Breakdown · Shih Tzu Full Breakdown