Poodle vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Poodle costs $2,350/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $36,000 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Poodle
$36,000
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$8,840
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Poodle | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $480 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $600 | $480 | Shih Tzu |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$60/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,350 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $36,000 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Poodle Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,350/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $36,000
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 $560/yr less than Poodle ($1,790 vs $2,350). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $8,840 difference.