Portuguese Water Dog vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $31,680 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Portuguese Water Dog
$31,680
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$4,520
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Portuguese Water Dog | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $2,000–$4,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $540 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $480 | $480 | Portuguese Water Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$60/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,290 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $31,680 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Portuguese Water Dog Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $2,000–$4,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,290/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $31,680
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 $500/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($1,790 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $4,520 difference.