Rat Terrier vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Rat Terrier costs $1,120/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $19,320 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Rat Terrier
$19,320
lifetime (16 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$7,840
Rat Terrier costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Rat Terrier | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $300–$800 | $500–$1,800 | Rat Terrier |
| Annual Food | $200 | $280 | Rat Terrier |
| Routine Vet Care | $380 | $450 | Rat Terrier |
| Grooming | $40 | $480 | Rat Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $18–$42/mo | $24–$50/mo | Rat Terrier |
| Supplies & Training | $220 | $240 | Rat Terrier |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,120 | $1,790 | Rat Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $19,320 | $27,160 | Rat Terrier |
Rat Terrier Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 16 years
- Purchase Price
- $300–$800
- Annual Cost
- $1,120/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $19,320
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
Rat Terrier costs $670/yr less than Shih Tzu ($1,120 vs $1,790). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $7,840 difference.