Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Rhodesian Ridgeback costs $2,240/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $27,990 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
$27,990
lifetime (11 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$830
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200–$3,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $720 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $50 | $480 | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
| Pet Insurance | $35–$65/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $440 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,240 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,990 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 11 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,200–$3,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,240/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,990
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 $450/yr less than Rhodesian Ridgeback ($1,790 vs $2,240). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $830 difference.