Samoyed vs Shih Tzu Cost Comparison 2026
Samoyed costs $2,630/yr vs $1,790/yr for Shih Tzu. Over a lifetime: $36,210 vs $27,160. Here's where the money goes.
Samoyed
$36,210
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$9,050
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Samoyed | Shih Tzu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500–$5,000 | $500–$1,800 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $660 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $480 | $480 | Samoyed |
| Pet Insurance | $38–$72/mo | $24–$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $240 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,630 | $1,790 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $36,210 | $27,160 | Shih Tzu |
Samoyed Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,500–$5,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,630/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $36,210
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 $840/yr less than Samoyed ($1,790 vs $2,630). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $9,050 difference.