Shih Tzu vs St. Bernard Cost Comparison 2026
Shih Tzu costs $1,790/yr vs $3,140/yr for St. Bernard. Over a lifetime: $27,160 vs $31,910. Here's where the money goes.
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$4,750
Shih Tzu costs less
St. Bernard
$31,910
lifetime (9 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Shih Tzu | St. Bernard | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $500–$1,800 | $1,000–$3,000 | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Food | $280 | $1,140 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $450 | $700 | Shih Tzu |
| Grooming | $480 | $120 | St. Bernard |
| Pet Insurance | $24–$50/mo | $50–$100/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Supplies & Training | $240 | $500 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,790 | $3,140 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,160 | $31,910 | Shih Tzu |
Shih Tzu Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $500–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $1,790/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,160
St. Bernard Cost Profile
- Size
- giant
- Lifespan
- 9 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,000
- Annual Cost
- $3,140/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $31,910
Bottom Line
Shih Tzu costs $1,350/yr less than St. Bernard ($1,790 vs $3,140). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $4,750 difference.