Shih Tzu vs Whippet Cost Comparison 2026
Shih Tzu costs $1,790/yr vs $1,420/yr for Whippet. Over a lifetime: $27,160 vs $20,510. Here's where the money goes.
Shih Tzu
$27,160
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$6,650
Whippet costs less
Whippet
$20,510
lifetime (13 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Shih Tzu | Whippet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $500–$1,800 | $800–$1,500 | Whippet |
| Annual Food | $280 | $360 | Shih Tzu |
| Routine Vet Care | $450 | $420 | Whippet |
| Grooming | $480 | $40 | Whippet |
| Pet Insurance | $24–$50/mo | $22–$48/mo | Whippet |
| Supplies & Training | $240 | $280 | Shih Tzu |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,790 | $1,420 | Whippet |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,160 | $20,510 | Whippet |
Shih Tzu Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $500–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $1,790/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,160
Whippet Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 13 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$1,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,420/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $20,510
Bottom Line
Whippet costs $370/yr less than Shih Tzu ($1,420 vs $1,790). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $6,650 difference.