How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost? Buying & Lifetime Costs

Shih Tzus are one of the most popular companion breeds in the UK, and that popularity comes with a price tag — both up front and over the dog's lifetime. Before you fall for that flowing coat and friendly face, it pays to understand the full cost of ownership, including a recurring grooming bill that many first-time owners underestimate. Here is an honest breakdown of what a Shih Tzu costs to buy and to keep.

How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost?

The purchase price of a Shih Tzu varies widely depending on the breeder, the dog's lines, and whether the parents are health-tested. As a general guide, a well-bred puppy from a responsible UK breeder who registers with The Kennel Club and health-tests their dogs typically costs from several hundred pounds up to over a thousand pounds. Puppies advertised very cheaply should be approached with caution: a suspiciously low price often means no health testing, poor early care, or a puppy farm. Equally, a high price alone is no guarantee of quality — what matters is the evidence of health testing, Kennel Club registration and responsible rearing behind it, not the figure on its own.

Why a reputable, health-tested breeder is worth it

Shih Tzus can be prone to several inherited and conformation-related conditions, so where you buy matters enormously. A responsible breeder will:

• Register litters with The Kennel Club and rear puppies in the home.
• Health-test their breeding dogs (including relevant eye testing) and breed away from extreme flat faces, selecting for more open nostrils and a slightly longer muzzle.
• Let you meet the mother and see the puppies with her.
• Provide vaccination, microchipping and worming records, and be happy to answer questions and stay in touch.

Paying more for a properly reared, health-tested puppy can save heartache and significant vet bills later. Our honest health guide explains the conditions to ask about.

The bigger cost: keeping a Shih Tzu

The purchase price is only the beginning. Across a 12–15 year life, the running costs dwarf the initial outlay.

• Grooming. This is the big one for the breed. Most Shih Tzus need professional grooming every six to eight weeks, plus brushes, combs and shampoo for daily home care — a meaningful recurring cost. Our grooming and care guide explains the routine, and our grooming brushes cover the home essentials.
• Food. A good-quality, complete diet fed in measured portions; small breeds eat less than large ones, but quality still costs. The pet calorie calculator helps you avoid waste and overfeeding.
• Insurance. Given the breed's eye and airway risks, lifelong cover is especially worthwhile (more below).
• Veterinary care. Vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, neutering and routine check-ups, plus any treatment for illness.
• Equipment. A comfortable dog bed, lead, harness, bowls, dental care and toys.
• Boarding or dog-sitting when you are away.

It is sensible to budget a meaningful monthly figure for grooming, food, insurance and sundries, with an additional buffer for veterinary costs.

Why insurance matters for this breed

For a flat-faced breed with eye and airway risks, pet insurance is genuinely valuable. Eye injuries, corneal ulcers, dry eye, ear infections, skin problems and any airway surgery can mean costly investigations and treatment, and the bills add up quickly. A lifetime policy taken out while your dog is young and healthy — before any condition is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing — gives the broadest protection. You can get a rough idea of cover and budget with our pet insurance estimator, and read the pet insurance guide for what to look for in a policy.

Avoiding scams and puppy farms

The breed's popularity attracts unscrupulous sellers and puppy farms. Be wary of puppies offered with no health testing, sellers who will not let you visit the home or meet the mother, pressure to pay deposits quickly, or prices that seem too good to be true. Take your time, ask for proof of Kennel Club registration and health tests, and walk away if anything feels off. A good breeder will be as keen to vet you as you are to vet them.

The honest bottom line

A Shih Tzu is a significant financial commitment: a meaningful purchase price for a properly bred, health-tested puppy, and substantial lifetime costs — with grooming a standout recurring expense. Budget realistically, insure early, and buy from a reputable Kennel Club breeder, and you will give yourself the best chance of years of happy, affordable ownership. For more on what to expect, see our guides on family life and lifespan and health.

*This is general guidance. Costs vary by region, breeder and individual dog, and insurance terms differ between providers.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — buying a puppy and finding registered breeders (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — cost of owning a dog (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — buying a puppy and avoiding puppy farms (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — buying a dog responsibly (rspca.org.uk).