With their charming personalities and adorable looks, the shih tzu is a popular dog breed, mainly among those who want a loving companion. They are by far one of the most affectionate and loyal dogs that attract people who want a dog to comfort them and stand by their side 24/7.
However, like many other purebreds that are popular, the price to get one is a big question with dogs like the shih tzu. This leaves many people asking how much are shih tzu puppies. If you're asking the same question to yourself, we're here to outline what to expect from getting a shih tzu as far as your wallet is concerned.
How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies From a Breeder?
Getting a shih tzu puppy from a breeder is by far the costliest option. However, it is also the most convenient. It will give you the freedom to choose a shih tzu with your preferred coat color, lineage, generation, and even temperament. After all, you can easily find many shih tzu puppies for sale on places like Dog Academy.
Depending on the breeder you buy a shih tzu puppy from, charges per pup and the characteristics of the puppy you want to buy, the price to get one of these small companion dogs typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000.
If you go for a shih tzu puppy with hard-to-come-by characteristics, like a rare coat color, you will need to budget for more. The same increase in price applies to puppies that are of show dog quality. Specialty shih tzus such as these generally cost an additional few thousand more than standard shih tzu puppies.
How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies Through Adoption?
Compared to buying a puppy from a breeder, adoption is much more cost-effective. However, just as buying a puppy is costly but convenient, adoption is affordable but not as convenient. This is mainly because it is very hard to find a pure bred shih tzu puppy for adoption. Local shelters and rescues, particularly, rarely have pure bred shih tzus, let alone a puppy.
However, you can have a better chance by contacting shih tzu rescues in your area and nearby states. If you can find one for adoption, even if the puppy is coming from out of state, the adoption cost is going to be much less than buying a puppy from a shih tzu breeder.
If you somehow find a shih tzu puppy for adoption in your local animal shelter, the cost is likely going to be between $300 and $600, depending on the expenses before you can adopt. The adoption cost can be up to $1,000 if adopting from a shih tzu rescue or another nonprofit. There can also be added transportation fees for dogs adopted from out of state.
Adoption vs. Breeder
Those who care more about the cost will find adoption to be a better option, though it has the difficulty of searching for a shih tzu puppy to adopt. There likely isn't a shih tzu puppy available for adoption in your area, so leaving your name and contact details to sign up for a waitlist is the only way to increase your chances.
However, if you can be more flexible on your preferences and are okay with adopting an older shih tzu – not necessarily a senior shih tzu but one that's simply older than a puppy – you can have an easier time finding one to adopt. Plus, adult shih tzus for adoption typically have lower adoption fees.
Buying a puppy from a breeder is the most expensive, but it will save you the trouble of searching for a dog to adopt. As mentioned above, you can easily find a shih tzu puppy to buy.
If you have the budget for it, buying from a reputable breeder in your area is the way to go. It will give you more options for the shih tzu puppy you're getting, as you will get to choose a puppy from a variety of litters.
The Cost to Care for a Shih Tzu
We've covered how much are shih tzu puppies but it is also important to understand the ongoing costs. While shih tzus are small and don't require much feed, they have high grooming needs and potential health expenses due to their brachycephalic nature.
If you decide to get help from a professional groomer, expect to spend $2,500 to $3,000 annually on your shih tzu, though the first year is always a bit more expensive due to the initial round of vaccines and vet check-ups. Given that this is a significant financial involvement, every owner should consider their lifestyle carefully before getting a shih tzu puppy, whether through adoption or from a breeder.
How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies?