Are you considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family? The common question is, “how much do Shih Tzu puppies cost?” The price of a Shih Tzu puppy can vary depending on where you get it from. Our article will help you break down what costs to expect when purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy. Keep in mind that the Shih Tzu is one of the most expensive dog breeds globally.
There are initial costs apart from purchasing your new puppy. These include buying supplies like food, water bowls, leashes, collars, tags for identification purposes, and microchips for tracking purposes in case of emergency or theft. You will also need to budget for routine vet checkups, vaccines, and the spaying or neutering of your Shih Tzu. Depending on their needs, ongoing costs can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars a year.
The “Cheapest” Shih Tzu Puppies
Although some dogs may be cheaper than others, you should always treat all of them with the same level of care and love. If you have a tight budget, the lowest cost to acquire a Shih Tzu puppy would be someone giving them away.
Often you can find people looking to give them away for free because they can’t handle them. It’s essential to do your due diligence to know if you purchase a Shih Tzu with a disease or ailment. Inquire about the medical history to ensure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and the dog.
How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies on Marketplaces?
There are a variety of marketplaces that you can buy Shih Tzu puppies from. Some of these marketplaces include:
- PuppySpot (Registered Breeders)
- Facebook Marketplace (Combination of Breeders and Sellers)
- Craigslist (Combination of Breeders and Sellers)
- Kijiji (Combination of Breeders and Sellers)
The cost of Shih Zue puppies can range from around $200 on the lower end of the marketplace up to $2000 on the higher end. Due to the pandemic (COVID-19) and the increase in those purchasing pets, the price of Shih Tzus has increased.
As mentioned before, if you are not purchasing from a breeder, always do your due diligence in learning about the pup’s history. Ask about parents, history of illness, and any medical records.
How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies from Breeders?
You can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for Shih Tzu puppies, depending on the breeder. If the breeder has papers showing the pedigree of the puppies, they are worth more (even up to $10,000). Almost all Shih Tzu show dogs are bought from breeders because of this.
Additionally, when purchasing Shih Tzu puppies from breeders, you can often be more confident. Breeders usually have a track record of their puppies, they understand the breed better, and often both or one of the parents of the Shih Tzu is owned by the breeder. This makes it easier to trust the breeder when inquiring about any history of diseases or problems.
How Much Are Shih Tzu Puppies from Humane Societies?
Instead of purchasing from an individual or breeder, you can adopt a Shih Tzu. You’ll have access to a wide variety of Shih Tzus, and you can find one that’s perfect for your home and lifestyle. Plus, adoption fees are often less than buying a dog from a breeder or pet store.
First, contact local shelters and rescue organizations. Many dogs are waiting for homes. Second, be prepared for some initial costs. Adoption fees usually cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping, etc. But there may be other expenses involved, such as crates, beds, and food bowls. So before you head out to adopt your new furry friend, make sure you have everything ready!
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $350 for adopting a Shih Tzu. Keep in mind that this varies based on your location, dog availability, and type of Shih Tzu. Sometimes you will need to be put on a waiting list for weeks, months, or even years.
The Most Expensive Type of Shih Tzu Puppies
Although all Shih Tzus are expensive, there is one that is more expensive than the rest. That is the liver-colored Shih Tzu. Liver-colored Shih Tzus can cost up to $3,500, not including all the other expenses of owning a dog.
Factoring in Other Costs When Purchasing a Shih Tzu Puppy
Many additional costs come along with owning a dog. Owning a Shih Tzu is no exception to this. Here are some of the significant costs to consider before purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy:
- Initial Purchases ($100-$300): At the bare minimum, you must make sure you have a bed, crate, and food for your Shih Tzu.
- Vaccinations ($70-$100): Your newest family member will need their vaccinations. Make sure you budget accordingly.
- Vet Checkups (a few hundred dollars a year): Even dogs in good health need checkups. Please don’t neglect to give your dog the care it needs.
- Grooming ($30-$50 a month): To keep your Shih Tzu clean and presentable, take them to a groomer once a month.
- Pet Insurance ($30-$50 a month): To save yourself from a sudden expense from your puppy becoming injured or ill, it is good to have pet insurance.
- Toys ($20 a month): Toy cost differs from dog to dog. If your Shih Tzu is more docile, you might not have to worry about much expense here. Unfortunately, if your Shih Tzu brings out their inner lion and tears through toys, you will need to buy more.
Deciding On How Much It Costs To Purchase A Shih Tzu Puppy
Shih Tzus are super fun dogs to own, no matter your situation. However, as we break down the costs of a Shih Tzu puppy, you will want to make sure you have enough saved up. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you purchase a Shih Tzu and don’t have the budget to care for it after.
If you decide to add a new member to your family, check out our guide on How to Prepare For a Shih Tzu Puppy. Remember, Shih Tzus are terrific pets to have but be mindful of the cost it takes to own one!
