How Much Does A Shih Tzu Cost? 7 Raising & Buying Guides
If the parents don’t know what they’re doing, the puppy might not be healthy when it grows up, and it might not live as long as it should. This may cost the adopter more money in the long run.
The most important thing is that it can hurt the dog’s health and life, which is the saddest thing about this situation. So, how much does a healthy Shih Tzu from a good breeder cost?
How much does a Shih Tzu cost?
The price you pay for a Shih Tzu puppy will depend on its lineage and how much work went into choosing the parents and taking care of the puppies. If you want a very rare Shih Tzu breed, like the Teacup Shih Tzu, you should expect to pay a lot of money.
When you buy a puppy from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay more than what is written in a classified ad. In conformation shows, breeders often spend months trying to match and title the parents.
Rescue groups will sell you a puppy for a lower price, which usually covers the cost of the vet’s care for the puppy.
Shih Tzu puppies in classifieds
The cheapest way to find a Shih Tzu puppy is usually to look in your local classified ads (such as Craigslist). A few years ago, Facebook stopped letting people sell live animals on their marketplace.
Shih Tzus are not a breed of dog that is very healthy. They are prone to many health problems, such as:
- Eye problems
- Breathing problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Back problems
- Luxating patellas
All of these are caused by genes. If the parents of a litter are checked before they have their babies, there is less of a chance that the babies will have certain health problems.
Now, let’s go back to the ads. Even though the low price of Shih Tzu puppies might seem like a deal, $250 might only buy you a sick one.
A lot of people who sell puppies through classified ads also don’t take them for the required health tests. All puppies should be wormed and vaccinated before going to their permanent homes.
Rescue Shih Tzu puppy prices
If you look for a Shih Tzu through a rescue, you can pay a reasonable fee to get a puppy that has been checked out by a vet.
From a shelter, a Shih Tzu puppy will cost about $350. Even though this may seem more expensive than the price on Craigslist, remember that it already includes health insurance!
Most of the time, rescuers can only make guesses about a dog’s breed and can’t tell if it is a purebred or not. A rescue Shih Tzu puppy is a great choice if you don’t mind getting a mixed breed like a Shichon or Shorkie.
Cost of a Shih Tzu from a breeder
Buying a Shih Tzu from a reputable AKC breeder is the most expensive option on our list. Breeders who put together two titles usually charge around $1,200.
Remember that a puppy from a registered breeding program will always come from parents who have been tested for health.
The breeder will also know how the parents act and what their traits are (and their grandparents). This is very important if you want to bring a Shih Tzu into a home with other dogs or kids. Your puppy’s breeder will tell you all you need to know about how it acts.
Shih Tzus that come from well-known champion lines or have unusual colours and patterns can cost several times as much as a regular pet dog. You can expect to pay at least $3,000 for a well-bred Shih Tzu with a good history.
Shih-Tzu Price Range
Teacup Shih-Tzus don’t come cheap. Shih-Tzu mixes are a little cheaper than purebred Shih-Tzus.
- Regular Shih-Tzu: $750 – $1,500
- Teacup Shih-Tzu: $1,250 – $2,500
- Shih-Tzu Mix: $400 – $1,000
The price of your Shih-Tzu will depend on a number of things, including:
Location—in some places, you may have to pay more for a Shih-Tzu… Even though you might be able to get a Shih-Tzu for less than the average price, some colours and patterns are more expensive than the average Shih-Tzu. Use the chart below to figure out how much the colour you want should cost.
Shih-Tzu Price Chart
| Color | Price |
|---|---|
| Black | $750 |
| Blue | $1,500 |
| Brindle | $1,000 |
| Gold | $1,000 |
| Liver | $3,500 |
| Red | $1,500 |
| Silver | $1,000 |
| White | $750 |
Reasons Shih Tzus are Expensive
Shih Tzus are expensive because they have small litters and are very popular. If you want a purebred Shih Tzu, you will also pay a lot more.
1. Small litter
2. You want a purebred Shih-Tzu
Are you looking for a Shih-Tzu that is a purebred? Then you should look for a Shih-Tzu breeder you can trust and whose pedigree is well known.
Check out these Shih-Tzu mixes if you don’t want a “purebred” Shih-Tzu. (They are also cheaper!)
3. They’re popular & in-demand
In 2020, Shih-Tzus were ranked #20 on the AKC’s list of the most popular breeds.
Even though Shih-Tzus are not as popular as Frenchies (they came in second), they are still more popular than more than 100 breeds! (There were 195 breeds on the list.)
Yearly costs of owning a Shih Tzu
When it comes to food, training, and chew toys, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a small dog because they are often nice and hard to break.
On the other hand, Shih Tzus have a tough coat that needs to be combed and shampooed often.
Shih Tzus have health problems that are common to their breed, so vet bills can add up quickly. Expect to pay a lot of money at the vet, especially as your Shih Tzu gets older.
Quality Food $180-400
The best food should be given to your husky. Your husky will eat a lot because he has a lot of energy and needs to move around a lot, especially in his first three years.
Training, Toys, Chew Items $100-200
You should spend money on training and lots of toys for your Husky to keep it busy and well-behaved. Huskies are bad and will chew on your furniture if they are bored.
Professional Grooming $250-800
They shed a lot. You should take your Husky to a professional groomer at least when he is shedding.
Veterinary Care $300-3,000
The cost of annual checkups and vaccines is not too high. But if your husky gets hurt or needs emergency care, the cost can go up very quickly. Senior dogs need to go to the vet more often and will cost more to take care of.
How can I save money on adopting a Shih Tzu if I can’t afford one?
If you can’t buy a Shih Tzu, you can save money by getting one in a colour that isn’t as popular or that is a little older.
This can save you money if you want to adopt a Shih Tzu with a family member, friend, or neighbour.
You can find a Shih Tzu through a rescue group if you can’t afford to get one from a breeder. There are rescues for many purebred dogs where dogs are returned or given up for many different reasons.
People may give up their Shih Tzus because of health problems or other problems in their lives. This makes Shih Tzus cheaper for people to adopt. These Shih Tzus are just as cute and beautiful as purebred Shih Tzus.
Because there is often more than one rescue location, the rescue can usually help people who want to adopt a dog find the right dog. They will also work with the adopter to get the dog back with the adopter and help the adopter with any problems their Shih Tzu may have with behaviour or around the house.
People who can’t afford to get a dog from a breeder directly should get one of these dogs instead. The price goes down, they still get a purebred dog without spending more money, and the dog gets a loving home for life.
How do I find a good, quality Shih Tzu breeder?
Aside from that, you can do research online and use social media groups to talk to other people who have adopted Shih Tzus. They can connect a person who wants to adopt with the right breeder.
In any case, it is important to do research before adopting. Ask about the breeder, find out as much as you can, and most importantly, ask for references. Before choosing a breeder, you should call those references and ask more questions.
It is also very important to ask for credentials and proof that they are a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. Once this is done, the person who wants to adopt can pick the best breeder. The price of the Shih Tzu can then be set, and in some cases, the breeder may work out a payment plan with the person who wants to adopt the dog.
No matter how much money they have, most breeders want the best for their furry family members. They know that the price isn’t always easy for some people to pay right away.
If the adopter can’t get a Shih Tzu from a single litter, there will be more litters in the future. This will make the adopter’s dream of owning a Shih Tzu come true.
When bad breeders are chosen based on how much their dogs cost, they get better at what they do, and the health and quality of purebred dogs go down.
In Conclusion
If a person isn’t prepared, the cost of a Shih Tzu can come as a surprise. The most important step is to find the right breeder. If that can’t be done and the cost of a Shih Tzu is still too high, the best thing to do is find a good Shih Tzu rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I adopt a Shih-Tzu?
- www.shihtzurescue.org
- PetFinder
- Someone in your community (check Facebook, NextDoor, and other similar apps)
- A rescue shelter
What is the average price of a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are expensive because they have small litters and are very popular. If you want a purebred Shih Tzu, you will also pay a lot more.
What is the average price of a White Shih Tzu?
A white Shih Tzu costs, on average, $750.
What is the average price of a White Shih Tzu?
A black Shih Tzu costs, on average, $750.
What is the average price of a Blue Shih Tzu?
On average, a Blue Shih Tzu will cost you $1,500.
What is the average price of a Brindle Shih Tzu?
A Brindle Shih Tzu costs, on average, $1,000.
What is the average price of a Gold Shih Tzu?
On average, a gold Shih Tzu will cost you $1,000.
What is the average price of a Liver Shih Tzu?
A liver Shih Tzu costs $3,500 on average.
What is the average price of a Red Shih Tzu?
On average, a Shih Tzu will cost you $1,500.
What is the average price of a Silver Shih Tzu?
A Silver Shih Tzu costs $1,000 on average.
I have been working in animal shelter for the past six years and I have been raising the puppies of different breeds. I have had experience in training the puppies in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.
My main objective is to train the puppies to become good family pets. They should be well-behaved and trained to be loving, loyal, and obedient.
Contact me:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (912) 634-3631
Address: 102 Village Way Crk Saint Simons Island, Georgia(GA), 31522
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