Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Chinese Shar-Pei | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $34,178 | $39,131 |
| First year | $6,445 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $269 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $1,500 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,821 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 10 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 10.6 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 45 to 60 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 3.2 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $318 | $720 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Skin disease | Periodontal disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 25% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Hip dysplasia | 16% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 4% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 2% | $169–$455 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Periodontal disease | 10% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Hip dysplasia | 22% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Umbilical hernia | 12% | $621–$1,671 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 11% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Ear disease | 6% | $100–$270 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 5% | not priced |
| Anal gland/sac impaction/blockage | 3% | $84–$226 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3% | $629–$1,694 |
| Lipoma | 2% | not priced |
| Patellar luxation | 2% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2% | $629–$1,694 |
| Unspecified Eye | 2% | $224–$604 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 2% | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Expected total | $590 | |
Advertisement
Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $0 for the Chinese Shar-Pei and $590 for the Shih Tzu. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
Placement reserved — insurance-primary
Common questions
Is a Chinese Shar-Pei or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The Chinese Shar-Pei is cheaper by about $4,952 over a lifetime. Chinese Shar-Pei: $34,178. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Chinese Shar-Pei or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. Chinese Shar-Pei: 10.6 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Chinese Shar-Pei or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Chinese Shar-Pei's biggest single risk is skin disease, seen in 36% of the breed. For the Shih Tzu it is periodontal disease, at 10%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.