Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Chow Chow | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $42,741 | $39,131 |
| First year | $6,613 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $294 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $3,139 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 11 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 12.1 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 45 to 70 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 3.4 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $570 | $720 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Elbow dysplasia | Periodontal disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow dysplasia | 51% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Hip dysplasia | 22% | $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 | 6% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 6% | not priced |
| 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 | |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $0 for the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The Shih Tzu is cheaper by about $3,610 over a lifetime. Chow Chow: $42,741. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. Chow Chow: 12.1 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Chow Chow or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Chow Chow's biggest single risk is elbow dysplasia, seen in 51% 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.