Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | French Bulldog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $28,769 | $39,131 |
| First year | $7,485 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $245 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $2,500 to $5,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,361 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 18 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 9.8 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 20 to 28 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 1.8 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $180 | $720 |
| Risk profile | High, early onset | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Hip 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 33% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Skin disease | 18% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 17% | $354–$954 |
| Ear disease | 16% | $100–$270 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Upper respiratory disease, including BOAS | 13% | $422–$1,136 |
| Eye disease | 11% | $449–$1,209 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 8% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 7% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) | 5% | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5% | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis media | 4% | $100–$270 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 4% | not priced |
| Persistent vomiting | 3% | not priced |
| Food Allergy | 3% | $378–$1,017 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 3% | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Patellar luxation/Slipping kneecap | 3% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2% | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 0% | $169–$455 |
| Spinal disease including IVDD | n/a | $3,776–$10,168 |
| 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 French Bulldog and $590 for the Shih Tzu. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
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Common questions
Is a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $10,362 over a lifetime. French Bulldog: $28,769. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. French Bulldog: 9.8 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The French Bulldog's biggest single risk is hip dysplasia, seen in 33% 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.