Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | German Shepherd | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $40,121 | $39,131 |
| First year | $6,525 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $296 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $1,000 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $3,151 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 14 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 11.3 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 65 to 90 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 4.3 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $300 | $720 |
| Risk profile | High, mid life | 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 | 19% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 5% | not priced |
| Arthritis | 3% | $281–$756 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3% | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 3% | $169–$455 |
| Lipoma | 3% | not priced |
| Chronic Itching | 2% | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis externa | 2% | $100–$270 |
| Umbilical hernia | 2% | $621–$1,671 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Gastric dilatation volvulus | n/a | $3,709–$9,986 |
| Hip dysplasia | n/a | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | n/a | not priced |
| 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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Common questions
Is a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The Shih Tzu is cheaper by about $990 over a lifetime. German Shepherd: $40,121. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. German Shepherd: 11.3 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a German Shepherd or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The German Shepherd'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.