Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Maltese | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $32,913 | $39,131 |
| First year | $5,637 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $209 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,163 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 8 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 13.1 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 4 to 7 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 0.6 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $270 | $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 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Hip dysplasia | 13% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 5% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 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 Maltese 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 Maltese or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The Maltese is cheaper by about $6,217 over a lifetime. Maltese: $32,913. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Maltese or a Shih Tzu?
The Maltese has the longer typical lifespan. Maltese: 13.1 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Maltese or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Maltese'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.