Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Pomeranian | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $34,683 | $39,131 |
| First year | $5,955 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $237 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,481 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 9 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 12.2 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 3 to 7 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 0.5 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $600 | $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 |
| Hip dysplasia | 19% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 1% | $169–$455 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 1% | not priced |
| Congenital heart disease | 0% | $534–$1,438 |
| Dental disease | n/a | $246–$663 |
| Tracheal collapse | n/a | $484–$1,302 |
| Patellar luxation | n/a | $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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The Pomeranian is cheaper by about $4,447 over a lifetime. Pomeranian: $34,683. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Pomeranian or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. Pomeranian: 12.2 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Pomeranian or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Pomeranian'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.