Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Rottweiler | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $39,348 | $39,131 |
| First year | $7,125 | $5,855 |
| Monthly average | $309 | $255 |
| Puppy price | $1,500 to $3,500 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $3,251 | $2,731 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $590 |
| Documented conditions | 18 | 15 |
| Median lifespan | 10.6 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 80 to 135 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 5.4 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $250 | $720 |
| Risk profile | High, mid life | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Digestive 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 12% | $281–$756 |
| Skin disease | 11% | $252–$679 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Cancer | 8% | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Ear disease | 6% | $100–$270 |
| Cruciate disease | 5% | $2,468–$5,640 |
| Arthritis | 4% | $281–$756 |
| Lipoma | 4% | not priced |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 3% | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 3% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Hip dysplasia | 3% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 2% | $169–$455 |
| Otitis externa | 2% | $100–$270 |
| Bone cancer/tumour | 2% | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Congenital heart disease | 0% | $534–$1,438 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 0% | not priced |
| Bloat | n/a | $3,709–$9,986 |
| 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The Shih Tzu is cheaper by about $218 over a lifetime. Rottweiler: $39,348. Shih Tzu: $39,131. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Rottweiler or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. Rottweiler: 10.6 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Rottweiler or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Rottweiler's biggest single risk is digestive disease, seen in 30% 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.