Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Shih Tzu | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $39,131 | $36,382 |
| First year | $5,855 | $5,612 |
| Monthly average | $255 | $226 |
| Puppy price | $1,000 to $2,500 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,731 | $2,388 |
| Expected health cost | $590 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 15 | 14 |
| Median lifespan | 12.8 yrs | 13.4 yrs |
| Adult weight | 9 to 16 lb | 15 to 20 lb |
| Daily food | 1.1 cups | 1.4 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $720 | $339 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Periodontal disease | Skin disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| 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 | |
| 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 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 9% | $629–$1,694 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Dermatitis | 4% | $252–$679 |
| Chronic Itching | 4% | $629–$1,694 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 4% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Patellar luxation | 4% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Otitis externa | 3% | $100–$270 |
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS Dry Eye) | 2% | $224–$604 |
| Otitis media | 2% | $100–$270 |
| Unspecified Skin Ear or Coat | 2% | $252–$679 |
| Pyoderma | 2% | $252–$679 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $590 for the Shih Tzu and $0 for the West Highland White Terrier. 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 Shih Tzu or a West Highland White Terrier more expensive?
The West Highland White Terrier is cheaper by about $2,749 over a lifetime. Shih Tzu: $39,131. West Highland White Terrier: $36,382. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Shih Tzu or a West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier has the longer typical lifespan. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years. West Highland White Terrier: 13.4 years.
Which is healthier, a Shih Tzu or a West Highland White Terrier?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Shih Tzu's biggest single risk is periodontal disease, seen in 10% of the breed. For the West Highland White Terrier it is skin disease, at 36%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.