Shih-Tzu Price

Shih-Tzus Can Cost A Lot…

While there are many reasons to want to add a Shih Tzu to your family, it’s important to consider whether or not it’s the right dog for you.

One part of this consideration is the cost…

Shih Tzus aren’t the cheapest dog on the block (though they are a lot cheaper than Frenchies)…

Read on to learn about…

• Price — how much Shih-Tzus cost
• Colors — the price of each color & which ones cost more
• Why they’re expensive — there are a few reasons why Shih-Tzus cost more than your average dog!

Shih-Tzu Price Range

Shih-Tzus aren’t cheap by any means— teacup Shih-Tzus will cost more than a typical Shih-Tzu while Shih-Tzu mixes will be a bit cheaper than a purebred Shih-Tzu.

• Regular Shih-Tzu: $750–$1,500
• Teacup Shih-Tzu: $1,250–$2,500
• Shih-Tzu Mix: $400–$1,000

The cost of your Shih-Tzu will vary depending on many factors…

1. Location— in some areas, you might have to pay more for a Shih-Tzu… while some areas you might be able to find one for less than the average
2. Color & pattern— some colors & patterns cost more than your average Shih-Tzu… refer to the Price Chart below to get an idea of what the color you want should cost
3. Breeder & their reputation— typically, the more reputable the breeder is, the more you should expect to pay… not only will it cost more, but you might be on a waiting list for a while before you get the chance to buy your puppy

Shih-Tzu Price Chart

Color	Price
Black Shih Tzu	$750
Blue Shih Tzu	$1,500
Brindle Shih Tzu	$1,000
Gold Shih Tzu	$1,000
Liver Shih Tzu	$3,500
Red Shih Tzu	$1,500
Silver Shih Tzu	$1,000
White Shih Tzu	$750

3 Reasons Shih Tzus are Expensive

With an average price of $1000, you might be wondering what justifies such a steep price tag…

The main reasons why Shih Tzus cost so much is that they have small litters, they’re popular, and you’ll pay even more if you want a purebred Shih Tzu.

1. Small litters: smaller breeds have smaller litter sizes… Shih Tzus have an average litter size of 3-4 puppies
2. Purebred: You’ll pay more for a purebred w/ a pedigree
3. Popular: in 2020, Shih Tzus ranked #20… so it’s safe to say that Shih Tzus are in demand

Reason #1: Small litter

Smaller breeds (like the Shih Tzu) have a litter size of 1-4 puppies— whereas some larger breeds can have 10-13+ puppies per litter.

This makes breeding them a lot less profitable

This makes breeding Shih Tzus a lot less profitable per litter… forcing breeders to charge more for a Shih Tzu compared to another breed with larger litters to break even, let alone make a profit.

Reputable breeders need to charge more

Reputable breeders are likely to spend more money on testing, high-quality food, and only breed the healthiest dogs together — so their puppies are likely to cost more than a “backyard breeder”.

Reason #2: You want a purebred Shih-Tzu

Are you specifically looking for a Purebred Shih-Tzu? Then you’re going to want to look for a Shih-Tzu breeder that you can trust with a proven pedigree.

Why purebreds are more expensive

• They require specialized care.
• They require more selective breeding.
• They require more paperwork and documentation.
• They are often in high demand and can be popular, driving up their price.
• They have a smaller gene pool and may have more genetic health problems.

Some colors & patterns are even more expensive

In addition to purebred Shih Tzus being more expensive, you might have to pay even more or be on a long waiting list if you’re looking for a specific color or pattern.

Shih Tzu mixes are more affordable

If you don’t care about having a “purebred” Shih-Tzu, then you’ll have more dogs to choose from— check out these Shih-Tzu mixes! (they’re less expensive too!)

Reason #3: They’re popular & in-demand

In 2022, Shih-Tzus ranked #20 on the AKC’s Breed Popularity List.

While Shih-Tzus might not be as popular as Frenchies (they came in at #2), they still ranked higher than more than 100 breeds! (There were 195 breeds ranked)

Why Shih Tzus are so popular

• Small size: Shih Tzus are a small breed, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or smaller homes.
• Adorable appearance: Shih Tzus have a distinctive and adorable appearance, with a round, flat face, large expressive eyes, and a long, flowing coat. Many people are drawn to their cute and cuddly appearance.
• Friendly and affectionate: Shih Tzus are known for being friendly and affectionate, and they often form close bonds with their owners. They are also good with children and can make great family pets.
• Low-shedding coat: While Shih Tzus do require regular grooming, their coats are low-shedding, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies or those who don’t want to deal with a lot of dog hair.
• Long lifespan: Shih Tzus are considered pretty healthy & have a relatively long lifespan, typically living for 10-16 years. This means that they can provide many years of companionship and love to their owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I adopt a Shih-Tzu?

• PetFinder: A website that connects people looking to adopt a pet with shelters and rescue organizations across the US.
• Rescue shelters: Shelters that take in Shih Tzus and other small breeds in need of homes, with a screening process to ensure a good match.
• Shih Tzu rescue organizations: Organizations that specialize in rescuing and rehoming Shih Tzus, with a screening process and ongoing support. One is www.shihtzurescue.org.
• Community sources: Using social media platforms (Facebook, NextDoor, and other similar apps) to connect with people in your community who may be looking to rehome their dog.