Key Points
- The cost of a Shih Tzu in Australia typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on age, pedigree, and breeder reputation.
- Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful companions with a rich history as cherished lap dogs. Their friendly, adaptable nature makes them ideal for families, singles, and seniors alike
- They are loyal, people-focused dogs that thrive with regular grooming, daily interaction, and consistent care.
In Australia, the cost of a Shih Tzu can vary based on age and source, with options for purchasing or adopting:
- Puppies (8–12 weeks): Typically $1,500 to $4,000
- Juveniles (6–12 months): Typically $1,500 to $3,000
- Adult Dogs/Retired Show Dogs: Typically $800 to $2,500
- Rescue Adoptions: Typically $300 to $800
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that bring warmth and companionship to households across Australia. With their adaptable nature, they suit apartments and family homes alike. However, their long, flowing coats require regular grooming, and ongoing care is essential for their health and happiness.
Before bringing a Shih Tzu home, it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved, from the initial purchase price to ongoing costs for food, grooming, healthcare, and training. This guide will help you plan effectively so you can enjoy a long, happy life with your new companion.
Initial Purchase Price of a Shih Tzu in Australia
Buying a Shih Tzu involves an upfront cost that reflects the breeder’s commitment to health, grooming standards, and early care. Here’s what you can expect when purchasing or adopting a Shih Tzu in Australia.
- Puppies: Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a Shih Tzu puppy. Purebred puppies from registered, ethical breeders can typically start at $3,500. This price often covers health screening, early socialisation, microchipping, vaccinations, and Dogs Australia pedigree registration.
- Juveniles: Juvenile Shih Tzus (6 to 12 months) generally cost between $1,500 and $3,000. Many of these young dogs will already have basic training and social skills, making them a good choice for families who prefer to skip the early puppy stage.
- Adult Dogs: Adult or retired show dogs are usually priced from $800 to $2,500. These dogs are often well-trained and socialised, which can make their transition into a new home smooth and stress-free.
- Rescues: Adopting through a breed-specific rescue or shelter is the most affordable option, with fees typically ranging from $300 to $800. These costs usually include vaccinations, desexing, and microchipping, while also giving you the opportunity to provide a second chance to a dog in need.
In summary, prices for a Shih Tzu vary depending on age, breeder reputation, and lineage. Prioritising health and ethical practices ensures you bring home a healthy, well-adjusted companion. To see current litters and available pups, visit our Shih Tzu puppies for sale listings.
Factors That Influence Shih Tzu Pricing
When considering a Shih Tzu, it’s important to understand what contributes to the cost. Quality breeding involves time, expertise, and significant investment to raise healthy, happy puppies.
- Health Screening: Responsible breeders conduct health checks to minimise the risk of inherited conditions. For Shih Tzus, this often includes screening for patellar luxation, hereditary eye conditions, and dental alignment issues.
- Veterinary Care: From prenatal care through to puppy vaccinations and wellness checks, veterinary attention is a significant part of raising healthy litters.
- Early Socialisation: Puppies are introduced to new environments, people, and experiences during their early weeks. This helps shape confident, adaptable temperaments for life in a family setting.
- Nutrition and Grooming: High-quality food supports healthy growth, while proper coat maintenance is essential for this breed. Many breeders also begin grooming routines early to help puppies adjust to regular handling.
- Breeding Costs: Some breeders import bloodlines or use premium stud services to preserve breed quality, which adds to the overall expense.
- Registration and Pedigree: Ethical breeders register their dogs with Dogs Australia, providing transparency in lineage and ensuring adherence to national standards. Some breeders also utilise imported lines which will have additional costs to their operations.
These factors play a role in the overall price and give you confidence that your Shih Tzu has been raised with genuine care and a healthy start in life. Engage with reputable Shih Tzu breeders about their breeding practices and health checks, and a responsible breeder will be open, informative, and happy to share all relevant health clearances.
Setting Up Your Home, Essentials and Costs
Welcoming a Shih Tzu home takes more than just the initial purchase. You’ll need to prepare your home with the right supplies to create a comfortable, safe environment. Here’s what to expect.
Essentials and Their Costs
- Crate: $120 to $250
- Bed: $60 to $150
- Collar, Leash, Harness: $80 to $140 combined
- Bowls: $20 to $50
- Toys: $40 to $80
- Grooming Tools: $70 to $120
These essentials provide a secure, cosy space for your Shih Tzu and make the transition into your home smooth and stress-free. (Read: New Puppy Essentials Checklist Guide)
Vet Visits and Health Setup
- Microchipping: $60 to $90
- Vaccinations: $120 to $240
- Initial Vet Check-up: $120 to $180
- Spaying/Neutering (optional): $300 to $600
Early vet care ensures your new companion starts off healthy and helps you build a relationship with a trusted veterinarian for ongoing care.
Training
Training is key for your Shih Tzu, even though they are small and manageable in size. Early socialisation and basic manners help your dog grow into a confident, well-behaved companion.
- Puppy classes: $150 to $250 per course
- Private sessions: $70 to $120 each
These early investments support positive habits and make daily life easier and more enjoyable for you and your dog.
Ongoing Costs of Shih Tzu Ownership
Owning a Shih Tzu comes with ongoing expenses that continue throughout their life. Here’s what to budget for:
Food
Shih Tzus are small but benefit from high-quality food for optimal health. Expect to spend around $50 to $80 per month, depending on the brand and portion size. (Read: What Should I Feed My Puppy: Guidelines to a Balanced Nutrition)
Grooming
Shih Tzus have long, luxurious coats that need consistent care. Shih Tzus need daily brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to keep their long, silky coats clean, healthy, and free of tangles.
- DIY tools: $70 to $120 upfront
- Professional grooming: $80 to $120 per session, typically every 4–6 weeks
Healthcare
Routine health care ensures your Shih Tzu stays healthy and happy.
- Vet visits and vaccinations: $200 to $350 annually
- Dental cleaning (every few years): $300 to $700
- Parasite prevention: $100 to $200 per year (Read: Puppy Worming Schedule: All You Need to Know)
Common Health Issues
Shih Tzus are generally healthy but can be prone to certain conditions:
- Patellar Luxation: Treatment ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 if surgery is required.
- Dental Disease: Regular cleanings and preventive care cost $300 to $700 over time.
- Ear Infections: Treatments typically range from $100 to $300 annually, depending on severity.
- Eye Conditions: Issues like dry eye or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) may cost $200 to $800 annually for management and check-ups.
Planning for these costs helps ensure your Shih Tzu receives consistent, high-quality care and prevents unexpected financial stress if health issues arise.
Health Testing: What Responsible Breeders Do
Reputable Shih Tzu breeders invest in health testing to ensure strong, healthy puppies. These evaluations identify inherited conditions early and guide responsible breeding decisions that protect the breed’s long-term health.
The Shih Tzu is generally a healthy breed, but breeders and owners should be aware of the potential health concerns in the breed. Reputable Dogs Australia breeders have reduced many of the genetic health issues in Shih Tzu, by responsible breeding. So, most of the health concerns are related to general care of the breed.
Common tests or evaluations include:
- Eye infections: Shih Tzu aren’t more prone than other dogs, but daily wiping and quick vet care for redness, discharge, squinting, or a bluish haze after an injury helps keep eyes healthy.
- Ear infections: Not more common than in other breeds, but Shih Tzu grow hair in the ear canal, have it cleared and keep ears clean to prevent mites and secondary infections.
- Dental issues: Regular tooth brushing and dental checks are essential; without routine care, plaque and tartar can build up and require veterinary treatment.
- Hernias: Umbilical and inguinal hernias aren’t a major concern in the breed anymore, but they can still occur—responsible breeders will point them out and discuss management.
- Luxating Patella: have been found in Shih Tzu historically; however, reputable breeders have removed those lines from breeding programs.
- Genetic Testing: DNA panels to identify carriers of known hereditary conditions, supporting informed and ethical breeding choices.
These health checks help lower the risk of genetic problems being passed on and show a breeder’s commitment to raising well-balanced, healthy Shih Tzu puppies.
Pet Insurance in Australia
Unexpected vet bills can be stressful, even for a small breed like the Shih Tzu, which may face issues such as dental problems, eye conditions, or injuries. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of emergencies, illness, and sometimes routine care, depending on the plan.
Monthly premiums for Shih Tzus in Australia generally range from $25 to $60, depending on age, health history, and coverage level. Accident-only policies usually cost less, while comprehensive plans cover chronic conditions, surgery, and sometimes preventive treatments like dental cleaning or vaccinations.
Enrolling your Shih Tzu early helps prevent exclusions for pre-existing conditions and provides peace of mind, making it easier to prioritise care when health issues arise.
Read: What is Pet Insurance and What Does Pet Insurance Cover
Professional Services and Extras
Shih Tzus are affectionate companions that enjoy being close to their families. There may still be times when professional help is needed for their care.
- Dog walker: $25 to $40 per walk
- Daycare: $40 to $60 per day
- Overnight boarding: $50 to $80 per night
- Pet sitter (in-home): $35 to $60 per day
Extras such as grooming products, durable toys, treats, and replacement bedding can add $30 to $60 per month. Planning for these services and items ensures your Shih Tzu is well cared for, even when life gets busy.
Budget-Friendly Ownership: Tips for Saving
Raising a Shih Tzu doesn’t have to be expensive. These practical strategies can help you manage costs while still providing excellent care:
- Choose an ethical breeder to minimise the risk of costly health issues later in life.
- Consider adopting an older puppy or adult, which often reduces upfront costs and bypasses early training expenses.
- Learn basic grooming techniques to reduce the frequency of professional salon visits.
- Make safe, homemade treats and toys to keep your dog entertained on a budget.
- Keep up with regular vet visits and preventive care to avoid expensive health problems down the line.
- Compare pet insurance options to find good coverage at a reasonable price.
These steps make it easier to maintain your Shih Tzu’s health and happiness without the stress of unexpected costs.
Is a Shih Tzu Right for You?
Shih Tzus are affectionate, charming companions that thrive on close interaction with their families. They are adaptable to many living situations, from apartments to larger homes, provided they receive daily walks, playtime, and attention.
These small dogs are happiest in households where someone is home most of the time. While they are relatively low-energy compared to working breeds, they still need regular activity and mental engagement to stay balanced and happy. Their long, beautiful coats also require consistent grooming, which is an important commitment to consider before bringing one home.
Learn more about this breed’s traits and temperament on the Shih Tzu breed information page.
If you want a loving, people-focused companion who enjoys being part of your daily routine, a Shih Tzu could be an ideal choice.
A Lifelong Bond with Your Shih Tzu
Owning a Shih Tzu is both a joy and a long-term responsibility. While their smaller size often means lower day-to-day costs, regular grooming, quality nutrition, and routine health care are essential for their well-being.
Every effort you invest in training, health, and enrichment builds a foundation for a happy, well-adjusted companion. With their affectionate nature and adaptable temperament, Shih Tzus bring warmth, companionship, and plenty of love to their families.
By preparing for their needs and planning ahead, you can look forward to many years of joy and a strong, enduring bond with your Shih Tzu.
