How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost in Australia?
Also known as: Shih Tzu
An example ownership budget
Monthly ongoing
$225
First year
$8,321
Lifetime
$43,460
AUD · VIC · breeder · mid-range · basic first-year training · professional grooming allocation · insurance included · no boarding, walking or daycare. Illustrative starting amounts, not current market ranges. Actual quotes can fall outside these scenarios.
Monthly ongoing spreads annual spending over 12 months. First year includes acquisition, setup and the first year of planned care. Unexpected treatment and dental procedures are excluded; an optional reserve stays separate from spending. Lifetime spending is a constant-price illustration.
Calculate Your Shih Tzu Costs
Model Purchase Price
$3,000 – $6,000
Model Annual Food
~$780
Model Lifespan
12–16 years
Size
small (4–8kg)
Purchase Price
The current model uses a breeder purchase range of $3,000 and $6,000. The modeled shelter or rescue adoption range is $200 and $450, with desexing, microchipping and initial vaccinations assumed included until you confirm the provider's terms. Acquisition packages from breeders can also include procedures: enter $0 for anything already paid.
Ongoing Costs
Coat care is a significant recurring cost in the Shih Tzu model. Discuss the clip, home brushing and appointment interval with a groomer. Dental procedures are excluded from spending estimates and should be quoted from an individual veterinary plan.
Health Reference Information
These topics from the existing breed profile await source verification. They are not a complete diagnostic checklist and do not affect spending calculations. No condition probability or treatment price is used. Check individual care needs with your vet.
Insurance
The model insurance benchmark for a Shih Tzu is between $30 and $60 per month. This is not a quote. Compare cover, exclusions, excesses and limits in the policy documents before choosing insurance.
Tips to Save Money
- ✓Compare a shelter's adoption fee and included care with your full acquisition budget. Confirm vaccinations, microchipping and desexing with that provider.
- ✓Compare the delivered price per kilogram of the same suitable food. Check repeat-order prices, delivery charges and cancellation terms before subscribing.
- ✓Ask your groomer which coat care to do between appointments; home tools do not remove professional care needs.
- ✓Review insurance at renewal, including excesses, limits and exclusions. Before switching, check how the new insurer would treat existing conditions.
Plan the next step
Keep acquisition, setup and recurring care separate. Plan your first pet budget, then check practical essentials.