We can’t deny the fact that Shih Tzus are adorable and loving companions!
Are you thinking of getting a Shih Tzu? If yes, then you landed on the right page.
Before you purchase a Shih Tzu, it is equally important to understand the total cost of ownership. Such as from food and toys to vet visits, there are other different expenses are also involved, when you become a pet parent.
In this blog post, we will cover topics: how much does a Shih Tzu costs, the main factors that impact the cost, one-year expenses, and some useful tips to save pounds, while buying this cute tiny furry companion.
If you are ready to take on the challenge, then let’s find out exactly how much are Shih Tzus costs.
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How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost in England?
Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate nature with kids, and easily jell up with family members, as compared to other breeds. This tinny furry pal just needs proper care and attention, in return they will shower lots and lots of love on you and your family members.
If we talk about the cost, then tentatively Shih Tzus will cost you something around £500-1,200, and this range is just a market estimation. It will vary according to size, colour, gender, health care, and other essential factors.
PDSA states, “If you are thinking of buying a Shih Tzu puppy, make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions.”
It’s important to do good research work before bringing Shih Tzu into your life. This is because £500-1,200 is just an estimated buying cost. Other important factors, also need to be considered to get fair knowledge regarding raising Shih Tzu, and giving him a healthy lifestyle.
Factors Affecting the Shih Tzu Price
The Shih Tzu is a popular companion dog breed, known for its charming personality and beautiful coat. Plus, the Shih Tzu dog price can vary significantly depending on several factors.
We have done some research work, and, jotted down the important factors, which can impact the cost budgeting. Some of the main factors that affect the price of a Shih Tzu include breeder, age, coat colour, size, health condition, and gender.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s just quickly scroll down and know the insight information. It will surely give you fair knowledge regarding buying your favourite adorable Shih Tzu.
1. Breeder
The buying cost also depends on the breeder, i.e. from where you are buying Shih Tzu. For instance, if you are buying from a reputed, or experienced breeder, they will charge you a bit more as compared to the other breeders. This is because they feed high-quality food, take extra care of their health, and avoid overbreeding their female furry pal.
Before you do the final deal, do good research about the breeder. So, you know, very well, what to expect, when it comes to quality of breed, and price factor.
2. Gender
Gender is one of the vital factors in determining the price of a Shih Tzu. It has been observed that female Shih Tzus are more expensive than male Shih Tzus. Due to their future breeding capacity, and higher demand in the pet market. In addition, female Shih Tzus are less aggressive, and easily jell up in the family. Ultimately, the gender factor will definitely impact your budget.
3. Health Condition
Before buying Shih Tzu from the breeder, or adoption centre, it is important to check the health history carefully. This is because from there you can identify how much you need to spend on his health, and what level of attention you need to give to your furry pal.
4. Shih Tzu’s Size
It’s true, size is one of the factors that affect the buying cost. Shih Tzu sizes are classified as teacup and standard ones. It has been observed that Teacup Shih Tzus prices are more, than Standard Shih Tzus.
Generally, Standard Shih Tzus are ten inches (25 cm) in height, and they weigh around 4-7 kg. On the other hand, Teacup Shih Tzus are six inches (15 cm) in height, they are small enough to fit in a cup, and they tentatively weigh within 7 kg.
5. Shih Tzu’s Age
Well, a healthy Shih Tzu breed will cost you, tentatively, £400 to over £1000 in the UK market. Furthermore, if you are buying Shih Tzu at the puppy stage, then it will cost you more, as compared to adult and senior Shih Tzu breeds.
In fact, mostly it has been observed that people go for puppies, and it’s absolutely correct also. This is because more time, they will be able to give it to their furry pal. Plus, it becomes much easier to train them from the puppy stage, and they will quickly adapt to all the training rules.
6. Colour and Coat Length
Well, it’s true, Shih Tzu price is affected by the coat and colour of the breed. It has been observed that light shades are more expensive as compared to dark colours like brown, or black.
Furthermore, they don’t have fur, so along with the colour type their cost depends upon the hair length you are choosing. For instance, Shih Tzu with long hair commands more price than compared with shorter hair.
Plus, the colour combination also plays a vital role. Certain colour mixtures give a more desirable and adorable look to this tiny furry pal’s personality. The standard colour of this breed includes black, blue, red, brindle, liver, silver, and gold. In addition, the black and gold combination is the most common one.
Initial Costs for Buying a Shih Tzu
When buying a Shih Tzu, there are certain initial costs to consider. As we have already discussed, the main factors that can impact the cost of buying the Shih Tzu. Apart from all these, there are additional things, which increase the budget.
Such as food quality, accessories, training equipment, toys, vet fees, etc… So, you have to think twice to bring a pup to your place. Mentally, you have to prepare yourself, that there are going to be expenses. You have to deal with them to give a healthy and luxurious lifestyle to him.
Here, we have jotted down the additional factors, which one should keep in mind and accordingly start their preparation before adding a new member to the family. Especially, breeds that require high maintenance.
Quality Food
Feeding high-quality food to your tiny furry pal is very important for their proper development and healthy lifestyle. In our Shih Tzu feeding chart blog, we already discussed that the vet suggests feeding three-four times a day to Shih Tzu puppy.
So, you have to buy top-quality food, which is specifically formulated for tiny breeds, that will cost you a bit expensive. It is recommended to go for bulk shopping for your Shih Tzu. That’s why it is considered one of the initial expenses, that add to your pet’s parenting expenses.
Grooming Kit
Shih Tzu is known for their long hair, it is thinner than fur and grows longer. This is the reason Shih Tzu doesn’t experience shedding issues much as compared to other breeds. But, that doesn’t mean you will not take care of his coat. You need to take good care of his hair, like regular brushing, untangling the knots, shampooing to prevent fleas, etc…
To take proper care of your furry pal’s look, you need to purchase a high-quality grooming kit. It should include all the essential equipment, which help you to groom your tiny furry pal.
Leash and Collar
Leash and collar are available in a wide range and variety, you just need to pick the best one for your furry pal. But, selecting the best means you have to go for the high-quality material, buckles, and locks that should be durable. So, that your Shih Tzu cannot easily escape from the leash while walking. Plus, you need to be careful the leash you’re buying for your pup should not hurt his fur, hair, or skin coat.
Vet Bills
Well, compared to other breeds, Shih Tzu is a healthy one, and they need regular check-ups, just to stay healthy and active all time. For that, it’s necessary to take him to the vet clinic on a regular basis.
PetMD states, “Shih Tzu are pleasant, energetic companions. They are generally happy and sociable with people (and other animals!) of all ages and prefer to not spend their time alone. Shih Tzu should be socialized at a young age to avoid any anxiety, otherwise they might bark or dig.“
Furthermore, in Shih Tzu case, it’s important to take care of their eyesight, teeth, and breathing. This is because it has been noticed, that they get health issues related to eyesight, teeth, or breathing. So, that is why it is advisable to take them for a regular check-up.
In addition, being a pet parent, you should opt for your pup’s medical insurance to avoid any future monetary obligation. So, yeah, it can be said that vet check-ups are one of the initial expenses that you have to bear.
If you do not plan it wisely, then this expense will remain an obstacle or money blockage issue. You won’t be able to parent your pup properly.
Tips for Saving Money
As now, we know, parenting a Shih Tzu is not cheap, it takes extra money, and care to raise them properly or give them a healthy lifestyle. Still, for your convenience, we have jotted down a few tips, which will help you to save money while buying Shih Tzu. Plus, affordable parenting guidelines will guide you to save pounds for the future.
- Go for the adoption policy, it will save you extra pounds. It has been observed that the adoption centre will charge you less as compared to breeders. Plus, they take care of spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and dewormer. So, you don’t need to worry much, just follow their guidance.
- It’s important to get your pet insurance, so that in any kind of emergency, or severe illness. You are able to give proper treatment to your Shih Tzu, and don’t have to worry about your bank balance.
- Shih Tzu needs grooming sessions on a regular basis. So, it’s advisable to take him to an affordable grooming place. So, that he is able to receive grooming sessions on time, and it will not pinch your pocket much.
- While purchasing food for your Shih Tzu, always go for high-quality, but, also search for discounts. So, you can buy in bulk, and it will reduce that much money stress on your shoulder.
- Make sure you buy his accessories, and toys, from a wholesale market, which will give you a good buying option. In this way, you can save money and offer your Shih Tzu stylish accessories, toys, and food bowls to use.
These are a few tips which can help you to save your money a bit rather than paying for everything in one go. In addition, these saving tips do not stop you from giving the best to your pup. In fact, it will help you to buy smartly for less pounds and in large quantities.
FAQs
Does Shih Tzu bark a lot?
Well, mostly it has been noticed that Shih Tzu barks when he senses a negative vibe, or when he wants you to pet him, play with him, cuddle sessions, etc… Especially when you are giving more attention to another dog, other than him. So, this habit is controllable by commanding him correctly to tell him “no” when he continuously barks for small reasons.
Is Shih Tzu a smart dog?
Oh, yes! Shih Tzu is a very smart dog. They are quite intelligent and can sense problems very quickly. In fact, they were also known as watchdogs, as they have a habit of observing everything carefully, and they are always in alert mode. Plus, they are a good learner, so if you train them properly they will become your good companion, as well as shield.
Does Shih Tzu like to be picked up?
Yes, Shih Tzu likes to be picked up, especially by his beloved ones. They just enjoy it when you carry him in your arms and take him for a walk, or cuddle him. One thing to remember, Shih Tzu is a bit heavy, so you need to be very careful while holding him in your arms.
What is a Shih Tzus’ favourite thing to do?
Well, one of the thing favourite thing Shih Tzu love to do is cuddling. Yes, he loves when you spend time with him, cuddle him, and pamper him by showering lots of love. A good cuddle session not only makes him happy but, also boosts his energy level and makes him stay active for a longer period.
Well, It’s a Wrap!
Now, we know very well, how much do Shih Tzus cost in the UK. From looking at the factors that affect the range of the yearly expense, we have talked about each and every point in detail. Plus, now you have good knowledge regarding saving money while buying a healthy Shish Tzu, so accordingly make your decision.
So, if you don’t want to waste thousands of your pounds just cracking a deal. It is advisable to adopt or select a breeder who will give you an affordable deal. Plus, you can invest your money in maintaining him and giving him a healthy lifestyle.
Before buying, just keep in mind these important factors, and you will make a wise decision.
With love, devotion and proper care. Your new furry friend will be sure to bring joy into your life for many years to come!
