How Much Does a Shih Tzu Puppy Cost?

By Homestead Acres team · September 15, 2026

One of the first questions families ask us is what a Shih Tzu puppy costs. The honest answer is that the price of the puppy is only the beginning. Here is how to think about the full picture so there are no surprises after your puppy comes home.

Why puppy prices vary

Prices for Shih Tzu puppies differ from one home to the next. Coat color, size, sex, bloodline, the care a breeder gives the parents and what is included with the puppy all play a part. A very low price is worth a second look, because cutting corners on health care, nutrition or socialization often costs families more later.

We talk through the price of each puppy directly, so call or text us and we'll tell you exactly what applies to the puppy you like.

What should be included

Ask what comes with your puppy before you decide. Good questions include whether the puppy has had a vet exam, which vaccinations and deworming treatments have been given, whether records are provided, and whether any health guarantee is offered. Ask for these details in writing so you know what to bring to your first vet visit.

You can also ask for photos, videos or a video call. At Homestead Acres we are happy to show you your puppy face to face on screen before you decide.

First-year costs beyond the purchase price

Plan for the supplies a new puppy needs: a crate or pen, bed, bowls, a harness and leash, toys, grooming tools and an ID tag. Then add recurring costs: quality small-breed puppy food, treats, vet visits, vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm prevention, and spay or neuter surgery when your vet recommends it.

Because a Shih Tzu's coat grows continuously, grooming is also a regular expense. Many owners book a groomer every four to eight weeks, and you can reduce the cost by learning to brush and bathe at home.

Vet care and insurance

Your puppy should see a vet within the first few days at home. Your vet will set a schedule for shots and checkups through the first year. Dental care, eye and ear care and weight management are the long-term basics for this breed.

Pet insurance can soften the blow of an unexpected illness or accident. Compare plans while your puppy is young and healthy, and read what each policy excludes before you sign.

Ways to save without cutting corners

Buy a few quality basics instead of a lot of gadgets. Brush every day so mats never turn into a costly grooming problem. Feed a measured amount of good food to keep weight in check, because obesity leads to expensive health issues. Keep up with dental brushing at home to reduce how often you need professional cleanings.

Don't try to save by skipping vet visits or by choosing a puppy with unknown origins. Both tend to cost more in the end.

Payment options at Homestead Acres

We accept credit cards. Call or text us at 302-344-1642 or 732-306-4821 and we'll explain how deposits and final payment work for your puppy. If you have questions about what is included, ask before you commit.

Is a Shih Tzu worth the cost?

For most families, absolutely. A Shih Tzu is a loving, adaptable companion who lives well into the teens when properly cared for. Think of the cost as an investment in a dog who will be part of your family for more than a decade. Budget honestly, ask good questions and choose a puppy from people who care how it turns out.

A sample first-year budget checklist

Rather than guessing at numbers, list each category and get local quotes: the puppy itself, a starter kit of supplies, food, the first vet visit and vaccine series, parasite prevention, microchipping if you want it, spay or neuter, grooming, training classes, and a small emergency fund. Writing it all down before you commit makes it much easier to see whether the timing is right.

Prices vary by area, so call your local vet, groomer and trainer for current rates. Then add a cushion. Unexpected costs are part of owning any pet, and families who plan for them rarely regret it.

Questions to ask about price

Ask what the price covers, what the deposit is, when the balance is due and what happens if plans change. Ask whether the puppy has been vet-checked and what documentation you'll receive. Ask who to call after you get home with questions. Clear answers on all of these show that you're dealing with someone who stands behind their puppies.

At Homestead Acres we are glad to answer all of these over the phone, by text or on a video call, with no pressure.

Cost versus value over a lifetime

Spread across a dog's 12 to 15 years, the cost of ownership is mostly in the daily and yearly things: food, grooming, vet care and a bit of boarding or pet sitting when you travel. The purchase price is a one-time cost, and a healthy, well-raised puppy tends to need fewer expensive vet visits. That's why we encourage families to focus on the quality of care and the health of the puppy, not to chase the lowest price.

It also helps to decide ahead of time how you'll handle a surprise vet bill. An emergency fund or an insurance policy gives you the choice to say yes to treatment when your dog needs it, which is the kind of peace of mind every owner wants.

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