Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | French Bulldog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $29,367 | $38,107 |
| First year | $7,995 | $5,775 |
| Monthly average | $250 | $248 |
| Puppy price | $2,000 to $6,500 | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,371 | $2,651 |
| Documented conditions | 19 | 28 |
| Median lifespan | 9.8 yrs | 12.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 20 to 28 lb | 9 to 16 lb |
| Daily food | 1.8 cups | 1.1 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $184 | $668 |
| Risk profile | High, early onset | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Hip dysplasia | Periodontal disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 33%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Skin disease | 18%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 17%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Ear disease | 16%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Upper respiratory disease, including BOAS | 13%1-yr clinical | $422–$1,136 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Eye disease | 11%1-yr clinical | $449–$1,209 |
| Intervertebral disc disease (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 8%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 7%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) | 5%owner survey | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis media | 4%owner survey | $100–$270 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 4%screened dogs | not priced |
| Persistent vomiting | 3%owner survey | not priced |
| Food Allergy | 3%owner survey | $378–$1,017 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 3%owner survey | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Patellar luxation/Slipping kneecap | 3%owner survey | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 0%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Spinal disease including IVDD | n/a | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Periodontal disease | 10%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Extracted teeth (US) | 27%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia | 22%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Dental calculus (US) | 18%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Cutaneous disorder | 17%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (US) | 16%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Cataracts (US) | 14%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Dental disorder | 13%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Ear Infection (US) | 13%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Seasonal allergies (US) | 12%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Corneal ulcer (US) | 12%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Umbilical hernia | 12%owner survey | $621–$1,671 |
| Murmur (US) | 12%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Ophthalmological disorder | 12%1-yr clinical | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 11%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Pruritis (US) | 10%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Underbite (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Ear disease | 6%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 5%owner survey | not priced |
| Anal gland/sac impaction/blockage | 3%owner survey | $84–$226 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Lipoma | 2%owner survey | not priced |
| Patellar luxation | 2%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Unspecified Eye | 2%owner survey | $224–$604 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 2%owner survey | $3,776–$10,168 |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $0 for the French Bulldog and $590 for the Shih Tzu. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
Common questions
Is a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $8,740 over a lifetime. French Bulldog: $29,367. Shih Tzu: $38,107. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu has the longer typical lifespan. French Bulldog: 9.8 years. Shih Tzu: 12.8 years.
Which is healthier, a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The French Bulldog's biggest single risk is hip dysplasia, seen in 33% of the breed. For the Shih Tzu it is periodontal disease, at 10%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.