Beagle vs Shih Tzu Vet Costs
Beagle owners spend $380-$850/yr at the vet. Shih Tzu: $380-$900/yr. That's a $25/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Beagle
$6,500-$14,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
low-moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$1,500
Beagle costs less
Shih Tzu
$7,000-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Beagle | Shih Tzu | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $615/yr | $640/yr | Beagle |
| Annual Range | $380-$850 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $300/yr | $280/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $250/yr | $300/yr | Beagle |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$50/mo | $25-$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$350 | $150-$350 | Beagle |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,500-$14,000 | $7,000-$16,500 | Beagle |
Beagle Health Risks
low-moderate risk · medium, 20-30 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Ear infections (25-30%) $100-$300
- Obesity (20-30%) $100-$500
- Epilepsy (3-6%) $200-$1,000
- Hypothyroidism (5-8%) $100-$400
- Intervertebral disc disease (3-5%) $2,000-$7,000
Shih Tzu Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 9-16 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Eye problems (proptosis, ulcers, dry eye) (15-25%) $300-$3,000
- Dental disease (25-35%) $400-$1,200
- Patellar luxation (10-15%) $1,500-$4,000
- Brachycephalic airway issues (10-20%) $1,000-$4,000
- Ear infections (15-20%) $100-$300
Breed-Specific Procedures
Beagle
- Ear cleaning/treatment $30-$100
- Dental cleaning $250-$600
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$280
- Thyroid screening $50-$100
- Weight management consult $50-$100
Shih Tzu
- Eye exam $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $350-$700
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Ear cleaning/treatment $20-$80
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Beagle
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/yr)
low-moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Shih Tzu
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.