French Bulldog vs Shih Tzu Vet Costs
French Bulldog owners spend $650-$1,800/yr at the vet. Shih Tzu: $380-$900/yr. That's a $585/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
French Bulldog
$9,500-$24,000
lifetime vet costs (11 yrs)
high health risk
Lifetime Gap
$5,000
Shih Tzu costs less
Shih Tzu
$7,000-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | French Bulldog | Shih Tzu | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $1,225/yr | $640/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Range | $650-$1,800 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $280/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $800/yr | $300/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Pet Insurance | $45-$95/mo | $25-$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Spay/Neuter | $300-$600 | $150-$350 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $9,500-$24,000 | $7,000-$16,500 | Shih Tzu |
French Bulldog Health Risks
high risk · small, 16-28 lbs · 11-year lifespan · 3-5 visits/year average
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (50-70%) $2,000-$5,000
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (15-20%) $3,000-$8,000
- Skin allergies/dermatitis (25-35%) $500-$2,000
- Cherry eye (5-10%) $300-$800
- Heat intolerance (nearly all) $500-$3,000
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
French Bulldog
- Brachycephalic evaluation $100-$300
- Skin fold cleaning/treatment $30-$100
- Spinal evaluation $200-$500
- Allergy testing $200-$400
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
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?
French Bulldog
$45-$95/mo ($540-$1,140/yr)
high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
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.