German Shorthaired Pointer vs Shih Tzu Vet Costs
German Shorthaired Pointer owners spend $400-$900/yr at the vet. Shih Tzu: $380-$900/yr. That's a $10/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
German Shorthaired Pointer
$6,800-$15,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
low-moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$850
German Shorthaired Pointer costs less
Shih Tzu
$7,000-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | German Shorthaired Pointer | Shih Tzu | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $650/yr | $640/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Range | $400-$900 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $350/yr | $280/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $300/yr | German Shorthaired Pointer |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$60/mo | $25-$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $150-$350 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,800-$15,000 | $7,000-$16,500 | German Shorthaired Pointer |
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Risks
low-moderate risk · large, 45-70 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (5-8%) $1,500-$5,000
- Bloat (GDV) (3-5%) $2,000-$7,500
- Lymphedema (1-2%) $300-$1,000
- Entropion (3-5%) $500-$1,500
- Injuries from activity (10-15%) $200-$2,000
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
German Shorthaired Pointer
- Hip screening $200-$400
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$300
- Dental cleaning $300-$600
- Tick-borne disease testing $50-$100
- Injury treatment $100-$500
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?
German Shorthaired Pointer
$30-$60/mo ($360-$720/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.