Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs
Shih Tzu owners spend $380-$900/yr at the vet. Yorkshire Terrier: $380-$900/yr. That's a $0/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Shih Tzu
$7,000-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$250
Yorkshire Terrier costs less
Yorkshire Terrier
$7,000-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Shih Tzu | Yorkshire Terrier | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $640/yr | $640/yr | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Annual Range | $380-$900 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $280/yr | $280/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $300/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$50/mo | $25-$50/mo | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$350 | $150-$350 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,000-$16,500 | $7,000-$16,000 | Yorkshire Terrier |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (30-40%) $400-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) (2-5%) $3,000-$8,000
- Tracheal collapse (5-10%) $500-$4,500
- Hypoglycemia (10-15%) $100-$500
Breed-Specific Procedures
Shih Tzu
- Eye exam $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $350-$700
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Ear cleaning/treatment $20-$80
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Yorkshire Terrier
- Dental cleaning + extractions $400-$800
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
- Blood glucose check $30-$80
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Shih Tzu
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Yorkshire Terrier
$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.