Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: cost, health and care compared
The Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Shih Tzu | Lhasa Apso | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Toy Group [2] | Non-Sporting Group [3] |
| Weight | 9-16 pounds [2] | 12-18 pounds [3] |
| Height | 9-10.5 inches [2] | 10-11 inches (male), slightly smaller (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 10–18+ years [2] | 12–15+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 21 [4] | No. 83 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Progressive retinal atrophy, Cataracts… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Cherry eye, Dry eye See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $8,800–$24,900 | $10,500–$20,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Shih Tzu health problems and costs and Lhasa Apso health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso?
The AKC gives the Shih Tzu a life expectancy of 10–18+ years and the Lhasa Apso 12–15+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso have?
Shih Tzu: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Progressive retinal atrophy and Cataracts. Lhasa Apso: Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Cherry eye and Dry eye.
Which is better with kids, the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso?
The AKC rates the Shih Tzu 5 of 5 and the Lhasa Apso 3 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.