Shih Tzu vs Boston Terrier: Pet Insurance Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Shih Tzu and Boston Terrier insurance costs, health risks, and coverage needs.
If you're deciding between a Shih Tzu and a Boston Terrier, understanding the insurance landscape for each breed can help you budget more effectively for your new pet's healthcare. Both are small breeds, so their size-related health risks are comparable, but breed-specific conditions create meaningful differences in insurance costs. The Shih Tzu has a typical lifespan of 14-16 years compared to 12-14 years for the Boston Terrier.
When it comes to insurance, the Boston Terrier is the more costly breed to cover at approximately $50/month compared to $45/month for the Shih Tzu — a difference of $5/month or about $60/year. This premium gap reflects breed-specific health predispositions.
Health-wise, the Shih Tzu is predisposed to brachycephalic airway syndrome, luxating patella, keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The Boston Terrier, on the other hand, is prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, luxating patella, cataracts. Both breeds share susceptibility to brachycephalic airway syndrome and luxating patella, so insurance coverage for these conditions is important regardless of which breed you choose.
For prospective owners, budget-conscious owners may find the Shih Tzu more affordable to insure. Regardless of which breed you choose, enrolling in pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy ensures you'll have coverage when you need it most — and avoids the pre-existing condition exclusion that makes later enrollment less valuable.
| Attribute | Shih Tzu | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Weight | 9–15 lbs | 11–24 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 12–14 yrs |
| Avg Vet Cost | $1,080/yr | $1,080/yr |
| Insurance Premium | $52–$65/mo | $57–$72/mo |
| Common Conditions | 5 | 5 |
| Popularity Rank | #22 | #23 |
Shih Tzu Health Risks
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) — $2,000–$7,000
- Luxating Patella — $1,500–$5,000
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye / KCS) — $500–$3,000
- Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease) — $500–$3,000
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) — $3,000–$12,000
Boston Terrier Health Risks
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) — $2,000–$7,000
- Luxating Patella — $1,500–$5,000
- Cataracts — $2,500–$5,000
- Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland) — $500–$2,500
- Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis) — $500–$3,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shih Tzu or Boston Terrier more expensive to insure?▾
Shih Tzu insurance starts at $52/mo while Boston Terrier starts at $57/mo. Boston Terrier is more expensive due to higher vet costs ($1080/yr).
Which breed has more health problems, Shih Tzu or Boston Terrier?▾
Shih Tzu is prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome (bas), luxating patella, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye / kcs), dental disease (periodontal disease), intervertebral disc disease (ivdd). Boston Terrier is prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome (bas), luxating patella, cataracts, cherry eye (prolapsed third eyelid gland), allergies (atopic dermatitis).