AKC is the best pet insurance provider for Shih Tzus due to its superior coverage options and strong customer service ratings. Other top-rated options are Rainwalk, Pets Best and Lemonade.
Shih Tzu Insurance
Updated: September 20, 2026
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Key Takeaways
AKC is the best pet insurance company for Shih Tzus, offering comprehensive coverage and strong customer service.
Pets Best offers the cheapest pet insurance rates for Shih Tzus, with average rates of around $22 monthly for standard protection.
The average monthly cost of pet insurance for Shih Tzus is $71, ranking them as the 191st most expensive dog breed to insure.
Best Shih Tzu Pet Insurance Companies
*Pet insurance coverage varies by state and provider. Rates shown are estimates; actual costs vary based on your pet's age, health and location. Coverage exclusions and waiting periods apply. Consult individual providers for specific terms.
Learn more about the best pet insurance options for your Shih Tzu across different situations:
AKC
Best for Shih Tzus
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Rate
$36Overall Sentiment
86% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
$10,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-on
Covers pre-existing conditions
Best Shih Tzu Pet Insurance by State
In 45 states, AKC is best for pet insurance for Shih Tzus. Rainwalk ranks highest in five states, including Michigan, Illinois and South Carolina.
| Alabama | AKC | 4.55 |
| Alaska | AKC | 4.55 |
| Arizona | AKC | 4.55 |
| Arkansas | AKC | 4.6 |
| California | AKC | 4.55 |
| Colorado | AKC | 4.55 |
| Connecticut | AKC | 4.55 |
| Delaware | AKC | 4.55 |
| Florida | AKC | 4.6 |
| Georgia | AKC | 4.55 |
| Hawaii | AKC | 4.55 |
| Idaho | AKC | 4.55 |
| Illinois | AKC | 4.55 |
| Illinois | Rainwalk | 4.55 |
| Indiana | AKC | 4.6 |
| Iowa | AKC | 4.55 |
| Kansas | AKC | 4.55 |
| Kentucky | AKC | 4.6 |
| Louisiana | AKC | 4.55 |
| Maine | AKC | 4.55 |
| Maryland | AKC | 4.5 |
| Massachusetts | AKC | 4.55 |
| Michigan | Rainwalk | 4.5 |
| Michigan | AKC | 4.5 |
| Minnesota | AKC | 4.55 |
| Mississippi | AKC | 4.55 |
| Missouri | AKC | 4.55 |
| Montana | AKC | 4.55 |
| Nebraska | AKC | 4.55 |
| Nevada | AKC | 4.55 |
| New Hampshire | AKC | 4.55 |
| New Jersey | AKC | 4.55 |
| New Mexico | AKC | 4.6 |
| New York | AKC | 4.55 |
| North Carolina | AKC | 4.55 |
| North Dakota | AKC | 4.6 |
| Ohio | AKC | 4.55 |
| Oklahoma | AKC | 4.6 |
| Oregon | AKC | 4.55 |
| Pennsylvania | AKC | 4.55 |
| Rhode Island | AKC | 4.6 |
| South Carolina | AKC | 4.55 |
| South Carolina | Rainwalk | 4.55 |
| South Dakota | AKC | 4.6 |
| Tennessee | AKC | 4.55 |
| Texas | AKC | 4.55 |
| Utah | AKC | 4.5 |
| Utah | Rainwalk | 4.5 |
| Vermont | AKC | 4.55 |
| Virginia | AKC | 4.5 |
| Virginia | Rainwalk | 4.5 |
| Washington | AKC | 4.6 |
| West Virginia | AKC | 4.55 |
| Wisconsin | AKC | 4.5 |
| Wyoming | AKC | 4.55 |
*Rates are based on a 6-year-old Shih Tzu with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Your rates will differ based on your pet's specific profile and location.
Cheapest Shih Tzu Pet Insurance Companies
Pets Best provides the most affordable pet insurance for Shih Tzus at $22 per month or $268 per year. Other budget-friendly options include Pumpkin, Lemonade, ASPCA and Figo.
| Pets Best | $22 | $268 | 59% |
| Pumpkin | $23 | $280 | 57% |
| Lemonade | $23 | $282 | 57% |
| ASPCA | $28 | $343 | 48% |
| Figo | $30 | $367 | 44% |
*Rates are based on a 6-year-old Shih Tzu with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Your rates will differ based on your pet's specific profile and location.
Pets Best
Cheapest Pet Insurance for Shih Tzus
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
4/5Customer Experience
4/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Rate
$22Overall Customer Sentiment
70% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
UnlimitedMost Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-on
Direct vet payment option
Cheapest Shih Tzu Pet Insurance by State
Pets Best has the cheapest Shih Tzu insurance in all 50 states. Depending on your location, monthly premiums are from $15 to $28.
| Alabama | Pets Best | $16 | 61% |
| Alaska | Pets Best | $21 | 60% |
| Arizona | Pets Best | $27 | 58% |
| Arkansas | Pets Best | $15 | 61% |
| California | Pets Best | $28 | 56% |
| Colorado | Pets Best | $28 | 58% |
| Connecticut | Pets Best | $25 | 59% |
| Delaware | Pets Best | $22 | 60% |
| Florida | Pets Best | $25 | 59% |
| Georgia | Pets Best | $20 | 58% |
| Hawaii | Pets Best | $22 | 60% |
| Idaho | Pets Best | $22 | 59% |
| Illinois | Pets Best | $27 | 58% |
| Indiana | Pets Best | $20 | 58% |
| Iowa | Pets Best | $18 | 60% |
| Kansas | Pets Best | $20 | 60% |
| Kentucky | Pets Best | $17 | 61% |
| Louisiana | Pets Best | $18 | 60% |
| Maine | Pets Best | $27 | 59% |
| Maryland | Pets Best | $22 | 62% |
| Massachusetts | Pets Best | $28 | 58% |
| Michigan | Pets Best | $22 | 59% |
| Minnesota | Pets Best | $23 | 58% |
| Mississippi | Pets Best | $19 | 60% |
| Missouri | Pets Best | $17 | 60% |
| Montana | Pets Best | $18 | 60% |
| Nebraska | Pets Best | $20 | 59% |
| Nevada | Pets Best | $23 | 59% |
| New Hampshire | Pets Best | $26 | 58% |
| New Jersey | Pets Best | $25 | 58% |
| New Mexico | Pets Best | $19 | 60% |
| New York | Pets Best | $24 | 59% |
| North Carolina | Pets Best | $20 | 61% |
| North Dakota | Pets Best | $17 | 60% |
| Ohio | Pets Best | $20 | 60% |
| Oklahoma | Pets Best | $18 | 60% |
| Oregon | Pets Best | $27 | 58% |
| Pennsylvania | Pets Best | $23 | 60% |
| Rhode Island | Pets Best | $19 | 60% |
| South Carolina | Pets Best | $21 | 58% |
| South Dakota | Pets Best | $19 | 61% |
| Tennessee | Pets Best | $20 | 59% |
| Texas | Pets Best | $23 | 58% |
| Utah | Pets Best | $21 | 60% |
| Vermont | Pets Best | $20 | 60% |
| Virginia | Pets Best | $24 | 60% |
| Washington | Pets Best | $25 | 61% |
| West Virginia | Pets Best | $19 | 59% |
| Wisconsin | Pets Best | $24 | 60% |
| Wyoming | Pets Best | $20 | 59% |
*Rates are based on a 6-year-old Shih Tzu with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement. Your rates will differ based on your pet's specific profile and location.
How Much Does Shih Tzu Insurance Cost?
Monthly pet insurance for Shih Tzus ranges from $48 to $92 across the U.S., ranking as the 191st most expensive breed to insure. Your actual premium depends on your location, coverage choices and pet's specific needs.
| Alabama | $53 | $642 | -24% |
| Alaska | $70 | $839 | -1% |
| Arizona | $84 | $1,014 | 19% |
| Arkansas | $48 | $576 | -32% |
| California | $88 | $1,053 | 24% |
| Colorado | $89 | $1,065 | 25% |
| Connecticut | $81 | $971 | 14% |
| Delaware | $72 | $861 | 1% |
| Florida | $80 | $968 | 14% |
| Georgia | $63 | $756 | -11% |
| Hawaii | $72 | $869 | 2% |
| Idaho | $70 | $848 | -0% |
| Illinois | $87 | $1,041 | 23% |
| Indiana | $64 | $768 | -10% |
| Iowa | $59 | $705 | -17% |
| Kansas | $64 | $773 | -9% |
| Kentucky | $57 | $681 | -20% |
| Louisiana | $57 | $688 | -19% |
| Maine | $85 | $1,025 | 21% |
| Maryland | $74 | $889 | 5% |
| Massachusetts | $92 | $1,103 | 30% |
| Michigan | $71 | $856 | 1% |
| Minnesota | $72 | $871 | 3% |
| Mississippi | $61 | $732 | -14% |
| Missouri | $56 | $674 | -21% |
| Montana | $60 | $721 | -15% |
| Nebraska | $63 | $763 | -10% |
| Nevada | $72 | $867 | 2% |
| New Hampshire | $81 | $976 | 15% |
| New Jersey | $79 | $950 | 12% |
| New Mexico | $62 | $749 | -12% |
| New York | $77 | $930 | 9% |
| North Carolina | $64 | $771 | -9% |
| North Dakota | $55 | $656 | -23% |
| Ohio | $66 | $792 | -7% |
| Oklahoma | $59 | $712 | -16% |
| Oregon | $88 | $1,056 | 24% |
| Pennsylvania | $74 | $894 | 5% |
| Rhode Island | $63 | $752 | -12% |
| South Carolina | $67 | $811 | -5% |
| South Dakota | $64 | $763 | -10% |
| Tennessee | $65 | $784 | -8% |
| Texas | $73 | $877 | 3% |
| Utah | $69 | $825 | -3% |
| Vermont | $66 | $791 | -7% |
| Virginia | $77 | $929 | 9% |
| Washington | $82 | $984 | 16% |
| West Virginia | $61 | $729 | -14% |
| Wisconsin | $76 | $918 | 8% |
| Wyoming | $65 | $781 | -8% |
*The rates include all coverage selections on the market for a 6-year-old Shih Tzu. Your rates will differ based on your pet's specific profile and location.
What Factors Affect Shih Tzu Insurance Costs?
Shih Tzus rank 191st among dog breeds for pet insurance costs, with premiums averaging $71 per month. Breed-specific health factors drive these higher-than-expected rates for these popular companions.
Health PredispositionsPotential Vet Costs: $2,500 to $15,000
Insurers treat Shih Tzus as high-risk for good reason. Intervertebral disk disease alone can mean costly surgery. Add progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and the respiratory issues that come standard with a brachycephalic build, and lifetime vet costs climb fast.
Size-Related FactorsPotential Vet Cost Increase: 15% to 25% higher vet costs
Being a small breed doesn't make Shih Tzus cheap to treat. Precise medication dosing and careful anesthesia monitoring are non-negotiable during any procedure. Small airways and delicate bones demand specialized equipment too, and that's especially true during dental work or surgery.
Lifespan ConsiderationsAnnual Vet Costs By Age: $200 to $800 (Young) to $1,000 to $3,500 (Senior)
A 10-to-16-year lifespan puts Shih Tzus ahead of many breeds, but that longevity comes with a tradeoff: more years for health issues to develop. The list of age-related conditions (arthritis, dental disease, heart problems) grows as th dogs enter their senior years, and so does the vet bill for managing all of it.
Behavioral and Activity RisksPotential Vet Costs: $800 to $4,500
Small size hasn't stopped Shih Tzus from approaching larger dogs without much caution, and that fearlessness comes with real injury risk from jumping, falling or an encounter gone wrong. Their coat adds its own cost too: skip the frequent grooming it needs, and skin problems follow.
Breeding-Related IssuesPotential Vet Costs: $1,500 to $8,000
Genetic health issues in Shih Tzus trace back largely to poor breeding practices, hitting the respiratory and skeletal systems hardest. Insurers price certain bloodlines as higher risk because of it. One thing that can offset the cost down the line: a puppy from health-tested parents with documented breeding history.
Breed-wide risk factors, your dog's own health history and your own budget, affect your choice of deductibles and annual limits.
A conversation with your vet is the fastest way to figure out which of these risks genuinely apply to your Shih Tzu.
INSURANCE RISK PREVENTION
Keep your dog at a healthy weight through measured portions and regular exercise in cooler temperatures to accommodate flat-faced breathing. Choose breeders who provide hip, eye and patella health certifications. Grooming, dental care and eye cleaning prevent common breed-specific issues. Regular vet checkups catch problems early, saving money and stress.
How to Get the Best Cheap Shih Tzu Pet Insurance
Smart research and a few simple steps can help you get pet insurance for your Shih Tzu insurance that fits your budget.
- 1Evaluate Your Coverage Needs
Age and potential health issues should affect which pet insurance coverage you pick for your Shih Tzu. Consider eye problems and hip dysplasia, two of the breed's most common concerns, when you're sizing up how much pet insurance you need.
- 2Compare Insurance Providers
Get baseline prices from several companies for your Shih Tzu's exact age and health status. Reliable providers tend to have two things in common: strong customer reviews and fast claim processing.
- 3Review Policy Details
Before you commit, look at waiting periods and pre-existing condition rules. A sample policy document will tell you exactly which conditions and treatments actually qualify for reimbursement.
- 4Get Multiple Online Quotes
Hundreds of dollars can separate two quotes for the exact same annual limit, deductible and reimbursement rate. Ask about discounts too.
- 5Check Rates Annually
A year is long enough for both your Shih Tzu's needs and the market to shift, so get fresh quotes annually before renewal and review your policy against them.
Shih Tzu Dog Insurance: Bottom Line
AKC is the best pet insurance provider for Shih Tzus. Pets Best has the lowest monthly premiums. Both companies bring solid coverage to the table, according to our research. Weigh these two against each other, and against other trusted providers, until you find one that fits your pet's needs and your budget.
Learn more about the best pet insurance providers for your Shih Tzu:
Pet Insurance for Shih Tzu: FAQ
AKC has the best insurance coverage for Shih Tzus, with its comprehensive protection and exceptional customer service. Despite premiums that are higher than average, its extensive coverage and reliable claims process make it a valuable choice for Shih Tzu owners.
Standard coverage with Pets Best starts at $22 a month, the most affordable entry point for Shih Tzu insurance. Your rate depends on where you live and your pet's specific circumstances.
Monthly rates across states range from $48 to $92. With an average monthly premium of $71, Shih Tzus rank as the 191st most expensive breed to insure.
Flat faces come with a cost for Shih Tzus, like breathing difficulties, heat sensitivity and respiratory problems in general. Vision takes a hit too, through eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and corneal ulcers.
Add hip dysplasia, with its joint pain and mobility challenges, and you've got the breed's three biggest risks, all traceable to the same root cause: distinctive facial structure paired with genetic predisposition.
How We Found the Best and Cheapest Shih Tzu Insurance
We analyzed pricing for all coverage levels, breeds and ages within all 50 states to find the best and cheapest pet insurance for Shih Tzus. We also researched clinical vet statistics for the breed, customer satisfaction for all companies and coverage contract details to tailor our suggestions specifically for Shih Tzus.
How We Determined Costs
All costs presented in this article for providers were modeled after the following base profile:
- 6-year-old Shih Tzu
- $5,000 annual limit
- $500 deductible
- 80% reimbursement
Average costs provided were based on aggregated pricing for the breed for all coverage selections and all ages insured on the market within reasonable life expectancy limits.
How We Rated Each Provider
We analyzed online sources for comprehensive ratings based on the following metrics:
- Affordability (50% of score): This score aggregates ratings based on the relative affordability compared to competition for all profiles and all factor combinations. We also factored in discounts as a minor component to the rating, as there's only slight variation between companies.
- Customer Experience (30% of score): We used ratings derived from a general sentiment rating aggregated from all internet sources, determining positive, neutral and negative sentiment proportions for each company to get this score. More positive sentiment means a higher rating.
- Coverage (20% of score): We read all contract details for every provider in every state, considering add-on options, inclusions, exclusions and restrictions to derive this score. Pet insurance regulations vary widely by state, and coverage options may differ based on your location.
About Connor Bolton
Connor Bolton is Senior SEO and Content Manager at MoneyGeek, where he leads the business and pet insurance editorial teams. He sets the research framework, data standards and content structure for his team. All content goes through his accuracy review before publication. Connor also writes in-depth guides and has spent more than four years covering insurance products across personal, commercial and specialty lines.
The research infrastructure Connor built covers auto, home, renters, life, health, business and pet insurance across pricing analysis, carrier research, customer experience and coverage evaluation. It includes over 6 million data points for business insurance across 408 industry areas, all 50 states and 16 vehicle types. The pet insurance side covers over 5 million profiles across 18 major providers, 100+ breeds and ages up to 20 years. Connor’s insurance research and his team's work have been cited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, CBS News, Forbes and LegalZoom.
Connor also talks with underwriters and carrier liaisons at Ethos, The Hartford, ERGO NEXT, Nationwide and State Farm, and monitors business and pet owner communities on Reddit. Those sources shape how his team evaluates carriers, structures rate analysis and writes content for real pet owners.
Questions about MoneyGeek's business or pet insurance content? Reach him at connor@moneygeek.com or on LinkedIn.