How Long Do Shih Tzus Live? Shih Tzu Life Span, Size and Health
The average Shih Tzu life span is around 12 to 13 years. A UK study of more than 11,000 Shih Tzus under veterinary care found an average age at death of 12.7 years, compared with 11.2 years for dogs overall, and plenty live longer. Adults ideally weigh 9 to 16 lb (4.1 to 7.3 kg), and the most common health problems are dental disease, eye trouble and ear problems, so daily care makes a real difference.
Shih Tzu Life Span at a Glance
Shih Tzus are one of the longer-lived breeds. Their small size helps, and so does a health profile that is milder than many other flat-faced breeds. How long your own dog lives depends on genes, weight, dental care and how quickly problems are caught.
| Fact | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|
| Average age at death (UK veterinary data) | 12.7 years |
| Average for all dogs in the same data | 11.2 years |
| Ideal adult weight (US breed standard) | 9 to 16 lb (4.1 to 7.3 kg) |
| Ideal height at the shoulder (US breed standard) | 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 27 cm) |
| Most common recorded health problem | Dental disease |
| Senior stage | Roughly the last quarter of life, so somewhere between about 10 and 12 years |
Every dog ages differently. Use these figures as a guide, and ask your vet what to expect for your dog.
How Big Does a Shih Tzu Get?
A full-grown Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog that is longer than it is tall. The American Kennel Club breed standard gives an ideal adult weight of 9 to 16 lb (4.1 to 7.3 kg) and an ideal height of 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 27 cm) at the shoulder, with no dog under 8 inches or over 11 inches (20 to 28 cm).
In the UK and Australia, the breed standard allows 10 to 18 lb (4.5 to 8 kg), with 10 to 16 lb (4.5 to 7.5 kg) as the ideal, and a height of no more than 27 cm (10.5 inches). Pet dogs often fall a little outside these show ranges, and that is fine if the dog is lean and healthy.
Be wary of anyone selling “teacup” or “imperial” Shih Tzus. These are not separate breeds. Breeding for very small size can bring more health problems, and the label is often used to charge more.
Is My Shih Tzu Overweight?
The scale is only half the picture, because a heavy coat hides a lot. Check your dog by hand once a month:
- Ribs: you should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, without pressing hard.
- Waist: looking down from above, there should be a slight tuck behind the ribs.
- Belly: from the side, the belly should rise slightly toward the back legs, not hang down.
If you cannot feel the ribs, or your dog is well above 16 lb (7.3 kg) without a large frame, ask your vet to score their body condition and set a target weight. Extra weight puts more strain on the joints and makes breathing harder for a flat-faced dog.
What Helps a Shih Tzu Live Longer
Keep Them Lean
Weight is the factor you control most. Feed a complete small-breed food, measure every meal and count treats as part of the daily amount. Weigh your dog every month or two so slow gains show up early.
Gentle, Daily Exercise
Shih Tzus do not need long runs, but they do need to move every day. Short walks and indoor play keep muscles and weight in shape. Walk in the cooler part of the day in summer, and use a harness rather than a neck collar to keep pressure off the throat.
Start With a Healthy Dog
If you are getting a puppy, choose a breeder who health-checks the parents, including their eyes, and who will show you the results. Avoid sellers who offer several breeds, have no parents to meet or push “teacup” sizes. Adult Shih Tzus also come up for adoption at shelters and breed rescues, often with a vet history that tells you more than a puppy can.
Regular Vet and Dental Checks
Book a check-up at least once a year, and more often once your dog is a senior. Ask your vet to look at the teeth, eyes, ears and heart at every visit, because these are where Shih Tzu problems most often start. For daily coat and face care, see our Shih Tzu grooming guide.
Common Shih Tzu Health Problems
Shih Tzus are healthier than many flat-faced breeds, but some problems come up again and again. In the UK study, the most common were dental disease (9.5% of dogs each year), anal sac problems (7.4%) and ear disorders (5.5%). Eye problems were also more common than in dogs overall.
Teeth and Gums
A small mouth and a broad, undershot jaw crowd the teeth, so plaque and tartar build up quickly. Baby teeth that do not fall out add to the crowding. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog toothpaste, start handling the mouth while your dog is young, and ask your vet when a professional clean is due. Bad breath, red gums or dropping food are signs to book a check. Read more in our guide to dental care for small dogs.
Eyes
Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes and a short face, so the eyes are easier to scratch and can dry out. Watch for squinting, rubbing, redness, cloudiness, discharge or a dark film over the eye. Even mild signs need a vet visit soon, because eye ulcers can get worse quickly. An eye that bulges out of its socket after a knock is an emergency. Keep hair trimmed away from the eyes and wipe tear stains gently each day.
Breathing, Snoring, Heat and Reverse Sneezing
As a flat-faced breed, a Shih Tzu can have narrow nostrils and a crowded airway. Snoring and snorting are common. Noisy breathing during exercise, tiring very quickly or breathing mostly through the mouth are worth raising with your vet. These dogs cool down less well, so keep them out of heat and humidity, and keep them in air conditioning on hot days.
Small, flat-faced dogs like Shih Tzus are also prone to “reverse sneezing”: sudden, loud snorting breaths in through the nose that last from a few seconds to about a minute. The dog is normal before and after. Stay calm and gently stroke the neck. Tell your vet if episodes become frequent or come with nasal discharge or coughing.
Ears, Skin and Anal Glands
Hairy, folded ears hold moisture, so ear infections are common. Check the ears every week for redness, smell or head shaking. Scooting or licking under the tail often means the anal glands need emptying by your vet or groomer. Itchy, red or flaky skin and coat problems were more likely in male Shih Tzus in the UK study.
Heart and Other Problems
Heart disease and bowel disease were among the most common causes of death recorded for the breed. Your vet listens for a heart murmur at each check-up, and male Shih Tzus were more likely to have one. Umbilical hernias, a soft bump at the belly button, were more common in females. Ask your vet whether a hernia needs repair.
Eye, dental and heart problems can mean large vet bills over a long life. If you are weighing up cover, read how pet insurance works for small dogs. Check how each policy treats problems that started before cover began.
Senior Shih Tzu Care
Vets usually treat a dog as a senior in roughly the last quarter of its expected life. For a Shih Tzu that is usually somewhere between about 10 and 12 years old, because small dogs reach the senior stage later than large dogs. Changes are often slow, so write down what you notice.
- More frequent check-ups: ask your vet about twice-yearly visits and senior blood tests.
- Teeth first: dental disease gets more common with age, so keep brushing and keep up professional cleans.
- A safe home: add rugs on slippery floors and ramps or steps to the sofa and bed. Block stairs if eyesight is failing.
- Shorter, regular grooming: a shorter clip is easier to keep clean and makes lumps and skin changes easier to spot.
- Keep the mind busy: sniff walks, food puzzles and short training games help an older dog stay engaged.
For more ideas, see our guide to caring for an aging small dog.
When to Call the Vet
Call your vet the same day if your Shih Tzu:
- has an eye that is red, cloudy, squinting or bulging
- struggles to breathe, has blue or grey gums, or collapses
- has been vomiting or has diarrhea more than once, or stops eating
- seems to be in pain, cannot settle or cannot use a leg
Book a routine appointment for slower changes: weight gain or loss, bad breath, more drinking or peeing, a new cough, lumps, scooting or a change in energy. You know your dog best, so if something seems wrong, ring your vet. This page is general information and does not replace a vet’s advice.
Shih Tzu Life Span and Health: FAQs
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Most Shih Tzus live to around 12 or 13 years, and many live longer. A UK study of more than 11,000 Shih Tzus found an average age at death of 12.7 years, which is longer than the 11.2 years for dogs overall. Keeping your dog lean, caring for their teeth and getting problems checked early all help.
What is the average size and weight of a Shih Tzu?
An adult Shih Tzu ideally weighs 9 to 16 lb (4.1 to 7.3 kg) and stands 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 27 cm) at the shoulder, according to the US breed standard. The UK and Australian standard allows 10 to 18 lb (4.5 to 8 kg). Many pet dogs sit close to these ranges.
Is 18 pounds heavy for a Shih Tzu?
Often, yes. 18 lb (8.2 kg) is above the US ideal of 9 to 16 lb, though the UK standard allows up to 8 kg (about 18 lb). A large-framed dog can be healthy at that weight, so check the body: you should feel the ribs easily and see a waist. If not, ask your vet for a target weight.
What is the most common health problem in Shih Tzus?
Dental disease is the most common problem recorded in Shih Tzus. In a UK study it affected 9.5% of the dogs each year, and it becomes more common with age. Their small, crowded mouths trap plaque, so regular brushing at home and dental checks at the vet are the best protection.
What is the leading cause of death in Shih Tzus?
In a large UK study, the most common recorded causes of death were bowel disease, heart disease and poor quality of life, each accounting for 9.6% of deaths. Regular check-ups help, because your vet can catch a heart murmur or ongoing stomach and bowel problems before they become serious.
Is 12 years a long life for a Shih Tzu?
Twelve years is about average for a Shih Tzu. UK veterinary data puts the average age at death at 12.7 years, so a 12-year-old is a senior but not unusually old. Plenty live longer with good weight control, dental care and regular vet visits, so focus on keeping your dog comfortable and active.
At what age is a Shih Tzu considered a senior?
Most Shih Tzus become seniors somewhere between about 10 and 12 years old. Vets generally treat a dog as a senior in the last quarter of its expected life, and small dogs reach that stage later than large dogs. Ask your vet when to start twice-yearly check-ups and senior blood tests for your dog.
Why does my Shih Tzu snort and reverse sneeze?
Snorting and reverse sneezing are common in Shih Tzus because of their short face and crowded airway. A reverse sneeze sounds alarming but usually lasts under a minute and is harmless. Gently stroke your dog’s neck until it passes. See your vet if it happens often or comes with discharge, coughing or hard breathing.
Why do Shih Tzus have eye problems?
Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes and a short face, so their eyes are more exposed to scratches, dryness and ulcers. Eye problems are more common in the breed than in dogs overall. Keep hair away from the eyes and see a vet promptly for squinting, redness, cloudiness or discharge.
Do Shih Tzus have an underbite?
Yes. The breed standard calls for an undershot bite, which means the lower jaw sits slightly ahead of the upper jaw. It is normal for the breed, but it crowds the teeth, which is one reason Shih Tzus get dental disease. Teeth should not show when the mouth is closed.
A Shih Tzu can be part of your family for well over a decade. Keep them lean, look after their teeth and eyes, and see your vet when something changes. For the full picture of the breed, read our Shih Tzu breed profile, then our Shih Tzu grooming guide and how to train a Shih Tzu. Still choosing? Compare other small dog breeds.