How Long Do Shih Tzus Live?
Shih Tzus live 10-18 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Shih Tzu more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 9-16 pounds, the Shih Tzu is a small breed. Small breeds age more slowly and are among the longest-lived dogs, which its 10-18 years average reflects.
Does a Shih Tzu fit your life?
A sweet, adaptable lapdog that's endlessly affectionate and settles happily around kids and other pets, at home in an apartment or a bigger house alike. The real ask is its coat, this breed needs frequent, dedicated grooming to look and feel its best.
A great match if you
- Even toddlers get a gentle, easygoing companion in this breed.
- Other pets in the house are welcomed warmly, this breed is very sociable with dogs.
- This breed travels well and settles into new spaces without much fuss.
- You want a deeply affectionate lap companion.
- Loose fur isn't a concern, this breed sheds very little.
Think twice if
- Budget real time and money for grooming, this coat needs frequent professional care.
- Given this breed's small, delicate frame, young kids should still be taught gentle handling.
- This isn't a natural guard dog, watchfulness here stays only moderate.
Health areas for the Shih Tzu
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Shih Tzu are Joint and mobility, Eye and vision and Skin, coat, allergy (owners often watch for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts).
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Shih Tzu facts, quick answers
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus live 10-18 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Shih Tzus get?
A full-grown Shih Tzu stands 9-10.5 inches and weighs 9-16 pounds, which puts it firmly in the small-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a toy breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 20 of 208. It is a small dog that typically lives around 10-18 years.
Are Shih Tzus high-energy dogs?
Shih Tzus are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Shih Tzus are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.
Do Shih Tzus shed a lot?
Not really. They shed very little, though low-shedding coats often trade that for more regular grooming or clipping.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
They bark a normal amount, mostly to let you know something is up.
Are Shih Tzus good with kids?
Shih Tzus are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.
Do Shih Tzus get along with other dogs?
Shih Tzus are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.
Are Shih Tzus good for first-time owners?
Shih Tzus are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.
