Shih Tzu: Life Expectancy and How to Extend Their Lifespan

The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion dog, originally from Tibet and bred in China to live in imperial palaces. Known for its gentle, independent, and extremely adaptable temperament, it is the ideal breed for indoor living, standing out for its loyalty and elegant demeanor.

Characteristics of the Shih Tzu

🐕 Size: Small

🐕 Average weight: 4 kg to 8 kg

🐕 Height: 20 cm to 27 cm at the withers

🐕 Genetic predispositions: Kidney problems, brachycephaly, and eye sensitivity

🐕 Body structure: Robust, with a body slightly longer than it is tall and a tail carried high over the back

🐕 Coat: Long, dense, with an undercoat and continuous growth, requiring frequent grooming

How long does a Shih Tzu live?

The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu ranges from 10 to 16 years.

Because it is a small breed, many dogs live to a ripe old age when subjected to rigorous preventive care.

Longevity is directly linked to maintaining proper hydration for kidney protection and managing body weight.

Because it is a brachycephalic breed, heat stress and obesity can impair respiratory and cardiac function, reducing the animal’s life expectancy and quality of life.

Knowing the breed is important. Understanding aging is essential.

Every breed ages differently.

And that completely changes the way we care for people.

That’s why PetMoreTime offers its Canine Longevity Program.

A comprehensive program that analyzes your dog’s profile and creates a personalized plan that includes:

Support from experts
A plan tailored to your stage of life
Focus on better health and quality of life

Check your dog's aging curve

Want to know how to improve your dog's quality of life as they age?

PetMoretime specializes in veterinary gerontology and offers a personalized longevity program for your dog.

Common Health Issues in Shih Tzus

Dermatitis DDIV (Hernia) Pancreatitis

Health Issues Associated with Aging in Shih Tzus

Kidney Disease Murmur (Mitral) Cataract

Signs of Aging in Shih Tzus

Increased water intake Excessive water intake may be an early clinical sign of impaired kidney function.

Cloudy-looking eyes The appearance of a bluish or white haze may indicate the onset of cataracts, which are common in older Shih Tzus.

Coughing after exertion or excitement may indicate mitral valve disease or tracheal collapse, requiring immediate cardiological evaluation.

Excessive paw licking Signs of skin irritation and dermatitis become more common as the immune system of older animals fluctuates.

Difficulty climbing onto furniture; reluctance to jump may indicate spinal discomfort related to DDIV or osteoarthritis.

Loss of appetite or vomiting Digestive sensitivity and episodes of abdominal pain may be linked to chronic pancreatitis.

Most of these diseases begin silently.

PetMoretime can track and prevent diseases before they appear through continuous monitoring.

Shih Tzu Behavior

Sociability

Trainability

Energy level

Motivation for food

Lifetime cost

In addition to the initial investment, it is important to consider:

Quality food

Veterinary consultations

Vaccinations and tests

Possible orthopedic or cardiac treatments

How to Increase a Shih Tzu's Life Expectancy

To help your Shih Tzu live a long, healthy life, the main focus should be on kidney health, ensuring they always have access to fresh water and a diet with controlled phosphorus levels.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent bacteria from traveling to the heart and worsening cases of mitral regurgitation.

Because of their short muzzles, you should avoid exposing them to excessive heat and using neck collars, opting instead for harnesses to protect their windpipe and spine.

Daily eye cleaning and strict control of dietary fat to prevent pancreatitis round out the essential care required for the breed’s longevity.