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SmallToy Group

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu originated as a Tibetan palace dog gifted to Chinese imperial courts, refined into modern type in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Calculate Shih Tzu age
Lifespan12.8 yrrange 12–13
SizeSmallToy Group
Weight9–16 lb4.1–7.3 kg
Senior at8 yrgeriatric at 12

Gallery (3)

About

About the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu originated as a Tibetan palace dog gifted to Chinese imperial courts, refined into modern type in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Post-1949 Communist consolidation nearly eliminated the breed; modern stock descends from 14 dogs exported in the 1930s-40s.

Aging

How Shih Tzus age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 12.8 years (n=17,901). Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is the defining breed welfare concern — worsened by summer heat — with corneal ulcers and intervertebral disc disease as secondary late-life concerns.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 12.8 yr · range 12–13Senior careSenior at 8 · geriatric at 12Common health issues6 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
9–16 lb(4.1–7.3 kg)
Height
9–10.5 in(22.9–26.7 cm)
Coat type
Long
Colors
BlackBlack & WhiteBrindleBrindle & WhiteGoldGold & WhiteRed & WhiteSilver & WhiteBlueBlue & WhiteLiverLiver & White
Temperament

Temperament

How Shih Tzus tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

affectionateplayfuloutgoingalert
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • High prevalencetypical onset ~8 yr

    Degenerative Myelopathy

    Description and veterinary guidance for Degenerative Myelopathy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr

    Elbow Dysplasia

    Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Moderatetypical onset ~5 yr

    Periodontal Disease

    Description and veterinary guidance for Periodontal Disease land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
45min
per day

Shih Tzus are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.