Shih Tzu Dog Breed – 10 Facts and Personality Traits
Shih Tzus are often called “Lion Dogs” because of their thick coats. For thousands of years, they have been a fun and mischievous companion to many people. Their coats come in many different colours and need a lot of care.
But few dogs look as interesting as this one does! Shih Tzus are known for being very good with kids, and their small size makes them perfect for living in an apartment.
The Shih Tzu is the right dog for you if you want a lap dog with a sense of humor. If you already have a Shih Tzu as a pet, you might be curious about how big they get and when they stop growing.
Shih Tzu Dog Breed
The Shih Tzu is a breed of small dog that is known for being small and compact. Even though Shih Tzus look small, they are surprisingly strong under their soft coats and weigh more than they look.
Unlike many dog breeds, there isn’t much difference between the sexes in terms of weight and height.
Don’t worry if your dog is a little behind or a little ahead of the numbers below! These are just rough estimates of how much your adult Shih Tzu will weigh.
Want to get reimbursed for up to 90% of your dog’s vet bills when he or she gets sick or hurt? Compare the different Shih Tzu health insurance plans available today.
Shih Tzu Growth and Weight Chart
| Shih Tzu at 8-Weeks | Est. Healthy Adult |
|---|---|
| 1.5 lbs | 6-7 lbs |
| 1.75 lbs | 7-7.5 lbs |
| 2 lbs | 8-9 lbs |
| 2.5 lbs | 9.5-11 lbs |
| 2.75 lbs | 11-13 lbs |
| 3 lbs | 12.5-14.5 lbs |
| 3.25 lbs | 13-15 lbs |
| 3.5 lbs | 14-16 lbs |
| 3.75 lbs | 15-16 lbs |
| 4 lbs | 16-18 lbs |
| Avg. adult | 9-16 lbs |
At what age is a Shih Tzu fully grown?
Like many other small dog breeds, the Shih Tzu is fully grown after about ten months. Some Shih Tzu puppies may take a whole year to reach full adult size, but you can expect your Shih Tzu to be at or near adult size by ten months of age.
How big should a 6 month old Shih Tzu be?
A six-month-old Shih Tzu is almost the size of an adult.
How much bigger will my Shih Tzu get?
If your Shih Tzu is less than 10 months old, he or she is probably still growing and changing. Some Shih Tzus may still grow until they are a year old, but after that, it is unlikely that your Shih Tzu will get any bigger.
You can also look at the paws of your Shih Tzu. If their paws look huge compared to their legs and body, it’s likely because they’re still growing, as this is a common trait of puppies.
If you got your Shih Tzu from a breeder, ask what size the dog will be when it grows up. Your Shih Tzu’s breeder can give you a more accurate estimate based on his or her parents and other litters.
Because a puppy rarely grows to be bigger than its bigger father, this will give you an idea of how big your Shih Tzu could get.
How big will a Shih Tzu grow as an adult?
Shih Tzus usually grow to be between 8 and 11 inches tall and weigh 9 to 15 pounds. Depending on the breed and the history of the family, some Shih Tzu can be smaller or bigger than that.
Shih Tzus are small dogs, but their hearts are big.
Even though the above numbers are guidelines, not all Shih Tzus will fit into that group. Different things can cause some Shih Tzus to be bigger or smaller than others. If they are, it doesn’t mean that they are sick or haven’t had enough to eat.
Most of the time, the Shih Tzu’s vet can help the owner understand how their puppy is growing and what is good for that particular dog.
The American Kennel Club has guidelines for each breed, which include height and weight. However, it is only for show dogs.
Shih Tzus that aren’t good enough for shows but are bred by a good breeder who follows the right rules can be heavier or lighter. That happens often and is nothing to worry about.
If a Shih Tzu owner is worried about their dog’s height or weight, they should talk to a breeder or a vet.
The size of a dog depends on a lot of things. A Shih Tzu’s weight can go up or down depending on its diet, how much it moves, and how healthy it is. It mostly depends on their breed and the history of their ancestors, which the breeder knows and can talk about.
You can make it less likely that these things will happen by adopting from a reputable breeder and staying away from breeders who aren’t responsible.
How do I make sure my Shih Tzu is healthy?
Shih Tzus are more likely to have health problems like retinal detachment and hip dysplasia because they are purebred dogs. But you shouldn’t worry yet.
By going to the vet regularly for high-quality care and living a healthy life, many health problems can be avoided or fixed. Talk to your vet about what to feed and how much to exercise your Shih Tzu puppy.
Shih Tzus often get loose eyelashes or hairs in their eyes, so they need to be groomed often to keep them healthy and happy.
Because there isn’t much air movement there, their ears will also need to be cleaned regularly. Shih Tzus are prone to overheating during hot weather because their muzzles are small and their coats are thick.
The most important thing you can do for your Shih Tzu for the rest of their lives is to take them to the vet for preventive care.
Just like people, dogs are living longer and need to go to the vet more often to stay happy and healthy. Unfortunately, this can get very expensive, very quickly. Some treatments and surgeries can cost thousands of dollars.
In this case, pet insurance can help.
Pet insurance works by giving you a safety net in case something bad happens to your Shih Tzu. It will reimburse you for up to 90% of all out-of-pocket veterinary costs.
Pet insurance gives you peace of mind and makes sure that your Shih Tzu gets the best care possible from a vet, no matter how much it costs. Your puppy can live the healthiest and happiest life possible if you have pet insurance.
Wellness programs are also available to help you take your Shih Tzu to the vet regularly for checkups, dental cleanings, x-rays, and other services.
Let us do the hard work of sorting through all the different pet insurance plans for you today. We’ll show you side-by-side comparisons of the best Shih Tzu pet insurance policies so you can give your Shih Tzu the best veterinary care and have peace of mind that your dog is covered if the worst happens.
How do I ensure my Shih Tzu eats a healthy diet, so they don’t get too big?
Talk to your vet to make sure that your Shih Tzu is eating well and not getting too fat. Their vet will know about their health and how to take care of your Shih Tzu in the best way.
They can tell you how to feed your dog in a healthy way and talk to you about any food allergies or problems your dog might have. The vet can also tell you how much food to give your Shih Tzu at every stage of its life, from when it is a puppy to when it is old.
You’ll want to feed your Shih Tzu the best food you can find, of course. Dog food should be made from simple, natural ingredients if possible. Neither dry nor wet dog food should have fillers, additives, or chemicals.
If your Shih Tzu is very active, he or she might need more food. They might need less if they stay home all day and watch TV.
The dosages that the vet gives are just suggestions, since each dog is different. The amount of food you give your dog each day can change based on how he or she acts.
What can I do to ensure my Shih Tzu doesn’t get hurt since they are so small?
To keep your Shih Tzu safe because he or she is small, teach everyone in the house to pay attention to the small dog.
It’s easy to forget that you live with a small dog when you’re busy or in a hurry. Because of this, everyone in the house can help keep the Shih Tzu safe by reminding each other.
You don’t have to leave them on the ground all the time. You can take them outside. This can keep them safe when you take them to a party or wherever else you think is right.
Pet owners use amazing gadgets to keep their kids safe while they travel the world. Small pet carriers made of mesh or netting are perfect for taking your Shih Tzu on a stroll around town.
They will feel safe, and you won’t have to worry about them. When they need to go to the bathroom or eat, you can put them somewhere out of the way.
It’s easy to hurt a small dog by accident. There are a few ways to avoid these problems in life, which is good news.
If my Shih Tzu doesn’t fit the breed standard, does it mean they are not purebred?
No, your Shih Tzu is still a purebred even though it doesn’t meet the breed standard. Some dogs in each pure breed meet the breed standard, which makes them good show dogs, but many don’t meet this standard in different ways.
Purebred dogs of one breed that don’t meet the breed standard for height and weight are no less purebred than dogs of another breed.
Key Takeaways
A full-grown Shih Tzu weighs between 9 and 16 pounds and stands between 9 and 10.5 inches tall. Shih Tzus are fully grown by the time they are 10 months old, but check under their fur to see if they are gaining weight.
Some health problems are common in the breed, such as eye problems and ear infections. Both you and your Shih Tzu need to be in good health.
I have been working in animal shelter for the past six years and I have been raising the puppies of different breeds. I have had experience in training the puppies in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.
My main objective is to train the puppies to become good family pets. They should be well-behaved and trained to be loving, loyal, and obedient.
Contact me:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (912) 634-3631
Address: 102 Village Way Crk Saint Simons Island, Georgia(GA), 31522
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