How Long Do Shih Tzus Live?
Shih Tzus live 10 to 18 years, with a median around 12 to 13, which makes them one of the longer-lived small breeds and far ahead of most flat-faced dogs. Dental disease, eye conditions, and weight are the main things owners can influence to push toward the upper end.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus live 10 to 18 years. Most reach 12 to 13 on average, and well-cared-for dogs often pass 15. The largest study to date, covering more than 11,000 UK Shih Tzus, found a median age at death of 12.7 years.
As a small breed (9 to 16 pounds), the Shih Tzu sits at the long-lived end of the size spectrum, because size is the biggest predictor of how long a dog lives. They are unusual among flat-faced breeds: that 12.7-year median is far above French Bulldogs at 3.7 years and English Bulldogs at 7.2. See our guide to dog lifespan by breed and size, or use the dog age calculator on the small setting.
What affects a Shih Tzu's lifespan?
The biggest lever is body weight, followed by dental care, airway health, and routine vet visits. Genetics sets the range, and daily care decides where in it your dog lands.
- Body weight. Keeping a dog lean adds roughly two years on average. Obesity drives diabetes, arthritis, and breathing strain.
- Dental care. Periodontal disease is the most common specific disorder in the breed, and overcrowded small jaws make it worse.
- Airway health. As a flat-faced breed, narrowed nostrils and a long soft palate can stress breathing, though Shih Tzus are far less affected than Bulldogs or Frenchies.
- Routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, and early disease detection.
Common Shih Tzu health issues
Shih Tzus are prone to dental, eye, ear, and airway problems, plus a few inherited conditions. Most are manageable when caught early.
- Dental disease, the most common specific disorder, made worse by crowded small jaws.
- Eye conditions. The prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Ear disorders, helped along by hairy, floppy ears that trap moisture.
- Brachycephalic airway issues, from narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and sometimes a collapsing windpipe.
- Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia, both screened for by responsible breeders.
- Inherited kidney and liver conditions, such as renal dysplasia and liver shunts.
How to help your Shih Tzu live longer
Keep them lean, brush their teeth, protect those eyes, and stay ahead of problems with regular vet care. These levers move the needle most.
- Maintain a lean body weight. The two-year lever. Measure food and limit treats.
- Brush teeth daily and get professional cleanings. Dental disease is both common and preventable here.
- Care for the eyes. Keep face hair trimmed away from the eyes, and treat squinting, cloudiness, or dry eye early.
- Keep them cool and avoid overexertion in heat, since flat-faced breeds overheat faster.
- Book twice-yearly senior exams, keep parasite prevention current, and feed a complete diet.
When is a Shih Tzu a senior, and what are the aging signs?
A Shih Tzu is considered senior at 10 and geriatric at 13, the same thresholds the calculator uses for small breeds. Watch for the slow, cumulative signs of aging.
- A graying muzzle, cloudier eyes, reduced hearing or vision, and stiffness or arthritis. Most dogs over eight show some arthritis on an x-ray.
- Weight shifts as metabolism drops 10 to 20 percent.
- Cognitive changes such as disorientation and altered sleep, which become more common with age.
Senior wellness panels catch kidney, heart, and dental issues early. The senior check walks through the signs by age.
See your Shih Tzu's age in human years →Frequently asked questions
How long do Shih Tzus live on average?
10 to 18 years, with a median around 12 to 13. Many well-cared-for Shih Tzus reach 15 or more.
What is the oldest a Shih Tzu has lived?
Documented ages reach into the high teens. The largest UK study recorded a maximum age at death of 19.9 years, and anecdotal reports cite older.
What do most Shih Tzus die from?
In the large UK study the leading recorded causes were gut disease, heart disease, and declining quality of life, each around 9.6 percent. No single cause dominates.
Do Shih Tzus live longer than other flat-faced breeds?
Yes, considerably. Their 12.7-year median far exceeds French Bulldogs at 3.7 years and English Bulldogs at 7.2, making them one of the healthier flat-faced breeds.
At what age is a Shih Tzu considered old?
Senior at about 10 years and geriatric at about 13, the typical thresholds for small breeds.
What health problems shorten a Shih Tzu's life?
Dental disease, eye conditions, airway issues, obesity, and inherited kidney or liver problems are the main concerns. Most are manageable when caught early.
How can I help my Shih Tzu live longer?
Keep them lean, brush their teeth, protect their eyes, avoid overheating, and keep up with regular vet visits. Lean body weight alone can add roughly two years.
How big do Shih Tzus get?
About 9 to 16 pounds and 9 to 10.5 inches tall, placing them firmly in the small category, under 20 pounds.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Shih Tzu breed standard and care.
- O’Neill DG, et al. “Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK.” Canine Medicine and Genetics, 2024.
- Greer KA, et al. “Statistical analysis regarding the effects of height and weight on life span of the domestic dog.” Research in Veterinary Science, 2007.
Written by the Dogs Age Calculator editorial team · How we research & fact-check