Shih Tzu Lifespan
A 2024 UK study of Shih Tzus under veterinary care found a median age at death of 12.7 years, with no difference between males and females. UK life tables give 11.1 years at birth.
A typical Shih Tzu lives about 12 to 13 years, and some reach their late teens. The AKC gives a wide 10–18 year range, and two UK studies agree closely on the middle: medians of 12.8 and 12.7 years. Teeth, eyes and skin are where this breed needs the most care.
Shih Tzu life stages
Life stages follow the 2019 AAHA guidelines. The senior stage is the last 25% of expected life, so with a median lifespan of 12.8 years, a Shih Tzu becomes a senior at about 9.6.
| Stage | Age | What to focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 0–6 months | Get your puppy used to daily face, eye and coat care while they are small and easy to handle. |
| Young adult | to 3 years | Start brushing teeth; dental disease is the most common problem in the breed. |
| Mature adult | 3–9.6 years | Check eyes daily and keep the topknot trimmed or tied so hair doesn’t rub them. |
| Senior | 9.6+ years | Twice-yearly checkups help catch dental, heart and eye problems before they become serious. |
Shih Tzu age in human years
| Shih Tzu age | Human years |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 15 |
| 2 years | 24 |
| 3 years | 28 |
| 4 years | 32 |
| 5 years | 36 |
| 6 years | 40 |
| 7 years | 44 |
| 8 years | 48 |
| 9 years | 52 |
| 10 years | 56 |
| 11 years | 60 |
| 12 years | 64 |
| 13 years | 68 |
| 14 years | 72 |
| 15 years | 76 |
| 16 years | 80 |
Shih Tzu puppy growth (estimate)
| Age | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2 months | 3.1–5.4 |
| 3 months | 4.7–8.3 |
| 4 months | 6.3–11 |
| 6 months | 8.2–15 |
| 9 months | 8.9–16 |
| 12 months | 9.0–16 |
| 18 months | 9.0–16 |
Common Shih Tzu health problems
Dental disease
Periodontal disease was the most common single problem in UK Shih Tzus, recorded in 9.5% in one year. Dental disorders as a group affected 13.3%.
Watch for: Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar build-up, chewing on one side.
Eye problems
Eye disorders affected 11.9% of UK Shih Tzus in a year. The AKC notes that the breed’s large eyes have no muzzle to protect them, and that breeders screen for cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment and corneal dryness from eyelids that don’t close fully.
Watch for: Squinting, redness, discharge, a cloudy or bluish eye, pawing at the face.
Eye injuries can get worse quickly. If your Shih Tzu is squinting or an eye looks hurt, see a vet the same day.
Anal sac impaction
Blocked anal glands were the second most common problem in the UK study, at 7.4%, and Shih Tzus had more of them than other dogs. It isn’t life-threatening, but it is uncomfortable and can lead to infection.
Watch for: Scooting, licking under the tail, a fishy smell.
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation
The AKC lists hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (a slipping kneecap) among the health issues in the breed, and responsible breeders screen for both.
Watch for: Skipping a step, holding up a back leg, stiffness after rest.
Juvenile renal dysplasia
A rare but serious condition in which the kidneys don’t develop normally, according to the AKC. Affected dogs usually show signs young.
Watch for: Drinking and urinating a lot, poor growth, weight loss in a young dog.
Why the Shih Tzu range is so wide (10–18 years)
The AKC gives Shih Tzus a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years, the widest range of the 12 popular breeds we cover. A range that broad tells you more about how much individual dogs vary than about a typical dog.
The research is more focused. A 2024 study of 12,007 UK Shih Tzus found a median lifespan of 12.8 years, and a separate study of Shih Tzus in UK vet practices found a median age at death of 12.7 years. Half of the dogs in that second study died between 8.7 and 14.3 years old, and some lived to nearly 20.
Shih Tzus have short faces, and as a group, flat-faced breeds in the UK study had a median of just 11.2 years. Shih Tzus do noticeably better than that. Their most common problems, such as dental disease, eye conditions and anal gland trouble, are manageable with routine care, which may help explain why they outlive most flat-faced breeds.
How to help your Shih Tzu live longer
Brush teeth every day
With dental disease the top problem in the breed, daily brushing and a dental check at every vet visit pay off. Ask your vet how often your dog needs a professional cleaning.
Protect those eyes
Wipe the corners of the eyes gently with a damp cloth, keep head hair trimmed or tied up in a topknot, and get any squinting or redness checked promptly, as the AKC advises.
Keep them cool
Because of their heavy coats and short faces, Shih Tzus don’t tolerate heat well, according to the AKC. Walk in the cooler parts of the day and never leave them in a warm car.
Don’t ignore scooting
Anal sac problems are common. If your dog scoots or licks under the tail, a quick vet visit can relieve the glands before an infection sets in.
Watch the skin and coat
Skin conditions were the most common group of problems in UK Shih Tzus (16.6%). Regular grooming lets you spot redness, sores or parasites early.
Eye care for Shih Tzus
Big, prominent eyes are part of the breed’s charm, and also its weak spot. The AKC warns that with no muzzle to shield them, Shih Tzu eyes are easy to injure, and that some dogs have eyelids that don’t close fully, which dries and irritates the surface of the eye.
A simple routine helps: comb the face daily, wipe away discharge with a damp cloth, keep hair out of the eyes, and look at both eyes in good light every day. Any squinting, redness, cloudiness or pawing at the face deserves a prompt vet visit; eye problems in this breed are much easier to treat early.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Shih Tzus live?
A typical Shih Tzu lives about 12 to 13 years. The AKC lists 10–18 years, and UK studies found medians of 12.8 and 12.7 years, with some dogs living to nearly 20.
Do male or female Shih Tzus live longer?
Neither. A 2024 UK study found no statistical difference in age at death between male and female Shih Tzus.
Why does my Shih Tzu have eye problems?
Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes with little protection, and some have eyelids that don’t close fully. Eye disorders affected 11.9% of UK Shih Tzus in a year. Daily cleaning and early vet checks help.
Is a Shih Tzu a flat-faced breed?
Yes, Shih Tzus have short faces, which is one reason they don’t tolerate heat well. Even so, their median lifespan (12.8 years) is higher than the 11.2-year median for flat-faced breeds as a group.
How often should a Shih Tzu have a dental cleaning?
It depends on the dog. Brush daily at home and ask your vet to check the teeth at every visit; they’ll recommend a professional cleaning when tartar or gum disease builds up.
Is 10 old for a Shih Tzu?
It’s the start of the senior years. With a median lifespan of 12.8 years, the senior stage by AAHA’s definition begins at about 9.6. On the AKC chart for small dogs, a 10-year-old is about 56 in human years.
Compare similar breeds
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Shih Tzu breed information.
- McMillan K.M. et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports, 2024.
- Dale F. et al. Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Canine Medicine and Genetics, 2024.
- Teng K.T. et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports, 2022.
- Creevy K.E. et al. 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines. JAAHA, 2019.
Estimates only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.