You know those little "lion dogs" with the flowing top-knots and the underbites that make them look eternally unimpressed? They’re sturdy. They’re ancient. Honestly, they’re basically built to outlast most of the furniture in your house. But when you’re looking at that flat little face, the big question is always: how long do we actually get with them? Understanding the lifespan of a shih tzu isn't just about a number on a chart. It’s about navigating a decade and a half of snorting, shedding-free companionship.
Most sources will tell you they live 10 to 16 years. That’s a huge gap. It’s the difference between a dog passing away just as they hit senior status and a dog that hangs on long enough to see your kids go from kindergarten to college graduation.
The average usually lands right around 13 years. That’s the sweet spot.
But I’ve seen these dogs hit 18. I’ve even heard of a few reaching 20, though that’s like a human living to 110—rare, impressive, and usually involves great genetics and a bit of luck.
Why Some Shih Tzus Outlive the Rest
It isn't just magic. Or the expensive kibble.
Science points to the "small dog advantage." Large breeds like Great Danes age at a cellular level much faster than toy breeds. Because a Shih Tzu is compact, their hearts don’t have to work quite as hard to pump blood across a massive frame, and they aren't as prone to the rapid cell division that leads to early-onset cancers in bigger dogs.
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But there is a catch.
Their faces. They are brachycephalic. That’s the fancy way of saying they have "squashed" faces. While this makes them incredibly cute, it’s a genuine factor in their longevity. A Shih Tzu that struggles to breathe every day because of stenotic nares (pinched nostrils) or an elongated soft palate is putting a massive, invisible strain on their heart. Over ten years, that strain adds up.
If you want your dog to hit that 16-year mark, you have to watch the weight. I cannot stress this enough. A two-pound weight gain on a Shih Tzu is like a forty-pound weight gain on a human. It wrecks their joints and makes their breathing issues ten times worse.
Genetics and the "Puppy Mill" Factor
We have to talk about where they come from. It matters.
A Shih Tzu from a high-volume breeder—what most people call puppy mills—is often starting the race with a flat tire. These dogs are frequently bred for "teacup" sizes, which is a red flag. Nature didn't intend for a Shih Tzu to be four pounds. These "teacups" often suffer from liver shunts, heart defects, and fragile bones that shorten their lives significantly.
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Ethical breeders, like those recognized by the American Shih Tzu Club, screen for things like hip dysplasia and renal dysplasia. Renal dysplasia is a scary one. It’s a genetic kidney disease where the kidneys don't develop properly. If a pup has this, they might not even make it to their third birthday.
The Most Common Health Hurdles
If you’re looking at the lifespan of a shih tzu, you’re really looking at a map of potential health obstacles. If you can dodge or manage these, you’re golden.
- Periodontal Disease: This is the big one people ignore. Small mouths mean crowded teeth. Crowded teeth mean bacteria. That bacteria doesn't just stay in the mouth; it travels through the bloodstream and attacks the heart and kidneys. You want a 15-year-old dog? Brush their teeth. Seriously.
- IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease): They have long backs and short legs. One bad jump off a high sofa can herniate a disc. While not always fatal, the chronic pain and potential paralysis can lead to a "quality of life" decision much earlier than you’d like.
- Heart Murmurs: As they age, the mitral valve can start to wear out. It’s common in seniors. The good news is that modern vet medicine is incredible at managing this with meds like Pimobendan, adding years to their lives.
- Eye Issues: They have those big, bulging eyes. Proptosis (the eye popping out), ulcers from scratching their cornea on a blade of grass, and cataracts are all on the table. They won't die from being blind, but it complicates their senior years.
Life Stages: What to Expect
The first nine years are usually the "golden age." They’re active, they’re stubborn, they probably still try to steal your socks.
Once they hit 10, they’re officially seniors. You’ll notice the muzzle turning grey. The "Shih Tzu Zoomies" happen less often. They might start sleeping 18 hours a day. This is when you switch to senior blood panels at the vet.
From age 13 to 15, things get delicate. This is the "geriatric" phase. Most Shih Tzus at this age have some degree of arthritis. They might get a little "doggy dementia" (CCD), where they get stuck in corners or forget why they walked into a room. It's heartbreaking, but with the right care, they can still be happy.
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Real World Factors You Can Control
You can’t change their DNA. You can’t go back in time and choose a different breeder. But you can change the environment.
Hydration is huge. Because of their kidney risks, keeping them hydrated is paramount. Many owners find that adding water to dry kibble or switching to a high-quality wet food helps keep those kidneys flushed.
Avoid the heat. A Shih Tzu can overheat in 20 minutes on a 85-degree day. Heatstroke causes permanent organ damage, even if they survive the initial episode. That damage shaves months or years off the end of their life.
The Verdict on Longevity
So, what is the lifespan of a shih tzu in the real world?
If you provide basic care, avoid obesity, and keep their teeth clean, you are very likely looking at 13 to 14 years of companionship. If you are diligent about preventative vet care and they have solid genetics, 15 or 16 is a very realistic goal.
It’s a long time. It’s long enough to see a whole phase of your life through. But when you’re at the end of it, it always feels too short.
The focus shouldn't just be on the number of years, but the quality of them. A Shih Tzu that can’t breathe or walk at age 12 isn't "living" the same way a healthy 14-year-old is.
Actionable Steps to Maximize Their Years
- Schedule a dental cleaning every 1-2 years. It sounds expensive, and it is, but it’s cheaper than treating heart failure caused by mouth bacteria.
- Use ramps. Stop them from jumping off the bed or the couch. Their spines will thank you when they’re 12.
- Blood work is non-negotiable. Once they hit age 7, get a full blood panel every single year. This catches kidney issues and liver problems before the dog even shows symptoms.
- Weight management. If you can't easily feel their ribs, they are too heavy. Cut out the table scraps and stick to high-protein, low-filler treats like green beans or plain boiled chicken.
- Eye protection. Keep the hair around their eyes trimmed or tied back. Constant irritation from hair rubbing the eyeball leads to chronic inflammation and eventual sight loss.