Our pets can be the center of our lives and it is heartbreaking when they leave us. We want to spend as much time as possible with our dogs so it is natural to want to know how long do Shih Tzus live for.
What is a Shih Tzu’s Lifespan
The Shih Tzu is a small dog and belongs to the toy group. With it’s sturdy build they can be as healthy as most other small breeds. The Shih Tzu lives longer than larger breeds and longer than the average lifespan of most other dogs.
The normal lifespan for a Shih Tzu is 10 to 16 years. On average they will live to the midpoint of that range at 13 -14 years, and some healthy Shih Tzus even live until 18 years of age.
There are some health conditions that could affect a Shih Tzu including eyes, heart and digestive. Those are beyond the scope of this article, and some of these could stem from the breeder quality. Certainly breeders who are in it for the profit might provide greater risk of these health issues. That could impact the quality of life and possible reduced lifespan.
Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Medium or Large Dogs
Small dogs will grow to maturity faster than a larger dog. The larger dog may take longer to become an adult, but will age faster and become senior faster than a small dog. So a small dog may be considered a senior at 11 years because they age slower, and a large dog could be senior sooner at 7 or 8 years.
Generally we think that small animals have shorter lifespans than larger ones. Take mice or hamsters for example that live only 2 or 3 years, but an elephant can live to 70 years. Dog sizes don’t follow that rule. Larger dogs have shorter lives and smaller dogs gain the advantage in longevity.
The rule of thumb is that a dog year is equivalent to 7 for a human. That may or may not be entirely true. Because different size dogs age at different rates we can adjust that.
- Small and Toy breeds can multiply by 6 to get an approximate human age.
- For a large breed you could multiply by 8.
- And for medium breeds the multiplier of 7 is about right.
Knowing this can help prepare you for when your Shih Tzu becomes senior. Make changes to diet and any adjustments that might help your dog as it ages with the help of your veterinarian.
How do I Help My Dog Live Longer
While any breed has an average expected life span, every individual dog is unique and there are things we can do to maximize their time. There are several key factors that can affect the length of your Shih Tzu’s life. The most important are;
- Quality of the Breeder. And any inherited health issues. A good reputable breeder who has fewer litters is not in it for the money and likely provides healthier pups.
- Exercise. The Shih Tzu does not need a lot in the way of exercise. In fact they can tire out quicker than most other dogs and overheat more easily. Playing in the house and a short daily walk is all the Shih Tzu needs for exercise. They would rather lay around the house than be outside for too long.
- Food and nutrition. Be sure to include a quality diet with protein and avoid supermarket foods full of fillers. Supplementing with some high quality human grade food is not only very healthy for the dog but also a great treat.
- Vet care and follow up. Besides regular health checkups, including teeth exams and cleaning, vaccinations, deworming and tick or flea prevention as needed.
How Many Years do Shih Tzus Live
Smaller dog breeds have longer lifespans than do larger dogs. The Shih Tzu is on the small end of the scale being a Toy Breed so gains an advantage there. With a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, they are among the top 10 longest living breeds.
Closing Thoughts
Shih Tzus are an excellent choice for a long lasting pet relationship.
Besides the physical care of your Shih Tzu, don’t forget to shower them with attention. They were bred for and love companionship and a happy dog makes for a healthier dog.