Everything You Need to Know About Big Shih Tzus

Big Shih Tzus are a unique breed, known for their large size and gentle nature. They typically weigh between 16 and 24 pounds.

Their size is due to selective breeding, which has resulted in a larger-than-usual Shih Tzu. This breeding has also led to a range of health issues, including eye problems and joint issues.

To care for a Big Shih Tzu, it's essential to provide regular exercise and a balanced diet. A daily walk and playtime should be a priority to keep them happy and healthy.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still necessary.

Related reading: Breeding Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are small dogs that typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions for families and individuals alike. They are often described as loyal and affectionate.

Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems and respiratory issues, due to their flat face. They can be prone to obesity if overfed or under-exercised.

These small dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but they do need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They are adaptable to apartment living due to their quiet nature.

Shih Tzus grow at an impressive rate, and understanding their growth milestones can help you provide the best care for your furry friend.

The average height for a Shih Tzu is about 8 to 11 inches or 20 to 28 centimeters.

Shih Tzus typically reach full height or weight around 10 months old, with some taking up to 12 months to reach their full growth.

A Shih Tzu's growth and weight are often dependent on the size of the parents, so it's essential to track your puppy's development during the first year.

For another approach, see: Shih Tzu Weight Chart

Here's a chart showing the estimated weight of a Shih Tzu puppy from birth to 12 months old:

Regular veterinary care is crucial for your Big Shih Tzu's health. This includes annual physicals to identify early signs of medical trouble and stay on top of immunizations. Your vet can help you understand what causes common health concerns in this breed.

Routine vet visits cost around $150 per year and can save you from costly bills down the road. These visits usually include examination fees, vaccinations, and medications for heartworms and fleas.

A healthy diet is also vital for your Big Shih Tzu's size and overall wellness. Malnourished puppies can grow up to be smaller and sicker, so proper nutrition is essential. Your veterinarian can help determine your dog's body condition score and daily calorie needs to prevent obesity.

Take a look at this: Shih Tzu Health

Regular checkups at the vet are crucial to protect your Shih Tzu from illness or disease.

Annual physicals for your pup will help your vet identify early signs of medical trouble and treat them before they become debilitating.

Some common health concerns that can affect this breed include respiratory issues, eye problems, and dental issues.

Malnourished puppies tend to be smaller and possibly sickly into adulthood, making proper nutrition vital for young puppies to grow to their ideal weight and fight disease.

Your veterinarian can help determine your Shih Tzu's body condition score and how many calories should be fed daily to prevent obesity.

Exercise is essential for Shih Tzus to stay healthy and strong, and only 20 minutes per day is needed.

A few laps around the block or some fun indoor playtime is enough to get them moving. Tossing a toy around in the backyard is also a great way to engage your Shih Tzu.

If your Shih Tzu doesn't receive any exercise, you might notice weight gain, which can be easily fixed with simple exercises and a well-rounded diet.

You can also take your Shih Tzu to the vet's office for weight checks, which are usually free of charge.

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Shih Tzus are terrific family and companion dogs, suitable for kids of all ages who can pet and play with them respectfully.

They're very friendly with other dogs, extending courtesy to cats as well, but it's essential to supervise interactions, especially during initial meetups.

Kids should be taught to interact gently with dogs, as even the most well-natured pup shouldn't have to tolerate excessive poking and prodding.

After initial bumps, Shih Tzus and cats can usually live together without issues, but it's still crucial to monitor their behavior closely.

On a similar theme: Shih Tzu and Cats

Routine dog care is essential to maintaining your furry friend's overall health and well-being. Regular vet visits are a must, even for healthy dogs. Spending about $150 on vet visits each year can save you from a lengthy vet bill down the road.

Routine veterinary costs usually include examination fees, which can range from $50 to $60 per visit. Vaccinations are also a part of routine care, with each dose costing between $20 and $30.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are key to canine wellness. Spaying or neutering your dog is a great idea to prevent future reproductive health and behavioral issues, and it's a one-time expense that usually runs around $200.

Here's a breakdown of some routine veterinary costs:

Shih Tzus are a relatively small breed, but their size can vary depending on several factors. On average, Shih Tzus weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 8 to 11 inches tall.

Their growth rate is rapid, with most Shih Tzus reaching 4 pounds by 3 months old and 10 pounds by 6 months old. By 10 months old, they are usually fully grown, although larger Shih Tzus may take a full year to reach their adult size.

Here's a rough estimate of Shih Tzu growth milestones:

Factors such as genetics, diet, and health conditions can affect a Shih Tzu's size, so it's essential to provide a balanced diet and proper care to ensure they reach their full potential.

Discover more: What to Feed Shih Tzu

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has specific standards for the Shih-Tzu breed. The AKC Shih-Tzu's front legs are straight.

Their hindquarters, on the other hand, are muscular. This muscular build is important to maintain the breed's overall balance and proportion.

The head of the AKC Shih-Tzu is big and round, set high on the neck with a face that looks forward or up. This distinctive head shape is a key characteristic of the breed.

The eyes of the AKC Shih-Tzu are large and face the front, adding to the breed's endearing and expressive appearance. The breed's shoulders are also notable, with the American type of Shih-Tzu having frontal shoulders.

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Shih Tzus are known to reach maturity quickly, typically by 10 months old, with some larger ones taking a full year to grow. This is because they are small dogs that don't need as much time to grow.

Their growth rate is steady, with most Shih Tzus gaining about 10 to 15 pounds from birth to maturity. At birth, they weigh less than 1 pound and are only 1-2 inches tall, while at 4 weeks, they weigh around 1.5 pounds and are 2-4 inches tall.

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Here's a breakdown of their growth chart:

Factors like genetics, diet, health conditions, and sterilization status can affect their growth, but their bone structure is largely determined by their DNA. If a Shih Tzu is malnourished or suffers from a disease, it may not reach its full potential size.

Big Shih Tzus are known for their wonderful lifespan, with an average length of 13 years. They can live up to 16 years, and in some cases, even longer.

With proper care, you can enjoy many happy years with your Shih Tzu. In fact, the oldest documented Shih Tzu was 23 years old.

These little dogs are as sweet as can be, loving their owners endlessly. They're not afraid to act a little silly sometimes, and their adorable eyes can get them out of trouble.

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Shih Tzus have a life span of between 10 and 16 years, with the average length being 13 years.

If you care for your fur baby, you can expect to enjoy many wonderful years together.

Of course, there are always those dogs that significantly outlive their expected life span, with the oldest documented Shih Tzu being 23 years old.

Shih Tzus are as sweet as can be, loving their owners endlessly.

They can be a bit mischievous, knowing they can get away with anything thanks to their adorable eyes.

These little dogs are not afraid to act silly sometimes, bringing a bit of mayhem into their owners' lives.

Their royal history has not made them snobbish, and they treat everyone with love and affection.

They're not picky about who they love, showering their owners with affection regardless of their background.

Consider reading: Shih Tzu Love