Understanding Shih Tzu Size and Weight

Shih Tzus are a beloved breed, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. On average, they weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.

Their small size makes them a great companion for city dwellers or those with limited space. Shih Tzus typically reach a height of 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder.

Their compact size also means they require less exercise than larger breeds. However, they still need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.

With proper care, Shih Tzus can live up to 10 to 16 years, making them a long-term companion.

Adult Shih Tzus should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds, or around 4 to 7 kg.

Their ideal weight depends on their age, but there's little difference between the weight of a female and a male Shih Tzu.

A Shih Tzu's Body Condition Score (BCS) is a more accurate way to determine if they're over or underweight than just their weight.

Related reading: Shih Tzu Weight Estimator

A dog's BCS takes into account how easily their ribs and spine can be felt, as well as whether they have a visible waistline.

Shih Tzu puppies stop growing at around ten months of age.

Here's a quick summary of the breed's physical characteristics:

Shih Tzus typically stop growing at around ten months of age, which is much earlier than larger breeds.

Their adult weight can vary, but the ideal weight for an adult Shih Tzu is between 9 and 16 lbs, or around 4 to 7 kg.

You can use their Body Condition Score (BCS) to determine if they're over or underweight, rather than relying solely on their weight.

A low BCS indicates that your dog is underweight, while a high BCS means they're overweight.

Shih Tzu puppies grow at different rates, and their growth isn't always linear. One method to predict their adult weight is to multiply their weight at 8 weeks by 3 and add 2 lbs.

Here's a rough guide to Shih Tzu growth:

Keep in mind that every puppy is different, and their growth may vary.

An adult Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 lbs, which is around 4 to 7 kg. This range is the same for both male and female dogs.

While weight can be a good guide, it's not foolproof. A far more accurate way of determining whether your dog is over or underweight is using their Body Condition Score (BCS).

A dog's BCS takes into account how easily their ribs and spine can be felt, as well as whether they have a visible waistline. If your dog's BCS is low, they are underweight, whereas if it is high, they are overweight.

Here's a rough estimate of a Shih Tzu's weight at different ages: