When Do Shih Tzus Stop Growing: Understanding Growth Patterns

Shih Tzus are known for their big eyes and fluffy coats, but did you know they're also one of the smallest dog breeds? They typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.

As a small breed, Shih Tzus grow at a relatively slow pace. They usually reach their full height between 9 and 11 months of age.

Shih Tzus can continue to gain weight and muscle mass until they're about a year old.

Shih Tzus officially reach adulthood at one year old, but most have already finished growing between 10–12 months old.

Some individuals may continue to grow a little beyond the one-year mark, but this is the exception and not the norm. Male dogs, especially those that remain unneutered, might fill out a little in their second year of life.

Understanding your Shih Tzu puppy's age-related growth milestones is important for their overall health and well-being.

Infancy is a wonderful time for Shih Tzu puppies. They're still completely dependent on their owners for everything.

During this phase, Shih Tzu puppies will start to fill out and gain muscle mass. They'll become more independent and may start to challenge their owners, so be prepared for some spirited interactions.

At this age, Shih Tzu puppies will be close to their full-grown size, but they may continue to fill out and gain muscle mass.

Shih Tzus officially reach adulthood at one year old, but most have already finished growing between 10–12 months old.

Between 7 to 9 months, Shih Tzu puppies will start to fill out and gain muscle mass, becoming more independent and possibly challenging their owners.

Their adult coat will start to come in during this phase, and they'll be close to their full-grown size.

Shih Tzus remain in the breeder's care until they are twelve weeks old, at which point they'll start to gain weight and muscle mass.

At one year old, some male dogs, especially those that remain unneutered, might fill out a little in their second year of life, but this is the exception and not the norm.

By providing your Shih Tzu puppy with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and socialization, you can help them reach their full potential.

Measuring your Shih Tzu is an important part of tracking their growth and development. A Shih Tzu's height is measured from the ground in a straight line, perpendicularly, to their withers, which are the highest point between their shoulders.

To get an accurate measurement, make sure your Shih Tzu is on firm level ground and standing perfectly still. This can be a challenge, especially with boisterous young Shih Tzus!

You can measure your Shih Tzu's weight in two ways, depending on their age and size. For puppies under three months old, use a kitchen scale with a large plastic bowl to weigh them. For older puppies or adult Shih Tzus, use a bathroom scale and weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your Shih Tzu, and subtract your weight from the combined weight to find your Shih Tzu's weight.

Here's a rough guide to measuring your Shih Tzu's weight and height at different ages:

Remember, every Shih Tzu is different, and these are just general guidelines.

Genetics play a significant role in determining a Shih Tzu's size and weight. The size of the parents and their lineage can provide a good indication of how big a puppy will grow.

A balanced diet is crucial for a Shih Tzu's growth, and overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to growth problems and health issues. Puppies need regular exercise to develop strong muscles and bones, but excessive exercise or strenuous activities can cause growth problems and injuries.

Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and stress can also impact growth. Shih Tzu puppies need a warm, comfortable, and stress-free environment to grow and develop properly.

Here's a breakdown of the factors that can affect a Shih Tzu's size:

Spaying or neutering a Shih Tzu can also affect their growth rate, but the impact is not significant enough to cause health problems.

Shih Tzus have a unique growth rate influenced by their breed-specific traits. Their small skeletal structure and short muzzle can affect their growth rate.

Most Shih Tzus will fall within a specific height and weight range, but males may approach the higher end of each range. This doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with their development.

A Shih Tzu's growth rate can be tracked using a size and growth chart, which provides a general idea of their expected weight and height at different ages. Here's a breakdown of the expected growth range for a Shih Tzu:

Shih Tzus typically reach their adult height by 6 to 8 months, but their weight may continue to increase until they are 12 months old.

The size of your Shih Tzu puppy is influenced by its parents, specifically their size and weight. Genetics play a significant role in determining a puppy's size, so if both parents are small, the puppy is likely to be small as well.

The size of the parents can provide a good indication of how big a puppy will grow. Genetics is not the only factor, but it's a crucial one.

Consider reading: Average Size of Shih Tzu

If one or both parents are large, then the puppy may grow to be bigger in size. This is because the puppy inherits traits from its parents, including their size.

Providing proper nutrition and care can ensure that your Shih Tzu puppy grows at a healthy rate. A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for a puppy's growth and development.

By choosing the right parents, you can get an idea of how big your puppy will grow. Of course, other factors like nutrition and exercise also play a role, but genetics is a significant factor.

Suggestion: Grow Lights

Spaying or neutering your Shih Tzu can affect their growth rate, so it's essential to wait until they're fully grown.

Spaying or neutering can cause spayed or neutered dogs to be taller and thinner than intact dogs, due to changes in hormone levels that affect metabolism and growth.

Removing the reproductive organs can have a significant impact on a dog's growth, but it's not enough to cause health problems.

In fact, spaying or neutering can help prevent certain health issues, such as mammary cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.

It's recommended to wait until your Shih Tzu is fully grown before considering spaying or neutering, to allow them to reach their full potential in terms of size and development.

Shih Tzus reach adulthood at one year old, but most have finished growing between 10–12 months old. This is a general rule, but every individual is unique.

Most Shih Tzus reach their full height by the age of 6-8 months, but their weight may continue to increase until they are 12-18 months old. This is a normal part of their growth process.

Shih Tzus go through several stages of development, including a neonatal stage where they rely on their mother for food, warmth, and protection, and a socialization stage where they learn important social skills and develop their personalities.

Shih Tzus have an average lifespan of 10-16 years, which is a relatively long time for a small breed dog. Their growth patterns can be affected by various health issues.

Some common health issues that can affect a Shih Tzu's growth include stunted or delayed growth. If a Shih Tzu puppy is not gaining weight or growing at the expected rate, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Signs that a Shih Tzu puppy may be experiencing a serious health issue include a lack of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy or weakness, difficulty breathing, and seizures. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

A veterinarian should be consulted if a Shih Tzu puppy is consistently growing at a rate that is significantly faster or slower than average. This could be a sign of an underlying health issue or nutritional imbalance.

Here are some symptoms that may indicate a serious health issue in a Shih Tzu puppy:

If you notice any of these symptoms in your Shih Tzu puppy, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Shih Tzus officially reach adulthood at one year old, but most have already finished growing between 10–12 months old.

Most Shih Tzus reach their full height by the age of 6-8 months, but their weight may continue to increase until they are 12-18 months old.

Some individuals may continue to grow a little beyond the one-year mark, but this is the exception and not the norm.

Male Shih Tzus, especially those that remain unneutered, might fill out a little in their second year of life, but the emphasis is on “a little.”

After a Shih Tzu reaches their full size and weight, which usually happens between 12-18 months old, their growth rate slows down.

Consider reading: Shih Tzu Ideal Weight

Regular veterinary care and monitoring are essential to ensure a Shih Tzu's growth and health. This includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care such as flea and tick control.

If a Shih Tzu puppy is not gaining weight or growing at the expected rate, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Broaden your view: Shih Tzu Puppy Care

Some symptoms that may indicate a serious health issue include lack of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy or weakness, difficulty breathing, and seizures. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Consulting a veterinarian is also necessary if a Shih Tzu puppy is consistently growing at a rate that is significantly faster or slower than average. This could be a sign of an underlying health issue or nutritional imbalance.

A veterinarian can perform regular physical exams and diagnostic tests to identify any health issues early on, preventing more serious problems from developing.