Do male or female Shih Tzu live longer
Shih Tzu Lifespan: How Long Do Shih Tzu Live?
Shih Tzu Lifespan: How Long Do Shih Tzu Live?
By Everything Shih Tzu, Updated November 5, 2022This post may contain affiliate links. Readprivacy&disclosurepolicy for info
When talking about Shih Tzu, the topic of how long these dogs typically live almost always come up at some point during the conversation.
While it's heartbreaking to think about the inevitable passing of our beloved pets, it is not at all unreasonable to wonder about it.
How long a Shih Tzu will live can range anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average lifespan of 13. However, genetics, environment, care, and diet can all have a significant impact on your dog's longevity.
Most Shih Tzu will live into their early teen years and are considered a senior dog between 9 and 10 years old.
Whether youre thinking about getting a Shih Tzu or already sharing your life with one of these lovable companions, its only natural that you would want your best friend to be around for as long as possible.
The lifespan of your Shih Tzu can be affected by a number of factors, including genetics and the possibility of a sudden accident.
The good news is there are things you can do now that will help keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Some of the Health Issues That Can Affect the Shih Tzu Life Span?
Overall, Shih Tzu are pretty healthy. This small breed enjoys one of the longest lifespans in the dog world.
Like many dogs, though, Shih Tzu do have certain health problems that are common to their breed.
Its important to know about what these issues are so you can keep an eye out for any symptoms. The earlier you can detect a problem, the more likely that it can be fixed or treated quickly.
If left unchecked or gone unnoticed, these are conditions that can definitely shorten dogs lifespans, or at the very least reduce their quality of life.
Some common issues that Shih Tzu can have include heart issues, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, collapsed trachea, breathing problems, and eye, ear, and teeth issues.
This might sound like a lot, but its important to remember that these are health problems that are common to many tiny dogs and doesnt mean that all Shih Tzu will get these conditions.
Shih Tzu Joint Issues
Conditions like hip dysplasia, when the hip joint moves away from the thigh bone, and patellar luxation, when the kneecap pops in an out, are found in many dogs.
Shih Tzu puppies often think they can jump higher and harder than they actually can (sort of like a toddler), so these conditions can develop in their later years.
Depending on the severity, surgery may be needed.
Often the dog can still live a completely healthy life with just a limp and some joint pain, which can be helped with medicine, but sometimes these problems can lead to immobility.
Back Problems
Due to their build of short legs and a large back, Shih Tzu are prone to something called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVD). This is where a disk slips out of place and presses against the spinal cord.
It can cause weakness, muscle spasms and in worst cases, paralysis. The symptoms can be treated with surgery and/or medicine.
Breathing problems
Sometimes Shih Tzu can be born with small passageways in their nostrils which makes it difficult for them to breathe.
If they are not able to get the proper amount of oxygen, their body can start to experience problems.
Another issue that faces small dogs is a collapsing trachea, where the windpipe can flatten from weak cartilage and make breathing difficult.
Owners should usually be able to notice breathing issues pretty quickly and get them addressed early.
So, if your dog is making snorting sounds a lot, dont just assume hes a snorer.
Eye Problems
Shih Tzu are prone to several eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness.
They also can get something called proptosis, a fancy way of saying the eyeball can come out of the socket (and will require an emergency visit to the Vet!)
Some of these issues can be fixed with surgery, but its expensive, so if you notice any changes in your dogs vision, get them to a vet right away.
Earlier diagnosis often means a more successful solution.
Ear Issues
Although all dogs do not need their ears cleaned often, Shih Tzu ears need regular attention.
Ear infections are a common reason a Shih Tzu will have to visit the Vet.
Allergies, accumulation of ear wax, wet ears, or hair growing in the ear canals can be a breeding ground for bacteria in these long fluffy flaps when left unchecked for too long.
Cleaning their earsonce a week will go a long way in keeping your dogs ears healthy.
Dental Problems
Because of their small mouths, Shih Tzu often have teeth that dont line up or are missing altogether.
Theyre also susceptible to periodontal disease (gum disease) which can have an effect on the animals overall health, causing infections that can spread throughout the bloodstream to the kidneys, liver, heart or brain.
This is why brushing their teeth is so important.
Common Issues Shih Tzu Face That Can Affect Their Longevity
When it comes to things that can affect your dogs lifespan, health conditions arent the only thing to think about.
Its important to know what traits your dogs breed possesses because certain activities, likejogging, might not be a good idea for them.
Shih Tzu, in general, are not very good swimmers, for example, so although they might enjoy a quick dip in the family pool with you, anything more than a few minutes is probably not a good idea.
Its best to let them enjoy other activities that dont involve having to constantly do the doggie paddle.
This breed also doesnt tolerate heat very well, so they dont make good outdoor pets, nor do they want to spend the day having fun in the sun.
If for some reason you need to have your Shih Tzu outside for an extended period of time, make sure they have plenty of shade and water.
Did you know...
Shih Tzu and other short faced dogs can overheat more easily than dogs with a longer snout. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly and become life threatening conditions for them.
Some dogs in this breed can also easily become overweight.
Carrying around excess weight can cause other problems, especially joint and back issues, or make conditions that are already present worse.
What You Can Do to Help Your Shih Tzu Live a Long and Happy Life
The oldest Shih Tzu on record was named Smokey, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Smokey lived to be 23 years old! Wow!
Dogs rarely live to the age of 23, but there are a few things you can do to increase the likelihood that your Shih Tzu will live to the age of 16 or beyond.
Understanding the breed's common health issues and potential behavioral problems is a good first step but here's a few more tips.
- When walking your Shih Tzu, you may want to considerusing a harness rather than a collar. This could help to prevent the collapsed trachea problem, or at the very least, it may keep it from becoming worse in the future.
- It goes without saying that bringing your dog in for a veterinarian checkup at least once a year could help them stay in tip-top health. Additionally, if you notice anything that is out of the ordinary with your four-legged friend, you should contact the vet as soon as possible.
- Keep up to date on any necessary vaccinations and regularly cleaning your dog's eyes and ears to stay ahead of any possible problems.
- A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are fundamental components of a healthy lifestyle for people as well as for dogs.
- Avoid overfeeding your dog, cut back on the treats, and let him or her get some exercise every day. Fortunately, this little pup doesn't require much of it. Taking daily strolls of a moderate length and some one-on-one playtimes are usually sufficient. (We should all be so lucky!)
- Brush your dog's teeth regularly. The same holds true for dogs as it does for people when it comes to the significance of routine dental care to overall health. Be sure to schedule an annual appointment for your four-legged friend to have a dental checkup and cleaning so that he can maintain good dental health.
- According to the American Kennel Club, "there may be long term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty." If you have a Shih Tzu puppy that is not already spayed or neutered, make it a priority to discuss with your veterinarian the best time to get it done.
- Regular grooming can also affect your dogs health, believe it or not, not to mention it just makes them feel better.
Think about it, how would you feel if you never got a haircut or a bath?
Its especially important to keep hair out of Shih Tzus eyes by trimming them or using a top knot, since their eyes protrude and can easily get scratched and infected.
When you get a new Shih Tzu, make sure to check its history.
Proper breeding can help reduce the chances of a lot of health issues since breeder's screen for these conditions.
If youre a dog lover, then your canine companion is more than a pet, shes part of the family.
And if your Shih Tzu has made her way into your heart, then, of course, you want to do everything you can to make sure shell live a long and healthy life.
Knowing what to look for and how to take care of your dog will help her enjoy her days with you, whether it be the average of 13 years or more.
Maybe your Shih Tzu will set a new record and pass up Smokeys 23-year lifespan!
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The Shih Tzu Life Span: How Long do Shih Tzus Live For?
A consideration when buying any breed of dog will be the average life span. Some dogs live longer than others, and some breeds dont live for many years at all. The Shih Tzu life span falls somewhere in between. Here is how long Shih Tzus live for in human years, what they usually die from, and even the worlds oldest on record.
How long do shih tzus live for? The average Shih Tzu lifespan is between 10 and 16 years. As a small breed, Shih Tzus will live longer on average than larger dog breeds at 13 years, but they are still prone to various health issues due to their breeding and genetics.
Thats the short answer. But if you are planning on getting a Shih Tzu, there will be things you need to be aware of to help increase their average lifespan. You can read those tips lower down the page, but first a little more about how long this breed lives and why.
How long do shih tzus live on average?
Given that we know how long Shih Tzus live for, we can calculate an average age for life expectancy. The Shih Tzu life span ranges from 10 to 16 years, so the average age they live for will be 13 years old.
How long your Shih Tzu lives to in human years will depend on multiple factors though. This will include family genetics, how you care for them in terms of food and exercise, and how happy they are in life.
Handy Hint: Here are some signs to look for so you can tell if your Shih Tzu is leading a happy life and loves you.
What is the oldest living shih tzu?
The oldest living Shih Tzu on record was Smokie the dog. A resident of Florida, lived to the ripe old age of 23. He was reputed to be the oldest living dog at the time before he passed away 2009.
Many pet owners will make claims that they have the worlds oldest Shih Tzu. However, Smokies owners can make this claim better than most due to a veterinary record.
According to the Oldest.org website, this Shih Tzu was able to claim to be the oldest because:
Claims that Smokey was older than the so called oldest dog at the time, was backed up by the VCA St. Petersburg Animal Hospital, which holds records giving Smokeys birth date as January 18, 1986.
Can shih tzus live 20 years?
Based on what we know about Smokie, we know it is possible for a Shih Tzu to be 20 years old, but this is extremely rare. In fact, so rare, I didnt find any other records instances of Shih Tzus living to be 20 years old and over.
In simple terms, you should not expect a Shih Tzu to live to be 20 years old. It is very, very unlikely. If yours does, it could rival Smokie as being the oldest living on record.
What do shih tzus usually die from?
Health and genetics play a huge part in how long your Shih Tzu will live for. There are also certain health problems you will need be aware of, that typically account for more deaths in this breed than others.
So, the things that Shih Tzus usually die from in order of the most common, are:
- Old age
- Heart conditions
- Kidney failure
The above information is a quick primer on the Shih Tzu life span. If you are still seriously considering buy a dog like this, you should read the rest below it will help to prepare you!
Shih Tzu character traits
Shih Tzus are small, stocky dogs with long hair. As companion dogs, they are ideal for less active owners as they do not require much of an exercise regime.
They are considered lively, however, and do become animated around people and other pets.
They do not view themselves as guard dogs and therefore do not bark or yap much. This makes them ideal for owners who live in built-up areas.
A Shih Tzu will not have a suspicious bone in its body. This is the type of dog that will gleefully welcome burglars and hopefully delay them with their cute antics until reinforcements arrive.
Although with a price tag of $1,000 and upward on a pup, it is more likely that a thief would be after the dog itself.
They are independent dogs and despite their innate intelligence, are seemingly difficult to train. In Stanley Corans book, entitled The Intelligence of Dogs, two hundred professional obedience judges were of this opinion.
They provided the following comparison:
- Border Collies require five repetitions of an instruction before mastering it, and then they get it right 95% of the time.
- Shih Tzus require 80-100 repetitions and once having mastered the instruction, are obedient only 25% of the time.
They probably have long memories of their elite standing in Tibetan society, and do not see the need to follow orders.
Physical characteristics and consequent problems to health
Unfortunately, there is a long list of physiological features of the breed that can cause health and hygiene problems, and affect how long your Shih Tzu will live for.
The Shih Tzu has a double coat of fur. It has an undercoat for warmth, much like ducks have downy feathers. It also has a coat with longer strands which helps this breed in colder weather.
In warm temperatures, the short hair is shed in order to cool the dogs body. These hairs get caught in the longer coat and can cause matting if the dog is not groomed often. Matted hair provides opportunities for a variety of parasites to make their home in the dogs fur.
If the long hair is cut in line with the shorter coat, less grooming is required but the continuous shedding of its hair will become more noticeable.
Constant grooming using the wrong technique and / or tools can give rise to abrasions or hotspots on the skin which may take a long time to heal.
The breed is also prone to skin allergies, so take care when choosing grooming products and parasite treatments, such as tick and flea powders, etc.
The skin allergies and possible infection, as well as overgrown hair, can cause the dog problems in the ear. Getting water in the ears, during bathing or swimming, as well as a build up of ear wax, can exacerbate these.
Shih Tzus are bred to have short faces. This can cause them breathing difficulties and other nasal problems. They also experience shortness of breath when becoming too active. Some airlines have restrictive policies when transporting dogs with this characteristic.
This breed has eyes that protrude slightly. This makes them prone to developing cataracts, dry eyes, tear duct infections and ingrown eyelashes. Care must also be taken not to play too roughly with them for fear of hurting their eyes.
Handy Hint: Ive previously written a guide about Shih Tzu eye problems which will help you diagnose any issues.
Studies have shown that over a fifth (21%) of Shih Tzus have hip dysplasia. This is a painful and ultimately debilitating problem, especially as the dog ages.
They also, unfortunately, are prone to developing problems in the cartilaginous discs between their vertebrae which can cause them pain and difficulty moving about or walking. The first sign you will see will be a pronounced limp like this.
Sadly, the list continues. Shih Tzus are prone to digestive problems, hernias, kidney infections, liver disease and urinary stones. If left unchecked any of these can prove fatal.
They also need to have regular blood checks as the breed has a higher-than-average chance of developing blood clots.
Shih Tzus are also one of those breeds that are predisposed towards a nasty autoimmune dysfunction known as immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). This can suddenly afflict your dog and put its life in danger within 24 hours, with a 50:50 chance of survival.
How to care for a Shih Tzu to help with a longer life span
Given the list of things that could go wrong with a Shih Tzu, it is advisable to choose your puppy carefully. Get to know the breeder well. An unscrupulous breeder may not know all the potential problems or ignore them for the sake of profit.
Also get to know the history of the puppys parents. If they have shown any signs of the conditions described above, the chances are high that the genes will be passed on to the offspring.
The next most important person in your dogs life is going to be your vet. Regular check ups of all the problem areas are advisable. Also pay attention to the vaccinations required and any potential harmful side-effects associated with these.
Get to know your pets potential health problems, and do regular health check-ups at home as well, in order to pre-empt any problems that may occur between visits to the vet.
On a daily basis, the Shih Tzus diet is extremely important. Skin irritations are often a good indication that the dog is not responding well to its food. Apparently, they are fussy eaters, and may know what is best for them. A good diet may also stave off the predisposed problems that affect the dogs internal organs.
As they were designed to be layabouts, and are not above being bribed to do as they are told, be careful not to overdo it with the treats. Include the calory count in their daily allowance. Try to keep these to whole food such as carrots, cucumbers and cauliflower.
Unnecessary weight gains will exacerbate any latent hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc problems. Obesity also causes digestive problems, hypertension and heart disease, even in dogs.
Frequent and regular grooming will help regulate your dogs temperature. Because of their compromised airways, Shih Tzus can easily develop heat stroke even when conditions are tolerable for humans.
A clean and neat coat will also help to keep the dog free from parasites.
Your pet will need frequent but not strenuous exercise to keep its lymphatic system active. This will strengthen the dogs immunity and help it to fight opportunistic diseases and infections.
When choosing a lead, opt for a harness which does not restrict airflow to the airways. The dog is already at a disadvantage because of its short snout and you do not want to cause additional stress.
Shih Tzus have small bladders and need to urinate frequently in order to prevent the build up of toxins in the system. Some owners have experienced difficulty with toilet training because of this.
Conclusion
On average, Shih Tzus have a longer life expectancy than large dog breeds. But that doesnt mean they wont be prone to health issues which could reduce their life span on a an individual basis.
As owners, you need to have adequate pet insurance and make sure this dog gets enough exercise. It wont need a lot, but it still needs to be kept active and health to live longer.
Shih Tzu means Little Lion in its mother tongue. It is a toy dog, first bred in Tibet, as a companion for royalty and the aristocracy. It was designed to lounge around on silk cushions, being fanned by the court staff and constantly groomed.
That doesnt mean you should not exercise them though.
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Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/0InvZoEB4sc
