Exact Answer: 13-16 Years
Shih Tzus are popular small family pets that people love to have. If you own a Shih Tzu as well, you may be wondering how long these adorable canines can live. A Shih Tzu may expect to live for about 13 or 14 years on average. However, Shih Tzu’s life expectancy is affected by a variety of circumstances.
If you own a Shih Tzu, you must want to learn more about how long they will live. It is a good thing to learn about Shih Tzu’s health issues and other factors that may influence your Shih Tzu’s life expectancy. Once you know it all, it will enable you to take care of them in a better way.
How Long Do Shih Tzu Live?
| Life | Age |
| Minimum | 13 Years |
| Maximum | 16 Years |
As previously stated, various health conditions may shorten your Shih Tzu’s lifespan, therefore you must understand the indicators of excellent health in dogs. While not every Shih Tzu will develop these health problems, it is vital to be aware of the possibility.
Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common health concerns in Shih Tzus. When a dog’s hip socket fails to develop properly, this can happen. Your dog may develop arthritis and be in more pain if they develop hip dysplasia. Hypothyroidism in your Shih Tzu is also possible.
When your dog’s thyroid fails to produce adequate hormones, this happens. Your Shih Tzu’s organ functions and metabolism may be affected by hypothyroidism. Eye problems are also common in Shih Tzus. They might get dry eyes, which can lead to blindness or ulcers.
Ulcers can be a major issue for little dogs, making it difficult for them to see clearly. Another prevalent eye problem in Shih Tzus is cataracts. Your dog’s vision may deteriorate as the problem worsens. This can quickly escalate. Kidney and liver problems are also common in Shih Tzus. Unfortunately, many dogs who contract this condition will die as a result of it.
The Shih Tzu dog is known for its longevity, with an average lifespan of roughly 13 years. Their life expectancy is affected by a variety of conditions, however, they can live for up to 16 years or longer. You just need to look after them in a good way.
Why Do Shih Tzu Live That Long?
It is feasible to extend the life of your Shih Tzu. The first and most crucial step is to ensure that you are purchasing a Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder. They will get the parents evaluated for health problems and will inform the puppy buyers of any problems.
You should also take your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian regularly to acquire all of the necessary vaccines. You should take your dog to the veterinarian if you observe them acting out of the ordinary. Early detection of any potential health issues provides your dog with the best chance of receiving adequate care.
Make sure your Shih Tzu doesn’t spend too much time outside in the heat. They are prone to overheating, which might result in serious health problems. Shih Tzus live to be roughly 13 years old on average. There have been some Shih Tzus who have lived longer and others who have lived shorter.
With that in mind, if you want to lengthen the life of your Shih Tzu, make sure you keep them active, provide them with good care, and take them to the veterinarian regularly. You must ensure that they receive their vaccines.
If you follow these guidelines, you may expect your Shih Tzu to have a long, happy, and healthy life. Shih Tzus are renowned to be exceptionally intelligent dogs in addition to being attractive and affectionate. They enjoy learning and excel in obedience training.
Conclusion
Shih Tzu dogs are considered to be a toy dog breed, weighing less than 20-22 pounds on average. They are 10 inches tall on average and attain adult size in around 8-10 months. If you have adopted a pet Shih Tzu, you must be aware of all this.
Shih Tzu dogs live longer than most dogs. When it comes to health, though, things become a little more tricky. On average, little dogs live longer than larger dogs, giving the Shih Tzu an edge in this regard. However, the face shape of a Shih Tzu puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to enjoying a healthy life.
References
- https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-018-0271-y
- https://aapm.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1118/1.2008507
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073519330100330X
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