How Long Do Shih Tzus Live? Lifespan & Health

The Shih Tzu is one of Britain's best-loved companion dogs — a small, affectionate, glamorous little breed bred over centuries to be a friend rather than a worker. If you are thinking of welcoming one, or already share your home with one, an early question is usually how long they live and what to keep an eye on along the way. Here is an honest look at Shih Tzu lifespan, the conditions the breed can be prone to, and the everyday things that help yours stay well.

How long do Shih Tzus live?

Shih Tzus are a long-lived small breed, typically reaching around 12–15 years, and many comfortably pass into their mid-teens with good care. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than large breeds, and the Shih Tzu is no exception. As always, genetics set the outer limits, while everyday care — weight, diet, dental health, eye care and routine veterinary attention — strongly influences where an individual dog lands within that range. A well-bred, well-cared-for Shih Tzu is very much a long-term member of the family.

The flat face: breathing and heat

The most important thing to understand about the breed is that the Shih Tzu is brachycephalic — flat-faced — with a shortened muzzle. In some dogs this contributes to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can cause noisy or laboured breathing, snoring, reduced exercise tolerance and difficulty cooling down. Flat-faced dogs are also more vulnerable to heatstroke, so they should never be over-exercised in warm weather or left in hot, poorly ventilated places. Not every Shih Tzu is badly affected, but it is a genuine welfare consideration and a reason to choose a breeder who selects for more open nostrils and a slightly longer muzzle. Our honest health guide covers this in more detail.

The eyes

Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes set in a flat face, which leaves them exposed and prone to problems such as corneal ulcers and injuries, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and 'cherry eye'. Hair around the face can also rub and irritate. Daily eye checks, keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied back, and seeing a vet promptly for any squinting, redness, cloudiness or discharge are all important. Eye problems in this breed can worsen quickly, so never adopt a wait-and-see approach.

Ears, skin and folds

The breed's hairy ear canals, facial folds and dense coat can predispose them to ear infections, skin irritation and fold dermatitis if not kept clean and dry. Regular grooming and routine cleaning go a long way to preventing these. Watch for scratching, head-shaking, redness or odour, and see your vet early. Our grooming and care guide explains the practical routine.

Weight: the everyday risk

Beyond breed-specific issues, the most common day-to-day health problem in any dog is simply carrying too much weight. Excess weight strains the joints, worsens breathing in a flat-faced dog, and raises the risk of other conditions. Because a Shih Tzu's shape is hidden under a thick coat, judge condition by feel — you should be able to feel the ribs easily — rather than by eye. The pet calorie calculator helps you feed the right amount, and a slow feeder can help an enthusiastic eater pace themselves.

Helping your Shih Tzu live a long, healthy life

• Keep them lean — measure meals and avoid constant treats and table scraps.
• Protect them from heat — never over-exercise a flat-faced dog in warm weather, and watch for laboured breathing.
• Care for the eyes daily — check them, keep the face hair trimmed, and act fast on any problem.
• Stay on top of dental care, vaccinations and parasite control — small breeds are especially prone to dental disease.
• Choose a health-tested puppy — buy from a breeder who screens for eye and other conditions (see our cost and buying guide).
• Insure early — lifelong cover is genuinely valuable for a breed with eye and airway risks.
• Provide gentle exercise and enrichment — little and often suits this small companion breed.

You can get a rough sense of lifespan with our pet life expectancy tool, work out walks with the dog walking calculator, and find local and emergency clinics through our vet finder.

*This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet, who can assess your individual dog.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Shih Tzu breed information and health (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — Shih Tzu and brachycephalic dog health (pdsa.org.uk).
• RVC VetCompass — UK dog health and longevity research (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).
• Blue Cross — caring for your dog (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — flat-faced dog welfare (rspca.org.uk).