Houndyear

Shih Tzu Lifespan: How Long Do Shih Tzus Live?

By Bianca Bello

Shih Tzus are remarkably long-lived for a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed. A landmark 2024 Royal Veterinary College study of 11,082 Shih Tzus found their median lifespan at 12.7 years — dramatically longer than other flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs (4.5 years) and Pugs (7.7 years). Some Shih Tzus live to 18 years or beyond. Their small size and relatively healthy gene pool combine to produce one of the longer-lived small breeds.

How old is your Shih Tzu?

Tell us a little — we'll do the math.

Your dog's age

Enter Shih Tzu's age to see them in human years.

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Pre-filled for the Shih Tzu — but you can still adjust if your dog leans bigger or smaller.

Based on AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines and the UC San Diego DNA methylation study. An estimate — not a clinical diagnosis.

Average lifespan

10–18

years

VetCompass UK 2024 study of 11,082 Shih Tzus (O'Neill et al., RVC). Median age at death: 12.7 years (IQR 8.7-14.3, range 2.0-19.9). Notably longer than other flat-faced breeds — French Bulldogs average 4.5y, Pugs 7.7y.

How they compare

Why Shih Tzus live the lives they do.

Shih Tzu average

10–18 years

Typical small breeds

12–16 years

Shih Tzus benefit from being small (typically 9-16 pounds) — body size is the strongest predictor of canine lifespan. Even more notable: despite being brachycephalic (flat-faced), Shih Tzus don't suffer the severe respiratory issues that shorten the lives of French Bulldogs and Pugs. The 2024 VetCompass study concluded that Shih Tzus can be considered 'more typical' in their health patterns compared to other brachycephalic breeds. This is good news for the breed's longevity outlook.

Age timeline

How Shih Tzus age over time.

Milestones drawn from veterinary aging research, adjusted for the small-breed life curve.

Dog ageHuman equiv.What to watch
8 weeks1NewbornReady for new home. Critical socialization window. Start gentle handling and gradual exposure.
6 months8ChildAdult teeth coming in. Start daily dental care routine — your future self will thank you.
1 year15TeenagerSexually mature but still mentally a puppy. Adult coat beginning to develop.
2 years24Young adultFully grown. Personality fully formed. Coat at peak length and texture.
5 years36AdultAnnual dental cleanings recommended. Watch for early eye issues.
8 years48Mature adultBegin annual senior bloodwork. Joint supplements often beneficial now.
11 years60SeniorSlow down on stairs. Soft beds. Consider raising food and water bowls.
13 years68GeriatricAbove average lifespan reached. Comfort over activity. Vet visits twice yearly.
17 years84ExceptionalBeating the odds beautifully. Quality of life over quantity.

Common health considerations

Health to watch for in Shih Tzus.

Informational only — your vet remains the best source for clinical guidance.

  • Periodontal (dental) disease

    3+ years

    The single most common issue in Shih Tzus — affecting 9.5% of dogs in the 2024 VetCompass study. Their small mouths crowd 42 adult teeth, creating ideal conditions for plaque. Daily brushing is essential.

  • Eye problems

    Any age

    Their prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye, and infections. The 2024 study found ophthalmological disorders in 11.9% of Shih Tzus. Daily eye cleaning prevents most issues.

  • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

    Any age

    Flat-faced anatomy restricts breathing. Less severe than in Frenchies or Pugs, but still significant. Avoid heat and overexertion. Surgery available for severe cases.

  • Patellar luxation

    1-6 years

    Kneecap slips out of place. Common in small breeds. Often manageable without surgery; severe cases may need orthopedic correction.

  • Anal sac impaction

    Any age

    More common in Shih Tzus than most breeds — 7.4% prevalence in the 2024 VetCompass study. Vet can express manually as needed.

  • Ear disorders

    Any age

    Floppy ears trap moisture and create infection-friendly environments. The 2024 study found ear disorders in 5.5% of Shih Tzus. Weekly cleaning prevents most infections.

  • Heart disease

    7+ years

    Heart disease tied with enteropathy as a leading cause of death (7.9% each) in the 2024 VetCompass study. Annual cardiac exams from age 7 are recommended.

Longevity tips

How to help your Shih Tzu live longer.

For Shih Tzus, three priorities dominate longevity: (1) Daily dental care — periodontal disease was the #1 most common health issue in the 2024 VetCompass study (9.5% prevalence). Daily brushing extends life. (2) Eye care — Shih Tzus have prominent eyes prone to ulcers; daily cleaning prevents most issues. (3) Heat awareness — though less severe than other flat-faced breeds, they still struggle in heat. Never leave them in hot cars or exercise them in extreme heat.

Common questions

Common questions about Shih Tzus.

  • How long do Shih Tzus live on average?

    A 2024 Royal Veterinary College study of 11,082 Shih Tzus found the median age at death was 12.7 years, with many living 16 years or longer. They are one of the longest-lived flat-faced breeds — dramatically outliving French Bulldogs (4.5 years) and Pugs (7.7 years).

  • How old is a 5 year old Shih Tzu in human years?

    A 5-year-old Shih Tzu is approximately 36 in human years. Shih Tzus are small breeds and age slowly — about 4 human years per dog year after age 2. The first year equals 15 human years, the second adds 9, and each year after adds 4.

  • At what age is a Shih Tzu considered a senior?

    Shih Tzus are typically classified as senior at age 9 to 10 — slightly later than larger breeds because they age slower. This is when annual bloodwork becomes standard, and you may notice subtle changes like longer naps, slightly cloudier eyes, or less enthusiasm for stairs.

  • Why do Shih Tzus live longer than other flat-faced breeds?

    Shih Tzus don't suffer the severe respiratory complications that plague French Bulldogs and Pugs. The 2024 VetCompass study concluded that Shih Tzus have 'surprisingly good health' compared to other brachycephalic breeds — their slightly longer muzzle, healthier gene pool, and lower inbreeding coefficient (5.4%) all contribute.

  • What is the most common health issue in Shih Tzus?

    Periodontal (dental) disease, by a wide margin. The 2024 VetCompass UK study found 9.5% of Shih Tzus had it during a single year. Their small mouths crowd 42 adult teeth. Daily brushing and annual professional cleanings are the single most impactful thing you can do for their longevity.

  • How can I help my Shih Tzu live longer?

    Three things matter most: brush their teeth daily (genuinely daily), keep them lean (you should feel ribs without pressing), and never let them overheat. Brachycephalic dogs cannot pant efficiently — heat is more dangerous for them than most owners realize.

Explore other breeds

More dogs to know.

Three more lifespan guides — picked for closeness in size to the Shih Tzu.