Shih Tzu may be tiny, but they are mighty. These lovable pups can have incredibly long lives when properly cared for. When it comes to caring for your Shih Tzu, there are many ways you can help to keep them healthy and improve their life expectancy.
This blog will focus on what their life expectancy is, how that life expectancy compares to other similar breeds, reasons why their life expectancy is what it is, and health concerns for Shih Tzu.
How Long do Shih Tzu usually Live
Shih Tzu have a fairly long life, with many Shih Tzu living an average of 10-16 years, with some living into their twenties. The oldest Shih Tzu on record lived to be a whopping 23 years old. Some accredit the Shih Tzu life expectancy to their bubbling personalities and their happy countenance.
How do Shih Tzu Life Expectancies Compare to Other Breeds
You might be curious how the life expectancy of a Shih Tzu compares to other similar breeds. We are going to break that down and compare the similarities and differences of the life expectancies of Shih Tzu to other pups.
- Shih Tzu compared to other toy breeds – when compared to other smaller toy breeds and small dogs, Shih Tzu has a moderate life expectancy. Some small breeds have a longer average life span, like Chihuahuas who live on average 15-20 years. Other breeds have slightly shorter life expectancies, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who typically have a lifespan on average of 9 -14 years.
- Shih Tzu life spans compared to medium-sized dogs – most medium-sized breeds of dogs typically have a lifespan of 13-15 years, meaning that many medium-breed dogs share similar life spans with the Shih Tzu.
- Comparing Shih Tzu life spans with large breed dogs – many large breed dogs have shorter life spans than Shih Tzu. The average lifespan for larger breeds can range anywhere from 8-12 years.
It is important to note while there are averages for different breeds and sizes of dogs, there are always exceptions to those averages. Some dogs will live shorter or longer than others.
Some speculate that Shih Tzu has such an incredible lifespan because of how long the breed has existed. The Shih Tzu breed has been around for nearly a thousand years, allowing them to evolve and develop stronger instincts.
Your Shih Tzu Lifespan and How to Help Extend it.
There are many ways you can help extend the life expectancy of your Shih Tzu. These methods include:
- Regular vet checks
- Dental cleaning and hygiene
- Proper exercise
- Diet and nutrition
- Spaying and neutering
- Dog proofing
By working to take proper care of your Shih Tzu, you allow them the best chance at a long-lasting life. You can read more about helping your Shih Tzu expand their life expectancy here, in this blog, 8 Ways to Help Your Shih Tzu Live a Long and Healthy Life
