If you’ve ever raised a Shih Tzu puppy, you already know the zoomies are real. One minute they’re passed out in your lap, the next they’re racing down the hallway like their life depends on it.
So it’s only natural to wonder: When do they actually calm down?
The short of it is… it depends. Because while age plays a role, a calm, well-adjusted Shih Tzu is the result of consistent structure, intentional care, and choosing a temperament that fits your lifestyle.
Let’s break down what really shapes a Shih Tzu’s energy level, what you can expect at each life stage, and how to raise a puppy who settles in all the right ways.
What Really Affects a Shih Tzu’s Energy Level?
Not every Shih Tzu is wired the same. Some are naturally energetic. Others are more chill from the get-go. These early personality traits, like confidence, curiosity, sensitivity, and drive, make up a dog’s temperament, and they’re visible even as young puppies.
But even more important than temperament… The environment your puppy grows up in. A higher-energy puppy can absolutely learn to settle with structure. And a mellow pup can still become anxious if their needs aren’t met consistently. That’s where your role comes in.
How to Set the Stage for Calm Behavior
Many well-meaning Shih Tzu owners lead with love and affection. But if your puppy hasn’t had a chance to release energy or understand structure, cuddles can confuse more than they comfort.
Here’s the ideal order of needs:
Boundaries First – Puppies need gentle rules and routines. Structure helps them feel secure and teaches them how to self-regulate.
Stimulation Second – Physical exercise (walks, playtime, gentle training) and mental enrichment (puzzle toys, nose work, learning new cues) help drain energy in a positive way.
Affection Last – Once your puppy feels safe and fulfilled, affection becomes a reward, not a replacement for their unmet needs.
Life Stages of a Shih Tzu: What to Expect
The Puppy Stage (0–12 Months)
This is the peak of energy, curiosity, and chaos. Shih Tzu puppies are full of zoomies, short attention spans, and intense exploration. Everything is new and exciting. They’ll nap often but come alive in short, intense bursts.
Predictable routines Calm socialization with people and other animals Short, focused play sessions Safe spaces with soft boundaries A well-structured day helps channel that puppy energy into growth, not destruction.
The Young Adult Stage (1–3 Years)
Somewhere between 12 and 18 months, you’ll start to see your Shih Tzu settle, at least a little. They begin to respond to your structure more consistently. Their routines become familiar. Their bursts of play shrink, and they nap more predictably.
But this is also when your training is tested. Many Shih Tzus hit a rebellious phase during this time, especially if they’ve never had consistent boundaries.
Continuing to reinforce structure Offering jobs or games to engage their mind Adjusting enrichment to fit their energy needs
The Mature Adult Stage (3–10 Years)
This is when most Shih Tzus find their groove. They’ve learned how to move through their day with less chaos. They’re responsive to your cues. They enjoy play and enrichment, but in a more balanced, mellow way.
If you chose a puppy based on their natural temperament and raised them with intention, this stage should feel like a breath of fresh air.
The Senior Stage (10+ Years)
In their golden years, Shih Tzus tend to slow down. They still benefit from light walks, puzzles, gentle grooming, and lots of snuggles, but their overall energy is much lower.
Keeping a predictable daily rhythm Providing soft, cozy spaces for rest Maintaining mobility with light movement
Choosing the Right Puppy Makes All the Difference
At Divine Pups, we believe calm is a combination of nature and nurture. That’s why every puppy in our program is temperament tested using a certified system to measure energy level, resilience, human connection, motivation, and more.
When you understand a puppy’s natural traits from the start, you can choose one that truly aligns with your home and lifestyle. We match families with puppies who are already learning how to settle, self-regulate, and follow gentle structure, so they’re not just cute… they’re ready.
So, When Do Shih Tzus Calm Down?
Most Shih Tzus start to settle somewhere between 12 and 18 months.
But here’s the thing, calm doesn’t just “happen.”
It’s the result of raising a puppy with intention. That means picking a pup whose temperament fits your life, meeting their needs in the right order, being consistent with structure, and creating an environment where they can actually relax.
That’s exactly how we raise our puppies. From their very first weeks, they’re introduced to a structured curriculum designed to build up their confidence, early socialization, and daily structure that helps them learn how to self-regulate.
Check out our available pups HERE.
