How Big Do Shih Tzus Get?
Post Date:
December 10, 2024
(Date Last Modified: November 13, 2025)
Shih Tzus are a small, companion-focused breed with a compact build and long coat that can affect how large they look. Read on for specifics about typical size, growth patterns, and how to monitor a healthy development.
Typical adult size and breed standards
Breed standards list adult height at the withers for Shih Tzus in the range of about 8–11 inches (20–28 cm) and an adult weight commonly reported near 9–16 pounds (4–7 kg). [1]
International kennel authorities provide measurements consistent with those values, noting slight regional phrasing differences but similar size bands. [2]
Males typically trend slightly larger than females, often by roughly 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in height and a couple of pounds in weight on average. [3]
| Category | Height at withers (in/cm) | Weight (lb/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Male (typical) | 8–11 in (20–28 cm) | 10–16 lb (4.5–7.3 kg)[1] |
| Female (typical) | 8–10 in (20–25 cm) | 9–14 lb (4–6.5 kg)[1] |
| Pet-line (smaller show/pet selection) | 7–10 in (18–25 cm) | 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)[3] |
Growth timeline: puppy to adult
In small breeds like Shih Tzus, the initial rapid growth phase is generally 0–4 months of age during which puppies gain a large proportion of their adult weight. [4]
A secondary growth phase commonly spans about 4–9 months when many dogs continue filling out and developing adult proportions. [4]
Most small-breed Shih Tzus reach near-final height by roughly 6–9 months and continue to gain muscle and fat to reach mature weight by about 9–12 months, with some individuals continuing subtle maturation through 18 months. [3]
Signs of delayed growth include weight plateauing or dropping across two regular weighing intervals, while accelerated growth may be an overly rapid weight gain relative to breed expectations; either pattern should prompt veterinary evaluation. [3]
Genetic and breed variation
Parent size and bloodline strongly influence adult size, so puppies from smaller parents usually remain smaller than those from larger parents. [1]
Some Shih Tzu lines are selectively bred for show characteristics while others are selected for compact pet size, creating measurable variability even within the breed. [2]
Mixed-breed Shih Tzu crosses can show wide size variation depending on the other parent breed, and predictable size requires assessing parental sizes and line histories. [1]
External factors that affect size
Nutrition during growth is a decisive external factor; inadequate calories or protein can slow growth and cause failure to reach genetic potential. [6]
- Calorie and protein sufficiency during puppy stages supports normal skeletal and muscle development. [6]
- Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism or growth-hormone abnormalities can retard or alter growth patterns. [3]
- The timing of spay/neuter can influence growth plates; spay/neuter before skeletal maturity (for example before 6 months) has been associated in some studies with small shifts in final limb length and orthopedic risk in certain breeds. [5]
Environmental factors such as chronic stress, recurring illness, or insufficient exercise may also affect lean mass accumulation and overall size. [3]
How to measure and track size accurately
Measure height at the withers with the dog standing square on a flat surface, using a rigid ruler or measuring stick and recording inches to the nearest quarter-inch. [3]
Use a reliable scale and weigh a growing Shih Tzu every 2–4 weeks during the first year, documenting trend lines rather than relying on single measurements. [3]
Compare recorded weights to small-breed growth charts or percentiles when available, and discuss deviations running across consecutive measures with your veterinarian. [4]
Minis, teacups, and size labeling
There is no official “teacup” classification recognized by major kennel clubs, and the term is a marketing label rather than a recognized breed standard designation. [2]
Breeders who advertise “mini” or “teacup” Shih Tzus commonly imply adult weights in the lower single digits, sometimes promoted around 4–6 pounds (1.8–2.7 kg), but such small sizes increase the chance of congenital and developmental problems. [3]
Practical and ethical breeding practices prioritize health and temperament over extreme size reduction; buyers should avoid breeders who suggest deliberate underweight breeding or repeated dosing of restrictive nutrition to achieve tiny adults. [2]
Comparing Shih Tzus to similar small breeds
Maltese adults commonly fall near 4–7 pounds (1.8–3.2 kg), which often makes them smaller than a typical Shih Tzu. [1]
Lhasa Apsos usually range larger, often about 12–18 pounds (5.4–8.2 kg), overlapping the upper range of some Shih Tzus. [1]
Toy Poodles commonly sit near 4–6 pounds (1.8–2.7 kg) when classified as toy size and therefore can look significantly lighter than most Shih Tzus despite similar overall height in some individuals. [1]
Body type and coat density change perceived size, so consider both measured weight/height and owner lifestyle when choosing a breed. [3]
Managing growth and maintaining ideal body condition
Feed a complete and balanced puppy formula labeled for growth until the dog reaches skeletal maturity, commonly continuing puppy diets until about 9–12 months for most small Shih Tzus. [6]
Adjust portions based on weight trends and body condition score, and reassess every 2–4 weeks while the dog is still growing. [7]
For fluid planning and clinical considerations, typical maintenance fluid needs for adult dogs are often estimated around 60 mL/kg/day and during rapid growth or illness might be nearer 80–100 mL/kg/day. [4]
Monitor body condition score rather than relying on scale weight alone, aiming to keep an adult Shih Tzu within a healthy range of their breed/line ideal to reduce orthopedic and cardiometabolic risk. [7]
Size-related health issues and when to see a vet
Obesity—commonly defined as 15–20% or more above ideal body weight for small dogs—raises the risk of osteoarthritis and metabolic complications and should prompt a veterinarian-supervised weight-management plan. [7]
Breathing difficulties, failure to gain weight across two consecutive weighing periods, sudden weight loss exceeding about 5–10% in a short interval, or persistent lameness are red flags for veterinary evaluation. [3]
If growth appears abnormally delayed or accelerated, diagnostics such as basic bloodwork, endocrine screening, and an orthopedics consultation can be appropriate depending on clinical findings and the duration of the problem. [4]
Further notes on breed standards and show vs pet lines
Show-bred Shih Tzus are commonly selected to sit near the midpoint or upper end of the breed height and weight bands, and many show males average in the upper quartile of the standard weight range rather than the small extreme. [1]
Pet-line breeding that prioritizes compact size can produce adults about 10–20% lighter than typical show-line averages, which may place some pet-line adults closer to 8–10 pounds (3.6–4.5 kg). [3]
Detailed growth milestones and percent expectations
Many small-breed puppies weigh roughly 20–25% of their expected adult body weight at 8 weeks of age, providing a rough early benchmark for comparing littermates. [4]
Between 3 and 6 months, small-breed puppies commonly gain several percent of adult weight weekly, and by 6 months many have achieved 75–90% of adult height. [4]
By about 9–12 months most Shih Tzus will have reached 90–100% of their mature weight, though subtle changes in body composition can continue until 18 months in some individuals. [3]
Genetic testing and predicting adult size
Where available, simple parent-offspring size records and pedigrees are often more predictive than single-marker genetic tests, and breeders commonly use parental adult weights to estimate likely puppy adult size ranges within about ±20%. [2]
In mixed-breed animals, combination estimates that weight the parental contributions (for example half of each parent’s adult weight) give a practical starting prediction for adult size, but the actual adult weight can deviate by 10–30% depending on dominance of size-related genes. [1]
Nutrition specifics during growth
Puppies require diets formulated for growth and development; nutrient profiles approved by regulatory standards list minimums for protein and essential micronutrients that differ from adult maintenance feeds. [6]
When estimating daily caloric intake for a growing small-breed puppy, clinicians often start with an energy target and adjust based on weight trend; small-breed puppy energy needs are frequently higher per kilogram than adults and may exceed adult maintenance by 20–50% during peak growth. [7]
Practical measuring tips and scheduling
A consistent weighing schedule—ideally the same scale, same time of day, and similar feeding/voiding status—reduces measurement noise; for puppies, weighing weekly during the first 4 months gives a clear trend line. [3]
Height measurements should be repeated monthly until growth slows; record both height and weight to detect disproportionate growth such as weight lag with normal height gain or vice versa. [4]
Ethical considerations with small-size marketing and breeding
Deliberate selection for extreme small size can increase prevalence of congenital defects and metabolic vulnerability; responsible breeders generally avoid extreme selection that produces adults well below the recognized standard. [2]
Prospective owners should ask for health clearances, parental weights, and veterinary records; puppies sold with claims of “teacup” size but without pedigree or health documentation should prompt caution. [3]
Choosing a breed or individual based on size and lifestyle
If apartment living or limited outdoor exercise is anticipated, an adult weight under 12 pounds (5.4 kg) may be more manageable for handling and grooming, but consider energy level and health needs in conjunction with raw size. [1]
Families with very young children should also consider that very small adults under about 8 pounds (3.6 kg) are more susceptible to accidental injury and require careful supervision. [3]
When to seek veterinary or specialist input
Consult a veterinarian if a puppy fails to gain weight for two consecutive scheduled weigh-ins, loses more than 5% of body weight quickly, develops persistent diarrhea or vomiting, or shows persistent lameness; each of these findings warrants timely clinical assessment. [3]
For growth abnormalities, veterinarians may recommend baseline bloodwork, radiographs to evaluate growth plates, or endocrine testing depending on the clinical picture; referral to a veterinary internal medicine or orthopedic specialist is appropriate when primary care diagnostics are inconclusive. [4]
Careful measurement, appropriate nutrition, and early veterinary attention for concerning trends together give the best chance that a Shih Tzu reaches a healthy adult size consistent with its genetics and lifestyle.
Sources
- akc.org — American Kennel Club
- fci.be — Fédération Cynologique Internationale
- vcahospitals.com — VCA Hospitals (clinical breed and care guidance)
- merckvetmanual.com — Merck Veterinary Manual (growth and fluid guidelines)
- avma.org — American Veterinary Medical Association (spay/neuter and population-level guidance)
- aafco.org — Association of American Feed Control Officials (nutrition standards)
- aaha.org — American Animal Hospital Association (weight, body condition, and obesity guidance)
