Shih Tzu
SHEED-zoo
Affectionate, Happy, Outgoing, Playful. Originally bred for companionship for chinese royalty.
An adult Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 lbs (male) or 9-16 lbs (female), needs 200-430 calories daily, and lives 10-18 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is brachycephalic airway syndrome. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Shih Tzu needs 200 to 430 calories per day. An average male (12 lbs / 5.7 kg) needs around 310 kcal; a female (12 lbs / 5.7 kg) roughly 310 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Shih Tzu. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Shih Tzu benefits from this with a life expectancy of 10-18 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are brachycephalic airway syndrome and patellar luxation, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Low; short daily walks and indoor play. Shih Tzus are adaptable to apartment life. Their flat face limits intense exercise, especially in heat. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus have real exercise needs. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training activities all count. Their small bodies tire more quickly than large breeds, so several short activity bursts throughout the day work better than one long session.
Care and traits
Shih Tzus have a long, dense, flowing double coat coat. Origin: China/Tibet.
The name means 'lion dog' in Mandarin. Bred exclusively by Chinese royalty for centuries. Their coat requires daily brushing or a short puppy clip. Eye problems are common due to their flat face and prominent eyes. Despite their regal origins, they're easygoing and sociable dogs.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Shih Tzu owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 200 to 430 calories per day for an adult Shih Tzu. A 12-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Portion control is especially important because even small calorie surpluses add up quickly on a compact frame. Indoor-only dogs need less; those with yard access and regular play need more. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
The Shih Tzu standard is 9-16 lbs (4.1–7.3 kg) for both males and females.1–7.3 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
Among Shih Tzus, brachycephalic airway syndrome is the condition most frequently diagnosed. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for brachycephalic airway syndrome. Other conditions seen in the breed include patellar luxation, eye problems, dental disease. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
Most Shih Tzus are content with 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Good activities for this breed include indoor fetch, short walks, interactive toys. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. Even low-energy breeds need daily movement for joint health, weight management, and mental well-being.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026