DogsLifeBreed profile
Shih Tzu: size, sleep, exercise and care
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog of about 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and a short muzzle. It is alert, adaptable and easy-going, and it loves being part of family life.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Adult weight
- 4.5–8 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 23–27 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–18 years
- Exercise needs
- Moderate · 30–60 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Shih Tzu specifically. SKK includes the Shih Tzu in its breathing health programme for short-nosed breeds. Some snoring is common, but struggling for breath during sleep should be checked by a vet.
Exercise needs
The Royal Kennel Club guideline is up to an hour a day. Easy walks and play suit the breed. The AKC advises extra caution in warm weather for short-snouted breeds, so walk in the cool hours, bring water and stop if breathing becomes noisy or laboured. A harness puts less pressure on the throat than a collar.
Potty training
Shih Tzu puppies can be slow to become fully reliable indoors, as the AKC notes is common for small breeds. Go out after every nap, meal and play session, and stay with the puppy so you can reward it immediately.
Keep the hair around the rear and inner legs trimmed short so it stays clean, and consider an indoor pad spot for very cold or wet days. A puppy potty schedule helps you plan the breaks.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
Small puppies do best on several small meals a day; adults on two. Choose a kibble size the dog can pick up easily with its short jaw, or use a shallow bowl.
Keep the face clean after meals: wipe the beard and the area under the eyes, which SKK notes can be prone to problems in the breed. Extra weight makes breathing harder, so measure meals and count treats.
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?
Up to about an hour a day according to the Royal Kennel Club, as easy walks and play. Avoid exercise in the heat.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
The AKC gives 10–18 years, and SKK notes the breed often reaches a high age.
Sources
- Shih tzu – rasbeskrivning — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- Shih Tzu dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Shih Tzu breed information — The Royal Kennel Club
- Heatstroke in Dogs — American Kennel Club
- Att köpa en kortnosig hund — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How Much Should My Dog Sleep Per Day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can Senior Dogs Sleep Too Much? How Much Should Older Dogs Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Puppy — American Kennel Club