How Long Do Shih Tzus Live? Lifespan Facts From Real Vet Data

How we researched this article: This guide is based on published veterinary research, not on anecdotes. Our main source is a 2024 study of 11,082 Shih Tzus from UK veterinary records. We also used a 2024 study of 584,734 UK dogs. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.

How Long Do Shih Tzus Live? The Short Answer

Most Shih Tzus live 10 to 16 years. The best large study found a median age at death of 12.7 years.

That study came from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. Researchers reviewed the vet records of 11,082 Shih Tzus. Half of the dogs that died lived past 12.7 years. The middle half died between 8.7 and 14.3 years. The oldest dog in the records lived to 19.9 years.

A second UK study looked at life expectancy from birth. It put the Shih Tzu at 11.05 years. The average for all UK dogs in that study was 11.23 years. So the Shih Tzu is a typical small dog for lifespan. It is not unusually short-lived, even though it has a flat face.

Do Male or Female Shih Tzus Live Longer?

Neither. In the Royal Veterinary College study, the age at death did not differ between males and females.

Some websites claim that female Shih Tzus live longer. There is a grain of truth behind this. A 2024 study of 584,734 UK dogs found that, across all breeds, females lived slightly longer than males. But the Shih Tzu study, which looked only at this breed, found no difference between the sexes. Sex did affect some health problems, though. Males were more likely to be diagnosed with skin and joint problems. Females were more likely to have hernias.

Spaying and neutering are separate questions. Talk to your vet about the right timing for your dog.

What Most Often Ends a Shih Tzu’s Life

In the same study, three causes of death were tied for most common:

• Gut disease (enteropathy), such as chronic vomiting or diarrhea
• Heart disease
• Poor quality of life, often a mix of age-related decline

This is good news in one way. None of these is a rare or extreme breed disease. Many of the risks can be managed with regular vet care.

The Health Problems That Matter Most for Longevity

The study also listed the problems Shih Tzus most often visit the vet for. These are the ones to watch:

• Dental disease. This was the most common problem, at about 9.5% of dogs in one year. Bad teeth cause pain and infection. Daily brushing is the single most useful habit you can build.
• Anal sac impaction. About 7.4% of dogs. Watch for scooting or licking under the tail.
• Ear problems. Long, hairy ear canals trap moisture. Check the ears every week.
• Eye problems. Shih Tzus have large, exposed eyes. Any squinting, redness, or cloudiness needs a vet visit the same day.
• Umbilical hernias. These were more common in Shih Tzus than in dogs overall.

Read more in our guides to Shih Tzu teeth care and Shih Tzu eye care.

When Is a Shih Tzu Considered a Senior?

Vets often call a dog a senior in the last quarter of its expected lifespan. For a Shih Tzu, that usually means around 9 to 10 years old.

There is no fixed birthday for this. A lean, active dog may seem young at 11. A dog with dental or heart disease may slow down at 8. Ask your vet to start senior screening when your dog nears 9. This often means blood work and a heart check once or twice a year.

Common Signs of Aging

• Sleeping more and playing less
• Stiffness when getting up, or trouble with stairs
• Cloudy eyes or bumping into things
• Hearing loss
• Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
• Bad breath or dropping food while eating
• Accidents in the house

Some of these are normal aging. Others are treatable disease. Sudden changes always deserve a vet visit.

How Old Was the Oldest Shih Tzu?

You will see claims online of Shih Tzus living to 23 years. We could not find a verified record for these claims. The oldest Shih Tzu in the Royal Veterinary College records lived to 19.9 years. That is a documented, vet-recorded age. A Shih Tzu that reaches 16 or older is doing very well.

How to Help Your Shih Tzu Live Longer

• Brush the teeth daily. Dental disease is the breed’s most common problem.
• Keep your dog lean. Most adult Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds. You should be able to feel the ribs under a light layer of fat. See how much a Shih Tzu should weigh.
• Use a harness, not a collar. This protects the neck and airway.
• Avoid heat. Flat-faced dogs overheat fast. Walk in the cool parts of the day.
• See the vet every year. Go twice a year once your dog is a senior.
• Check the eyes, ears, and rear end weekly. Catching problems early is cheaper and kinder.

Safety first: Many problems that shorten a Shih Tzu’s life are easier to treat when found early. Book a vet visit if you notice weight loss, more drinking or urinating than usual, bad breath with red gums, new lumps, a cough or low energy. AAHA advises that healthy senior dogs see a vet at least twice a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Dale F, Brodbelt DC, West G, Church DB, Lee YH, O’Neill DG. Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Canine Medicine and Genetics, 2024.
• Royal Veterinary College VetCompass. New research highlights surprisingly good health characteristics in Shih Tzu dogs in the UK.
• McMillan KM, Bielby J, Williams CL, Upjohn MM, Casey RA, Christley RM. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports, 2024.
• Teng KT, Brodbelt DC, Pegram C, Church DB, O’Neill DG. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports, 2022.

This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.