How Much Should a Shih Tzu Weigh? Size, Growth, and Healthy Weight
How we researched this article: This guide uses the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, growth guidance from PetMD, and 2024 and 2025 pet weight data from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.
The Short Answer
An adult Shih Tzu should weigh 9 to 16 pounds, according to the AKC breed standard. The ideal height is 9 to 10½ inches at the shoulder.
But the number on the scale is only part of the story. A Shih Tzu with a larger frame can be healthy at 17 or 18 pounds. A small-framed dog can be overweight at 14. The best test is body condition, which you can check with your hands.
Shih Tzu Size at a Glance
- Adult weight (AKC standard): 9 to 16 pounds
- Adult height (AKC standard): 9 to 10½ inches at the shoulder, and not less than 8 inches or more than 11 inches
- Males vs. females: the AKC standard uses the same range for both
- Full grown: usually by 9 to 12 months of age
When Do Shih Tzus Stop Growing?
Shih Tzus sit on the line between toy and small breeds. PetMD says toy dogs of 5 to 12 pounds are usually fully grown at 8 to 12 months. Small dogs of 12 to 24 pounds usually finish at 9 to 12 months.
So most Shih Tzus reach adult size by their first birthday. Some may fill out a little more after that.
Every puppy grows at its own pace. Rather than comparing your puppy to a chart, ask your vet to track its weight at each visit. A steady upward curve matters more than hitting a certain number by a certain week.
Is Your Shih Tzu at a Healthy Weight?
Vets use a body condition score, usually on a 1 to 9 scale, to judge weight. The ideal range sits in the middle. A dog at 6 to 9 is overweight or obese.
This matters for Shih Tzus in a special way. Their long coat can hide a thin dog or an overweight dog. Do not judge by looking. Use your hands:
- Ribs: You should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, without pressing hard.
- Waist: Looking down from above, run your hands along the body. You should feel a slight inward curve behind the ribs.
- Belly: From the side, the belly should tuck up a little behind the chest, not hang down.
If you cannot feel the ribs, or there is no waist, your dog may be carrying extra weight. Ask your vet for a body condition score at the next visit.
How to weigh your Shih Tzu at home
Weigh yourself on a bathroom scale. Then weigh yourself holding your dog. The difference is your dog’s weight. Check once a month and write it down.
Overweight Dogs Are Common
Extra weight is one of the most common health problems in North American dogs. AAHA reports that about 59% of dogs fall in the overweight-to-obese range, and about 22% are clinically obese, based on the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s data.
Owners also tend to underestimate. In the association’s 2025 survey, 37% of US dog owners described their dog as above ideal weight. Yet only about 29% said their vet had given them a body condition score.
For a small dog, a little extra adds up fast. One extra pound on a 12-pound Shih Tzu is more than 8% of its body weight.
How to help an overweight Shih Tzu
- Ask your vet for a target weight and a daily calorie goal.
- Measure food with a proper measuring cup, not a scoop or mug.
- Keep treats, including human food, under 10% of daily calories.
- Add short, gentle walks. Avoid hot weather, because flat-faced dogs overheat easily.
See our guides to how much a Shih Tzu should eat and safe human foods for Shih Tzus.
What If My Shih Tzu Is Bigger Than the Standard?
Many pet Shih Tzus weigh more than 16 pounds. The breed standard describes the ideal show dog, not the only healthy size.
A larger Shih Tzu is fine if its body condition is ideal. You should still feel ribs and see a waist. If your dog is above the standard and you cannot feel its ribs, the extra pounds are likely fat, not frame. Talk to your vet.
What If My Shih Tzu Is Smaller Than the Standard?
Some Shih Tzus are naturally small. But dogs sold as “Imperial” or “teacup” are often bred to be tiny, and very small puppies face extra health risks. Read our guide to Imperial and teacup Shih Tzus.
Safety first: Do not put your Shih Tzu on a strict diet without your vet. Losing weight too fast is unsafe. Sudden weight loss or gain without a change in food can signal illness, such as diabetes, kidney disease or a hormone problem. Book a vet visit if you notice either.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a Shih Tzu weigh?
The AKC breed standard calls for 9 to 16 pounds. A healthy pet may be a little outside this range if its body condition is ideal.
How much should a Shih Tzu puppy weigh?
Puppies grow at different rates, so there is no single correct number. Most Shih Tzus reach adult size by 9 to 12 months. Ask your vet to track your puppy’s growth at each visit.
At what age is a Shih Tzu fully grown?
Most Shih Tzus are fully grown by 9 to 12 months of age.
Is 20 pounds too heavy for a Shih Tzu?
It is above the breed standard. Whether it is unhealthy depends on body condition. If you cannot easily feel the ribs, ask your vet about weight loss.
Do male Shih Tzus weigh more than females?
The AKC standard uses the same 9 to 16 pound range for both sexes.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Official Standard of the Shih Tzu.
- PetMD. When Do Dogs Stop Growing?
- American Animal Hospital Association. Is My Pet Overweight? 2025.
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. 2025 Pet Weight and Nutrition Survey Results.
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
