Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Shih Tzus Live. Shih Tzu Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Shih Tzu Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Shih Tzu, and how to Prevent Them.
- How Old is Your Shih Tzu in Human Years
- How Long Do Shih Tzus Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Shih Tzu Live Long
- Conclusion on Shih Tzu Life Expectancy
How Long Shih Tzus Live. Shih Tzu Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Shih Tzu is from 10 to 16 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Shih Tzu. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 83 pet Shih Tzus lived.
From the study, it was found that Shih Tzus have a average lifespan of 13.1 years. Furthermore, the study found that Shih Tzus can live for as long as 19.3 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Shih Tzus.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Shih Tzus are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Shih Tzu to make your Shih Tzu live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Shih Tzu have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Shih Tzu is in human years? Then, check out our Shih Tzu age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Shih Tzu Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Shih Tzu compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Silky Terrier Lifespan | 14.20 |
| Cairn Terrier Lifespan | 14.00 |
| Shih Tzu Lifespan | 13.10 |
| Vizsla Lifespan | 12.90 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Lifespan | 12.70 |
| Shetland Sheepdog Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Samoyed Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Japanese Spitz Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Lancashire Heeler Lifespan | 11.70 |
| English Setter Lifespan | 11.50 |
| Irish Red & White Setter Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Briard Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Cocker Spaniel Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Pug Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Havanese Lifespan | 10.20 |
| Great Pyrenees Lifespan | 9.58 |
| Chow Chow Lifespan | 9.38 |
| Cesky Terrier Lifespan | 8.42 |
| Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Lifespan | 8.00 |
| Bulldog Lifespan | 6.29 |
Common Causes of Death in Shih Tzu, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Shih Tzu, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Shih Tzu.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Shih Tzus
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 15.1 percent of all deaths in Shih Tzus.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Shih Tzu
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Shih Tzus
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Shih Tzus (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Shih Tzus is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Shih Tzus is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Shih Tzus is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Shih Tzus with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Shih Tzu. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Shih Tzu`s gums look pale.
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Urogenital Disease in Shih Tzus
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 13.9 percent of all deaths in Shih Tzus.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in Shih Tzu
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Shih Tzus is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the Shih Tzu`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your Shih Tzu is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male Shih Tzus is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Shih Tzu from urinating. If you see your Shih Tzu lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in Shih Tzus, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Shih Tzus, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Shih Tzus
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Shih Tzu spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Shih Tzu is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male Shih Tzu will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your Shih Tzu is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.
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Neurologic Disease in Shih Tzus
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 13.1 percent of all deaths in Shih Tzus.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Shih Tzu
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Shih Tzus
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Cardiovascular Disease in Shih Tzus
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 10.9 percent of all deaths in Shih Tzus.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Shih Tzu
Heart disease in Shih Tzus may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Shih Tzus
You can prevent heart problems in your Shih Tzu by exercising your Shih Tzu regularly and feeding your Shih Tzu a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Shih Tzu. The supplement is not only good for your Shih Tzu`s heart, but it is also good for your Shih Tzu`s overall health.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Shih Tzus
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 10.8 percent of all deaths in Shih Tzus.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Shih Tzu
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Shih Tzu eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Shih Tzu stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Shih Tzu is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Shih Tzu has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Shih Tzus
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Shih Tzu`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
How Old is Your Shih Tzu in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Shih Tzu. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Shih Tzu is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Shih Tzu is 13.1 years.
Shih Tzus are tiny-sized dogs. Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Shih Tzu in converting Shih Tzu age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Shih Tzu`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Shih Tzu`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Shih Tzu`s human age. If you do not know your Shih Tzu`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Shih Tzu is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Shih Tzu`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Shih Tzu`s up-to-date human age.
Shih Tzu Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Shih Tzu age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Shih Tzu`s human age based on your Shih Tzu`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Shih Tzu`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Shih Tzu Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 18 |
| 3 | 24 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 35 |
| 6 | 39 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 51 |
| 10 | 55 |
| 11 | 58 |
| 12 | 62 |
| 13 | 65 |
| 14 | 69 |
| 15 | 73 |
| 16 | 77 |
How Long Do Shih Tzus Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Shih Tzu is 13.1 years. In human years, the Shih Tzu lives for 66 years.
How Old is 1-year-old Shih Tzu in Human Years?
A 1-year old Shih Tzu is 12 years old in human years.
How Old is 4-year-old Shih Tzu in Human Years?
A 4-year old Shih Tzu is 30 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old Shih Tzu in Human Years?
A 8-year old Shih Tzu is 48 years old in human years.
How Old is 9-year-old Shih Tzu in Human Years?
A 9-year old Shih Tzu is 51 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Shih Tzu Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Shih Tzu live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Shih Tzu fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Shih Tzu does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Shih Tzu will have a shorter lifespan than a Shih Tzu that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Shih Tzu high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Shih Tzu. Check out our Shih Tzu feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Shih Tzu from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Shih Tzu existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Shih Tzu has access to clean water whenever your Shih Tzu needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Shih Tzu. See our Shih Tzu water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Shih Tzu.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Shih Tzu might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Shih Tzu.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Shih Tzu is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Shih Tzu’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Shih Tzu teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Shih Tzu Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Shih Tzu`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.