Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Average Litter Size of Shih Tzu
- Calculator to Predict How Many Puppies Shih Tzu Will Have
- How Much Does the Shih Tzu Puppy Weigh at Birth?
- How Big Will a Shih Tzu Puppy Get?
- How Much is a Shih Tzu Puppy
- How Long is a Shih Tzu Pregnant?
- How to Ensure a Successful Pregnancy in Shih Tzu
- Conclusion on Shih Tzu Litter Size
Average Litter Size of Shih Tzu
Researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science did a study where they counted the numbers of puppies in 95 different Shih Tzu birth litters.
From this study, the researchers found that the average number of puppies that Shih Tzus can have is 4 puppies. Also, the Shih Tzu can have as few as 1 puppies per litter and as many as 9 puppies per litter.
See how the litter size of the Shih Tzu compares to that of other dog breeds below:
Read this article to learn about how many puppies dogs have.
Calculator to Predict How Many Puppies Shih Tzu Will Have
Shih Tzu Litter Size Predictor
According to the result of the research carried out by researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, the number of puppies a Shih Tzu will have depends on the following main factors:
- The size of the breed (most important factor): Giant dog breeds tend to have a bigger litter size, while smaller breeds give birth to a smaller number of puppies
- The method of mating: Natural mating results in a larger litter size than artificial insemination.
- The age of the female dog: Check out the chart below to see how many puppies a female Shih Tzu is likely to have at different ages.
According to research, the following factors do not affect litter size:
- The time of the year of the litter was born (season of birth): Although, from the study, litters born in the Spring seem to be larger than litters from other seasons, however, the difference was not of significance.
- The number of times a female dog has given birth in the past (known as parity): The age of the female dog is more important to the extent that it makes parity insignificant.
Based on the important factors that affect litter size, the researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science developed formulas for predicting the litter size of dogs.
We have developed the Shih Tzu litter size calculator above based on their formulas. Use the calculator to predict how many puppies a Shih Tzu will have based on the age, and method of pregnancy for a Shih Tzu
The calculator tells you how many puppies your Shih Tzu will have if your Shih Tzu gets pregnant today. The calculator assumes that the length of pregnancy will be two months.
Note that we are NOT in any way encouraging you to breed your Shih Tzu. Dog breeding requires expertise. If you want to be breeding dogs, get the necessary training. Also, work closely with a veterinarian when breeding a dog.
The table below shows the average litter size to expect from a Shih Tzu at different ages. This table applies to a Shih Tzu that conceives through natural mating.
| Age (Years) | Average Litter Size | Litter Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 puppies | 3 to 4 puppies |
| 3 | 4 puppies | 3 to 5 puppies |
| 4 | 4 puppies | 3 to 5 puppies |
| 5 | 4 puppies | 3 to 5 puppies |
| 6 | 4 puppies | 2 to 5 puppies |
| 7 | 4 puppies | 2 to 6 puppies |
| 8 | 4 puppies | 2 to 6 puppies |
| 9 | 3 puppies | 1 to 6 puppies |
How Much Does the Shih Tzu Puppy Weigh at Birth?
Veterinarian researchers did a study to find out how much Shih Tzu puppies weigh at birth. These researchers weighed 8 Shih Tzu puppies at birth.
Based on the study of the weight of 8 Shih Tzu puppies, the average weight of the Shih Tzu at birth is 155 grams (5.5 ounces). The birth weight of the Shih Tzu puppy typically ranges from 144 grams (5.1 ounces) to 178 grams (6.3 ounces).
16 ounces equal one pound.
The factors that affect the weight of a Shih Tzu puppy at birth include the size, weight, and age of the mother.
Importantly, research has also shown that female dogs that give birth at ages between 2 and 8 years give birth to puppies that are heavier than puppies birthed by younger or older female dogs.
How Big Will a Shih Tzu Puppy Get?
A Shih Tzu puppy will grow up to weigh around 9 to 16 pounds. Furthermore, a Shih Tzu puppy will grow up to be 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Learn more about Shih Tzu weight and how big Shih Tzus grow here
How Much is a Shih Tzu Puppy
The average price of a Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of a Shih Tzu puppy ranges from $1200 to $2300.
Since the Shih Tzu has an average litter size of 4, therefore a Shih Tzu litter birth is worth $7280.
To learn more about the price of Shih Tzu puppy, check our review on how much Shih Tzu puppy cost, and Shih Tzu buying advice.
How Long is a Shih Tzu Pregnant?
Shih Tzus are pregnant for 63 days on average (2 months) after conception. However, this is an average value. The length of pregnancy in Shih Tzus can range from 58-68 days.
However, note that it is difficult to know the exact day that your Shih Tzu conceives because conception may not happen at the same time that mating happens.
Sperm can live inside a female Shih Tzu for several days after mating before conception occurs.
How to Ensure a Successful Pregnancy in Shih Tzu
To ensure that your Shih Tzu successfully gets pregnant and deliver its puppies, here at the things you can do:
- Feed your Shih Tzu well: A good diet will ensure that your Shih Tzu has the nutrients and the energy it needs to get pregnant and maintain the pregnancy.
- Make sure your Shih Tzu is in good health: Ensure you take your Shih Tzu to the Vet care regularly for checkups, make sure your Shih Tzu gets regular exercise. Also, make sure that your is not overweight or underweight.
To learn how to check if your Shih Tzu is overweight or underweight, check out this resource.
Conclusion on Shih Tzu Litter Size
Shih Tzus can have 4 puppies per litter birth on average. The number of puppies that a Shih Tzu will have depends on factors such as the age of the Shih Tzu and the method of pregnancy (natural or artificial insemination).
Breeding Shih Tzus the right way requires expertise and should be done after sufficient training.
Also, you should work closely with a veterinarian when breeding a Shih Tzu. There are a lot of nuances involved in breeding a dog, which we do not have the time or the space to discuss here.
However, working with a veterinarian will ensure that your Shih Tzu gets the right treatment necessary to make healthy puppies.
The litter size research study that we used for this article was conducted on Shih Tzus in Norway. However, the authors of the research believe that the results can be generalized to other countries that have similar dog management systems as Norway.