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Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shih Tzu Growth
- Shih Tzu Weight and Growth Chart
- When do Shih Tzus Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get?
- Shih Tzu Growth Calculator
- How Much Should a Shih Tzu Weigh?
- What is the Height of the Shih Tzu?
- Is Your Shih Tzu Growing Normally? This is How to Tell
- How to Measure the Weight of your Shih Tzu
- How Fast Do Shih Tzus Grow? Shih Tzu Growth Rate
- Size of Male Shih Tzu Versus Size of Female Shih Tzu
- Male Shih Tzu Weight and Growth Chart
- Female Shih Tzu Weight and Growth Chart
- Shih Tzu Growth Stages
- Male Shih Tzu Weight/Growth Chart in KG
- Female Shih Tzu Weight/Growth Chart in KG
- How Much Should a 12-Week-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
- How Much Should a 4-Month-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
- How Much Should a 6-Month-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
- How Much Should a 1-Year-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
- How to Tell If Your Shih Tzu is Overweight
- Conclusion on Shih Tzu Weight and Growth
Shih Tzu Growth
Did you just get the Shih Tzu puppy? And do you want to know when your Shih Tzu will stop growing and how big your Shih Tzu will get? Or do you want to know if your Shih Tzu is of the ideal weight for its age?
In this article, we will answer all these relevant questions related to Shih Tzu growth and weight.
If you do not own the Shih Tzu yet, make sure you purchase your Shih Tzu from an reputable Shih Tzu breeder. Also, check out our Shih Tzu buying guide and Shih Tzu price guide here.
You can also work with a reputable rescue to adopt a puppy.
It is important for you as a caring Shih Tzu owner to know if your Shih Tzu is growing normally and that your Shih Tzu is not overweight or underweight.
Extensive research studies have shown that most dogs are overweight because their owners spoil them with food, treats, and easy life styles. Most dogs eat way too much and do not get enough exercise. Research has also shown that one of the reasons many dogs die young is because they are overweight. However, you can extend your dog`s life by making sure your dog is of healthy weight and growth.One final reason to keep track of your Shih Tzu`s weight and growth is that your Shih Tzu`s weight and growth pattern can tell you if your Shih Tzu has some underlying health conditions (such as bone, heart, hormone diseases). This is what recent research has shown.
This article contains the Shih Tzu growth calculator that you can use to predict your Shih Tzu`s adult weight. This article also contains the Shih Tzu growth chart and weight calculator that you can use to approximately tell if your Shih Tzu`s weight is in the normal range.
However, the more accurate method to predict and track normal growth in your Shih Tzu is by regularly weighing your Shih Tzu and recording the weight of your Shih Tzu with our free dog weight tracker and weight predictor. Our tool will tell you, first, a more accurate future weight of your Shih Tzu and, second, if your Shih Tzu is growing normally.
We designed our dog weight tracker and weight predictor based on a recent research study carried out by researchers from Banfield Pet Hospitals and the University of Liverpool. This study collected and analyzed the weight of over 6 million healthy dogs in the United States. The dogs studied included dogs in the Shih Tzu weight category.
Also, check out our Shih Tzu food calculator here to know how much food to feed your Shih Tzu based on your Shih Tzu`s weight and age.
Shih Tzu Weight and Growth Chart
Below is the typical growth chart and weight chart of Shih Tzus at different stages in their lives.
Note that your Shih Tzu may be slightly heavier or lighter than what the chart says. The weight chart is an average weight chart.
Also, this growth chart is the combined growth chart of the male and female Shih Tzu.
To know how much food to feed your Shih Tzu at different ages and weights, check out our Shih Tzu feeding guide and calculator.
To know how much water your Shih Tzu needs to drink at different ages and weights, check out our Shih Tzu water drinking guide and calculator.
Note that the growth pattern of a female Shih Tzu can be slightly different from the growth pattern of a male Shih Tzu
. Therefore, later on in this article, we will provide you with the gender-specific growth chart for the male and for the female Shih Tzu.| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 5 LBS | 3 LBS – 7 LBS |
| 16 Weeks | 7 LBS | 5 LBS – 9 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 8 LBS | 6 LBS – 11 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 10 LBS | 7 LBS – 12 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 11 LBS | 7 LBS – 14 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 11 LBS | 8 LBS – 14 LBS |
When do Shih Tzus Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get?
Your Shih Tzu will grow very fast in its first 36 weeks. At 36 weeks, your Shih Tzu will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight. Then your Shih Tzu will slowly stop adding more weight. At around 45 weeks (~11 months), your Shih Tzu should be at its maximum weight. Shih Tzus stop growing at 45 weeks (~11 months).
The above discussion is general, and it applies to both male and female Shih Tzus. However, male dogs usually grow at a different rate compared to female dogs
A male Shih Tzu will grow very fast in its first 36 weeks. At 36 weeks, a male Shih Tzu will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 36 weeks. A male Shih Tzu will then slowly stop adding more weight. At around 45 weeks (~11 months), a male Shih Tzu should have reached its maximum weight. Male Shih Tzus stop growing at 45 weeks (~11 months).
Similarly, a female Shih Tzu will grow very fast in its first 36 weeks. At 36 weeks, a female Shih Tzu will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 36 weeks. A female Shih Tzu will then slowly stop adding more weight. At around 45 weeks (~11 months), a female Shih Tzu should have reached its maximum weight. Female Shih Tzus stop growing at 45 weeks (~11 months).
See the growth graph of a Shih Tzu below.
As you can see in the Shih Tzu growth curve below, the Shih Tzu grows really fast in its early weeks, and then its growth levels off till it reaches 100 percent of the adult weight.
Shih Tzu Growth Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate how big your Shih Tzu will get based on its current weight.
This Shih Tzu growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a Shih Tzu shown above. The calculator assumes that your Shih Tzu is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight.
How Much Should a Shih Tzu Weigh?
Adult Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds.
Above is a graph that shows how much a Shih Tzu should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your Shih Tzu falls in the graph for its age.
It is totally fine if the weight of your Shih Tzu falls in either the dark green or light green region of the graph. However, weight in the dark green region is more typical for Shih Tzus.
If the weight of your Shih Tzu falls outside both the dark and light green region for its age, then you should consult a vet.
Also, you can use the Shih Tzu weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of Shih Tzus, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and 100 weeks.
If you want to see how the weight of your Shih Tzu compares to that of other Shih Tzu`s of its age, enter the weight of your Shih Tzu in the calculator, and the calculator will show you where your Shih Tzu stands on the weight chart.
The calculator will also tell you if your Shih Tzu is within the normal weight range for the Shih Tzu.
This Shih Tzu weight calculator uses information from belpatt.fr and data from a research study on dog weight carried out by researchers at the University of Liverpool.
Please, talk to your vet before taking any decision on your pet`s weight and health.
What is the Height of the Shih Tzu?
The adult Shih Tzu is 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. This is the average adult height of the Shih Tzu.
Is Your Shih Tzu Growing Normally? This is How to Tell
Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. This is because each dog is unique and a dog`s growth may be different from that of the overall dog population.
A more accurate and scientific way to predict a dog`s growth is to measure the dog`s weight every week and record the weight. Doing this with your Shih Tzu will give you a clearer picture of how your Shih Tzu is growing.
You can use our free tool to track your Shih Tzu`s growth and weight over time. Our tool will also let you know if your Shih Tzu is growing normally.
Tracking your Shih Tzu`s weight will let you see the unique growth trajectory of your Shih Tzu. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your Shih Tzu will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your Shih Tzu will become overweight or underweight.
Monitoring your dog`s weight is important because pet obesity is one of the leading causes of premature death in dogs. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Catching early abnormal weight in your dog and correcting it (through diet changes, exercise) can significantly extend your dog`s life.
Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in Shih Tzus. You can compare your Shih Tzu growth trajectory against these references to see if your Shih Tzu is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool.
How to Measure the Weight of your Shih Tzu
There are two methods you can use to measure your Shih Tzu`s weight.
The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your Shih Tzu, is to use a dog weighing scale.
Using a dog scale is important if you would like to monitor your Shih Tzu`s growth regularly to catch any abnormal growth early.
Having a scale for weighing your Shih Tzu will make it easy for you to weigh your Shih Tzu regularly without any trouble.
The scale that we recommend for weighing the Shih Tzu is this high durability and affordable Greater Goods Digital Pet Scale. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon.
The second method is to use a bathroom scale to weigh yourself while holding your Shih Tzu. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your Shih Tzu. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your Shih Tzu. This method is illustrated in the picture below.
However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your Shih Tzu if your Shih Tzu is very heavy or if your Shih Tzu is the type that would not stay still while being held.
How Fast Do Shih Tzus Grow? Shih Tzu Growth Rate
Starting from 3 months of age, Shih Tzus grow at a rate of 0.46 pounds per week (0.21 Kilograms per week) on average. Starting at 4 months, your Shih Tzu will gain 0.36 pounds (0.16 Kilograms) every week on average.
At 5 months of age, your Shih Tzu will grow at a rate of 0.28 pounds per week (0.13 Kilograms per week) on average. Then at 6 months, your Shih Tzu will gain 0.21 pounds (0.10 Kilograms) every week on average.
See the growth rate chart of the Shih Tzu below
| Age (Months) | Growth per week (Pounds) | Growth per week (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 0.46 | 0.21 |
| 4 Months | 0.36 | 0.16 |
| 5 Months | 0.28 | 0.13 |
| 6 Months | 0.21 | 0.10 |
| 7 Months | 0.15 | 0.07 |
| 8 Months | 0.11 | 0.05 |
Size of Male Shih Tzu Versus Size of Female Shih Tzu
The average size of a male Shih Tzu is 13 pounds (6 kg) while the average size of a female Shih Tzu is 13 pounds (6 kg).
In general, male dogs are usually bigger than female dogs.
Male Shih Tzu Weight and Growth Chart
The growth pattern of Male dogs is also different from that of Female dogs.
Adult male dogs are generally bigger in size than adult female dogs.
Below is the typical growth and weight chart of a Male Shih Tzu.
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 5 LBS | 3 LBS – 7 LBS |
| 16 Weeks | 7 LBS | 5 LBS – 9 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 8 LBS | 6 LBS – 11 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 10 LBS | 7 LBS – 12 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 11 LBS | 7 LBS – 14 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 11 LBS | 8 LBS – 14 LBS |
Female Shih Tzu Weight and Growth Chart
The growth pattern of female dogs is different from that of male dogs. On average, female dogs grow faster than males and reach full size earlier. For this reason, it`s important that the standard height and weight charts for dogs are gender-specific.
Also, adult female dogs are generally smaller in size than adult male dogs.
Below is the typical growth and weight chart of a Female Shih Tzu.
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 5 LBS | 3 LBS – 7 LBS |
| 16 Weeks | 7 LBS | 5 LBS – 9 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 8 LBS | 6 LBS – 11 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 10 LBS | 7 LBS – 12 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 11 LBS | 7 LBS – 14 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 11 LBS | 8 LBS – 14 LBS |
Shih Tzu Growth Stages
Your Shih Tzu will go through a number of developmental stages on its journey to adulthood. Your Shih Tzu`s growth pattern can be categorized into 6 distinct stages: Neonatal, Transitional, Socialization Period, Juvenile Period, Adolescent Period, and Maturity.
You can know the developmental stage of your Shih Tzu based on how old your Shih Tzu is.
1. Shih Tzu Neonatal Period
Shih Tzu Neonatal Period is from Birth to 2 weeks. During this stage, the Shih Tzu puppy will be totally dependent on its mother. The Shih Tzu puppy`s eyes will still be unopened with no sense of vision. The Shih Tzu puppy will only have the senses of taste and touch
2. Shih Tzu Transitional Period
Shih Tzu Transitional Period is from 2 weeks to 3 weeks. During this stage, the Shih Tzu puppy will continue to develop a better sense of hearing and taste. The puppy`s teeth will start coming through and its eyes will begin to open.
During this stage, the Shih Tzu puppy begins to crawl forward and backward, begins to stand, begins to wag its tail. This is also the age where your puppy’s personality begins to develop.
3. Shih Tzu Socialization Period
Shih Tzu Socialization Period is from 3 weeks to 14 weeks. During this stage, the Shih Tzu puppy will be able to fully use all of its senses (vision, smell, touch, hearing, taste), and the puppy will learn to survive without its mother.
Also during this stage, the Shih Tzu puppy learns how to act like a dog (biting, chasing, barking, etc). The rapid learning and socialization of the puppy occur at this stage, and what the Shih Tzu puppy learns in this stage will have a long-term effect on the puppy`s behavior as an adult.
4. Shih Tzu Juvenile Period
Shih Tzu Juvenile Period is from 3-4 Months to 5-14 months. During this stage, the Shih Tzu puppies will attempt to clarify and resolve their boundaries. Their baby teeth start getting replaced by adult teeth.
5. Shih Tzu Adolescent Period
Shih Tzu Adolescent Period is from 5-14 Months to 2-3 Years. Shih Tzus go through social and sexual maturity during this stage.
6. Shih Tzu Maturity Period
Shih Tzu Maturity Period is from 1 year to 4 years. At this age, your Shih Tzu will transition to full adulthood.
Male Shih Tzu Weight/Growth Chart in KG
The growth pattern of Male dogs is also different from that of Female dogs.
Adult male dogs are generally bigger in size than adult female dogs.
Below is typical growth and weight chart of a Male Shih Tzu in Kilograms (kg).
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 2 KG | 1 KG – 3 KG |
| 16 Weeks | 3 KG | 2 KG – 4 KG |
| 20 Weeks | 3 KG | 2 KG – 5 KG |
| 25 Weeks | 4 KG | 3 KG – 5 KG |
| 30 Weeks | 4 KG | 3 KG – 6 KG |
| 35 Weeks | 5 KG | 3 KG – 6 KG |
Female Shih Tzu Weight/Growth Chart in KG
The growth pattern of female dogs is different from that of male dogs. On average, female dogs grow faster than males and reach full size earlier. For this reason, it`s important that the standard height and weight charts for dogs are gender-specific.
Also, adult female dogs are generally smaller in size than adult male dogs.
Below is typical growth and weight chart of a Female Shih Tzu in Kilograms (kg).
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 2 KG | 1 KG – 3 KG |
| 16 Weeks | 3 KG | 2 KG – 4 KG |
| 20 Weeks | 3 KG | 2 KG – 5 KG |
| 25 Weeks | 4 KG | 3 KG – 5 KG |
| 30 Weeks | 4 KG | 3 KG – 6 KG |
| 35 Weeks | 5 KG | 3 KG – 6 KG |
How Much Should a 12-Week-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
The average weight of a 12-week-old female Shih Tzu is 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg).
The typical weight range of a 12-week-old female Shih Tzu is from 3.9 lbs to 7.0 lbs (1.8 kg to 3.2 kg).
The average weight of a 12-week-old male Shih Tzu is 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg).
The typical weight range of a 12-week-old male Shih Tzu is from 3.9 lbs to 7.0 lbs (1.8 kg to 3.2 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 12-week-old female Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 1.3 lbs (0.6 kg) and as high as 6.5 lbs (3.0 kg)
Correspondingly, 12-week-old male Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 1.4 lbs (0.6 kg) and as high as 6.9 lbs (3.1 kg)
How Much Should a 4-Month-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
The average weight of a 4-month-old female Shih Tzu is 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg).
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old female Shih Tzu is from 5.2 lbs to 9.4 lbs (2.4 kg to 4.2 kg).
The average weight of a 4-month-old male Shih Tzu is 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg).
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old male Shih Tzu is from 5.2 lbs to 9.4 lbs (2.4 kg to 4.2 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 4-month-old female Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg) and as high as 8.0 lbs (3.6 kg)
Correspondingly, 4-month-old male Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 1.7 lbs (0.8 kg) and as high as 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg)
How Much Should a 6-Month-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
The average weight of a 6-month-old female Shih Tzu is 9.8 lbs (4.5 kg).
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old female Shih Tzu is from 7.0 lbs to 12.6 lbs (3.2 kg to 5.7 kg).
The average weight of a 6-month-old male Shih Tzu is 9.8 lbs (4.5 kg).
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old male Shih Tzu is from 7.0 lbs to 12.6 lbs (3.2 kg to 5.7 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 6-month-old female Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 1.9 lbs (0.9 kg) and as high as 10.2 lbs (4.6 kg)
Correspondingly, 6-month-old male Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) and as high as 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
How Much Should a 1-Year-old Shih Tzu Weigh?
The average weight of a 1-year-old female Shih Tzu is 12.4 lbs (5.6 kg).
The typical weight range of a 1-year-old female Shih Tzu is from 8.8 lbs to 15.9 lbs (4.0 kg to 7.2 kg).
The average weight of a 1-year-old male Shih Tzu is 12.4 lbs (5.6 kg).
The typical weight range of a 1-year-old male Shih Tzu is from 8.8 lbs to 15.9 lbs (4.0 kg to 7.2 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 1-year-old female Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 2.3 lbs (1.1 kg) and as high as 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg)
Correspondingly, 1-year-old male Shih Tzus can normally weigh as low as 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) and as high as 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg)
How to Tell If Your Shih Tzu is Overweight
As mentioned earlier in this article, a very accurate way to know if your Shih Tzu puppy is on its way to becoming overweight is by weighing your dog every week and recording its weight. This will show you the growth trajectory of your Shih Tzu puppy. And a close look at your puppy`s growth trajectory will tell you if your Shih Tzu puppy will be overweight or underweight. This method is relatively easy to use.
You can use our free online tool to track your Shih Tzu puppy`s growth curve.
However, if you do not have a record of the weekly weights of your Shih Tzu, and you want to tell if your dog is overweight, underweight, or of normal weight, then you can use a chart called the body condition chart shown below. This method requires some expertise to use, and it is further discussed below.
To tell your dog`s body condition, first, look at your dog closely and observe which of its bones and structures are sticking out or not sticking out from under its skin. Next, use your hands to feel for fat and bones over your dog. To know which bones to look and feel for, check out the body condition tool guide from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and this guide. This exercise will tell you the body condition score for your dog.
Body condition scores are from a scale of 1 to 9. A score of 1, 2 or 3 means that a dog is too skinny. A score of 4 or 5 means that a dog is of ideal weight, and a score above 5 means that a dog is overweight.
Talk to your vet if your Shih Tzu appears to be overweight. The vet might recommend reducing how much food to feed your Shih Tzu.
Conclusion on Shih Tzu Weight and Growth
In this article, we have provided you with the information, growth charts and growth calculators to help you tell how big your Shih Tzu will get. These tools will also help tell if your Shih Tzu is growing normally.
However, the best way to monitor and predict the growth of your Shih Tzu is to measure and record your puppy Shih Tzu`s weight every week.
Use our free Shih Tzu weight tracker and calculator tool available here to track and predict your Shih Tzu`s weight.
It is important that every Shih Tzu owner monitors the growth of their Shih Tzu for normal growth by checking the weight of their Shih Tzu regularly. Regular weight monitoring will let you detect any abnormal growth very early before it is too late. We discussed how you can tell if your Shih Tzu is growing normally from your Shih Tzu`s weight history earlier in this article.
Abnormal growth in Shih Tzu can be because of underlying disease (such are heart, hormonal, or bone problems) or because of overfeeding or underfeeding. All of the aforementioned reduce the Shih Tzu lifespan and quality of life.
Don`t wait. Start tracking your Shih Tzu`s weight today!
