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Shih Tzu

small

Affectionate lapdogs bred to be royal companions.

Keep lineage notes tidy with GenogramCraft right alongside your growth tracking.

Adult Weight
9-16 lbs
Lifespan
10-18 years
Temperament
Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
Exercise
20-30 minutes of light exercise daily
Energy Level
Trainability
Shedding
Family Friendly

Growth Chart

Track Your Puppy

Loading growth chart...
AgeWeight RangeAverage
0 weeks
0 months
0 - 0 lbs0 lbs
4 weeks
0 months
1 - 2 lbs2 lbs
8 weeks
1 month
2 - 4 lbs3 lbs
12 weeks
2 months
3 - 6 lbs5 lbs
16 weeks
3 months
4 - 8 lbs6 lbs
20 weeks
4 months
6 - 10 lbs8 lbs
24 weeks
5 months
7 - 12 lbs9 lbs
28 weeks
6 months
7 - 13 lbs10 lbs
32 weeks
7 months
8 - 14 lbs11 lbs
36 weeks
8 months
8 - 14 lbs11 lbs
40 weeks
9 months
8 - 15 lbs11 lbs
44 weeks
10 months
8 - 15 lbs12 lbs
48 weeks
11 months
9 - 16 lbs12 lbs
52 weeks
12 months
9 - 16 lbs13 lbs

Developmental Milestones

0-2 weeks

Physical Development
Eyes and ears closed, depends on mother
Behavioral Development
Limited movement, nursing

2-4 weeks

Physical Development
Eyes and ears open, teeth begin to emerge
Behavioral Development
Starts walking, exploring

4-8 weeks

Physical Development
Weaning begins, rapid growth
Behavioral Development
Socialization with littermates, play behavior

8-12 weeks

Physical Development
Baby teeth fully in, growth continues
Behavioral Development
Critical socialization period, fear imprint period

3-6 months

Physical Development
Adult teeth coming in, puberty begins
Behavioral Development
Testing boundaries, second fear period

6-12 months

Physical Development
Sexual maturity, growth slowing
Behavioral Development
Adolescence, energy peaks

12-18 months

Physical Development
Reaches adult size, growth plates close
Behavioral Development
Mental maturity developing

Age Progression Gallery

See how Shih Tzus develop from puppies to adults

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8 Weeks

Puppy - Early socialization stage

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3 Months

Growing fast - Learning phase

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6 Months

Adolescent - Energetic stage

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Adult

Full grown - Mature and stable

Note: Photos shown are representative placeholders. Individual dogs may vary in appearance based on genetics, diet, and care.

Care Requirements

Grooming

High – daily brushing or frequent trims

Exercise

20-30 minutes of light exercise daily

Common Health Issues

  • • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • • Dental disease
  • • Eye disorders