Shih Tzu Growth Charts and Info

 

This article discusses:

 So, if you’re wondering how big your Shih Tzu will be, let’s dive in.  

 

The duration of a dog’s growth phase varies both by breed size and by individual dog. Toy breed dogs like the Shih Tzu generally do most or all of their growing in the first 12 months at which point they reach physical and social maturity, as opposed to the 18 or 24 months that the growth phase may last for larger dogs. And each Shih Tzu, being a unique individual, may stop growing in both girth and height anywhere from the 10 to the 15-month mark. 

 

For how long any particular Shih Tzu will continue growing is directly related to that dog’s genetically predetermined adult size. Those that will be on the small side (in the 9 to 10-pound range [4 to 4.5 kg] will stop growing before those on the larger side (in the 15 or 16-pound range and above) [6.8 to 7.3 kg]) 

 

 

Generally speaking, there are 5 basic rates of speed for growth with the Shih Tzu breed: 

 

1. From birth to 2 weeks is the most rapid stage, with gains being made nearly every day. Weight doubles just during the first week alone. 

2. From 2 weeks to 8 weeks, growth is moderately fast. 

3. From the 2-month mark to the 4-month mark, growth is still strong, albeit a bit slower. 

4. There is another incremental slow-down from 4 months to 6 months. 

5. The last phase of slow growth occurs from 6 months to whichever point a dog is predetermined to stop growing. 

 

In a 2019 survey that we here at AllShihTzu sent out to our readers, 1,635 owners of Shih Tzu age 1 year and up answered the question asking how much their Shih Tzu weighed. Reported weights ranged from 7 lbs. (3.17 kg or under (4%) all the way up to 21 lbs. (9.5 kg) or more (5%), though most (61%) were between 11 lb. (4.9 kg) and 16 lb. (7.25 kg).

 

So, with such a wide window of final adult size (there is a spread of 14 lbs. just when considering an adult size of 7 to 21 lbs.), the speed and duration that a Shih Tzu puppy grows will vary quite a bit. 

 

Larger pups usually start off larger at birth, but that is not necessarily so. Those that are predetermined to be on the small side will stop growing well before those genetically predetermined to be on the larger side. But, with Shih Tzu puppies of all sizes, growth is usually staggered; there are growth spurts and times of much slower progress, and there can even be some short stalls along the way. 

 

Keeping that all in mind, you can understand how growth charts can only be mere estimates. 

 

At any given time, a puppy may be near, at, or just finishing a growth spurt, slow-down, or stall which will affect the numbers and throw off that estimation.

 

 

Because these general formulas were intended for a wide range of breeds, the final predictions can be off by several pounds. 

 

Rule #1: Take the weight at 2 weeks old, multiply that by 3, and then add 1 pound. For example, for a 3-lb. 8-week-old puppy, it would be: 3 x 3 = 9 + 1 = 10 lbs. 

 

Rule #2: Take the weight at 3 months old and double it. This is less accurate than Rule #1, but is very straightforward. For example, for a 4.5-lb. 3-month-old puppy, it would be: 4.5 x 2 = 9. 

 

Because general growth predication formulas, whether for canines in general or for toy breeds as a group, can be very inaccurate, we charted the growth of Shih Tzu puppies over the course of 4 years in order to develop more accurate growth formulas. 

Rule #1: We’ve found that the most accurate growth charts and predictions for Shih Tzu puppies (within + or - 2 lbs.) can be achieved if you take the 8-week weight, multiply that times 4, and then add .25 or 1 pound. 

 

How much is added depends on the size of the pup at that 8-week mark. For pups 2.25 lbs. or under at 8-weeks-old, .25 is added. And for those 2.75 lbs. or higher at 8-weeks-old, 1 pound is added. 

 

For example, with a small 1.75 lb. 8-week-old Shih Tzu puppy, the formula is 1.75 x 4 = 7 + .25 = 7.25 lbs. for a final weight. 

 

And, for a larger 3 lb. 8-week-old Shih Tzu puppy, the formula is 3 x 4 = 12 + 1 = 13 lbs. for a final weight.

 

Rule #2: Growth is much more predictable at this age. Our rule is to take the weight at 4 months and double it. For example, for a 6 lb. 4-month-old pup, the formula is 6 x 2 = 12 lbs. The final estimated weight is also + or - 2 lbs. 

 

This first chart is based on our Rule #1: weight at 8-weeks multiplied by 4, plus either .25 to 1 lb. Please remember that the final adult estimated weight is + or - 2 lbs. 

 

This second chart is based on our Rule #2: weight at 4-months multiplied by 2. Please remember that the final adult estimated weight is + or - 2 lbs.

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