What Is the Life Expectancy of a Shih Tzu Dog?
Known as the Tibetan holy dog, the Shih Tzu breed was introduced in the United States after World War II. A small companion dog, the Shih Tzu is highly intelligent and loving, a good choice for families or senior citizens.
Choosing a Breed
Life expectancy is important when choosing a breed of dog to own. The average for North American and European dogs is 12.8 years. Large dogs tend to live shorter lives than small dogs. Life expectancy has increased dramatically thanks to better food and medical care.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for Shih Tzus is 10 to 14 years.
Individuals
The life expectancy of a particular dog depends upon the stresses in the dog's life, his diet, and the care he receives.
Health Issues
Shih Tzus are susceptible to health issues such as kidney disorders, anemia, luxating patella, thyroid problems, eye problems, and portosystemic liver shunt, a condition in which blood entering the liver for detoxification mingles with clean blood leaving the liver, causing a buildup of cell waste in the bloodstream. Many Shih Tzus are also allergic to red dye #40, a common pet food ingredient.
Choosing a Healthy Puppy
Parents of puppies should have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifications. The OFA screens dogs for hip/elbow dysplasia and other orthopedic problems. CERF screens for heritable eye disease. Puppies should also be screened for kidney function.
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