---
title: "Shih Tzu Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/shih-tzu-breed/
description: "Shih Tzu: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Shih Tzu: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Shih Tzu at about 27 cm tall and 4.5-7.5 kg, living over 10 years. It suggests at least 1 hour a day, and lists 10 health problems to watch, including dry eye and cataracts. Minimum running cost: at least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Small |
| Average height | 27 cm |
| Average weight | 4.5-7.5 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day, split into a couple of short walks plus play |
| Grooming | A daily brush, clipping every 6 to 8 weeks unless kept in show coat, and daily cleaning around the eyes, mouth and nose |
| Cost | At least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Shih Tzu breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/shih-tzu).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- dry eye (KCS)
- cataracts
- progressive retinal atrophy
- retinal detachment
- brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- crowded or displaced teeth
- renal dysplasia
- intervertebral disc disease
- Cushing's disease
- umbilical hernia

Source: [PDSA, Shih Tzu breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/shih-tzu).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, split into a couple of short walks plus play. Grooming: a daily brush, clipping every 6 to 8 weeks unless kept in show coat, and daily cleaning around the eyes, mouth and nose. Source: [PDSA, Shih Tzu breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/shih-tzu).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as bright, alert, confident and affectionate; likely to bark at visitors. PDSA says they should not be left alone for more than four hours a day. Source: [PDSA, Shih Tzu breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/shih-tzu).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Shih Tzu breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/shih-tzu).

## Questions people ask

How long do Shih Tzus live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 10 years.

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, split into a couple of short walks plus play.

What health problems do Shih Tzus have?

PDSA lists dry eye (KCS); cataracts; progressive retinal atrophy; retinal detachment; brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS); crowded or displaced teeth; renal dysplasia; intervertebral disc disease; Cushing's disease; umbilical hernia.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Shih Tzu breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/shih-tzu), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Pug: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/pug-breed/)
- [Chihuahua: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/chihuahua-breed/)
- [Staffordshire Bull Terrier](https://pawmultiverse.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-breed/)