Are you a fan of the shih tzu dog breed? If so, you might want to consider buying a puppy or adopting an older dog. That said, before you purchase or adopt a shih tzu, it’s important to understand how long your new canine companion will be with you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with this breed.
Also, knowing what affects a male shih tzu’s life span can help you enjoy your time with them. This guide will walk you through the essentials, helping you understand everything you need to know.
What’s the Average Shih Tzu Life Span (Male)?
The average shih tzu life span for a male is around 10 to 16 years. Therefore, you can expect a shih tzu to live for a long time, especially if you care for them properly. While a decade is a large range, you’ll find that most shih tzu life spans fall right in the middle, so 12, 13, and 14 are common ages for a shih tzu to live to.
That said, don’t be surprised if there are outliers, as some shih tzus have lived past 16. Unfortunately, the same applies to the other side of the spectrum, with some shih tzu males not making it to 10 without proper care.
What’s the Average Shih Tzu Life Span (Female)?
When it comes to female Shih Tzus, you can anticipate a similar life span. Their life span is around 10 to 16 years, so you shouldn’t expect a large variation between male and female shih tzu life spans.
Factors that Influence Shih Tzu Life Span (Male)
When it comes to the life span of a shih tzu, especially males, many factors contribute to their life span. Understanding these factors will help a shih tzu live a long and healthy life. Learn more about the most common ones that you can control below.
The Genetic Background of the Shih Tzu
The genetic background of a shih tzu significantly influences its life span. This is because a shih tzu that comes from a reputable breeder will likely live longer than one that comes from a breeder who uses workarounds or unsafe conditions or who doesn’t keep records.
The good news is that if you need to find a shih tzu through a reputable breeder, plenty of great options are out there. You’ll want to consider breeders who have a licence to breed dogs and are affiliated with kennel clubs for the dogs they breed.
Thankfully, if you don’t know where to start, Dog Academy can help you find shih tzu puppies for sale.
Diet and Exercise
Diet and exercise are other major factors that influence the life span of a shih tzu. You need to ensure that your shih tzu is eating a healthy diet, preferably dog food that’s formulated for small dogs.
Although diet plays a significant role, it’s not the only aspect to consider. Make sure you also help them exercise for around 30 to 60 minutes daily. This task should be done several days per week.
As your shih tzu gets older, make sure you focus more on their diet, exercise, and weight. If they end up getting obese, this will shorten their life span.
General Health
The general health of your shih tzu is another factor that impacts their life span. While genetics are important, so is catching a health issue before it becomes even more problematic.
For these reasons, it’s important to bring your dog to the vet frequently, or at least annually. By catching health issues early, you can prevent them from shortening your shih tzu’s life span by getting them the treatment that they need.
Our Thoughts on a Shih Tzu Life Span (Male)
A shih tzu life span (male) tends to be around 10 to 15 years. Of course, they may live longer with proper care, nutrition, and the secret ingredient – love.
However, the reverse can also happen. If you don’t properly care for a shih tzu, the sad reality is that they may not live to 10 years old. For these reasons, make sure you choose reputable breeders, help them manage their weight, and schedule annual veterinary visits to prevent future issues.
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