Shih Tzu Weight & Growth Chart

Complete weight guide with growth charts for male and female Shih Tzus from puppy to adult.

Male Adult Weight

9–16 lbs

Female Adult Weight

7–14 lbs

Shih Tzu Weight Overview

The Shih Tzu weighs 9–16 lbs at maturity. Males (9–16 lbs) are typically heavier than females (7–14 lbs).

Adults typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds. Despite their luxurious coat, they are surprisingly solid and muscular underneath all that hair.. The growth chart below shows the typical weight progression from puppyhood to adulthood.

Growth Chart

When Does a Shih Tzu Stop Growing?

Most Shih Tzus reach adult height of 9–10 inches by 12–15 months, with full body weight of 9–16 lbs achieved shortly after. Males fill out to 16 lbs while females reach 14 lbs.

Growth rate is influenced by genetics, diet quality, and spay/neuter timing. Low exercise needs suit them perfectly for apartment life. A few short walks daily and indoor play sessions keep them happy and healthy..

Is My Shih Tzu Overweight?

Is your Shih Tzu at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 9–16 lbs (males 9–16, females 7–14). Check these three signs:

Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat
Waistline: A clear narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above
Abdominal tuck: The belly slopes upward from the ribcage to the hind legs when viewed from the side

If your dog fails any of these checks, consult your vet. Their flat face creates breathing challenges, and their prominent eyes are prone to injuries and dryness. Regular veterinary eye exams are recommended..

Feeding Recommendation

An adult Shih Tzu's daily food intake is typically 0.5–0.3 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Adults typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds. Despite their luxurious coat, they are surprisingly solid and muscular underneath all that hair.. At 9–16 lbs with energy level 2/5, Their flat face creates breathing challenges, and their prominent eyes are prone to injuries and dryness. Regular veterinary eye exams are recommended..

Weight by Age Table

Age	Male (lbs)	Female (lbs)
3 months	3.6–4.4	3.0–3.8
6 months	7.9–9.7	6.7–8.3
9 months	11.5–14.1	9.7–12.0
12 months	14.3–17.7	12.2–15.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Shih Tzus weigh 9–16 lbs (males: 9–16 lbs; females: 7–14 lbs). Adults typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds. Despite their luxurious coat, they are surprisingly solid and muscular underneath all that hair..

Height plateaus around 12–15 months for the Shih Tzu, with males reaching 16 lbs and females 14 lbs at maturity. As a toy breed originally from China, they were bred for a compact, sturdy build.

Three quick checks for your Shih Tzu: (1) Feel the ribs–they should be easily palpable under a thin fat layer. (2) View from above–there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. (3) Side profile–the abdomen should tuck up. Target weight: 9–16 lbs. Their long double coat coat can make visual assessment harder, so hands-on rib checks are especially important. Consult your vet for a body condition score.

Feeding amounts depend on age, current weight, and the Shih Tzu's expected adult size of 9–16 lbs. Puppies under 6 months need 3–4 meals daily; older puppies eat twice daily. A high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds provides the right nutrient balance. Their flat face creates breathing challenges, and their prominent eyes are prone to injuries and dryness. Regular veterinary eye exams are recommended..

Poor weight gain in a Shih Tzu puppy warrants a vet visit. For a breed that should reach 9–16 lbs at maturity, slow growth can signal parasites (very common in puppies), underfeeding, food intolerance, or illness. Given this breed's long double coat coat, it can be hard to visually assess body condition–weigh your puppy weekly. Your vet will likely run a fecal test and blood work.