Question 1

How much should a Shih Tzu weigh?

Accepted Answer

The ideal weight for a Shih Tzu is 8.8–15.4 lbs (4–7 kg). Even a small weight gain can be significant for smaller breeds.

Question 2

How many calories does a Shih Tzu need per day?

Accepted Answer

A typical adult Shih Tzu weighing about 12 lbs (6 kg) needs approximately 402–503 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status.

Question 3

Is my Shih Tzu overweight?

Accepted Answer

59% of dogs are overweight. Check your Shih Tzu's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment.

Question 4

When do Shih Tzus stop growing?

Accepted Answer

Most Shih Tzus reach their full adult weight between 9 and 10 months of age. Small breeds mature faster and typically reach full size by 10 months. Use the growth milestones section above to track if your Shih Tzu is growing at a healthy rate.

Question 5

How can I tell if my Shih Tzu is overweight?

Accepted Answer

Check three signs: (1) You can't feel your Shih Tzu's ribs easily under the fur. (2) From above, there's no visible waist behind the ribs. (3) From the side, the belly doesn't tuck up after the chest. If any of these apply, your Shih Tzu may be carrying extra weight. Use the Body Condition Score checker above for a quick assessment, or consult your vet.

Question 6

How much should a Shih Tzu puppy weigh at 3 months?

Accepted Answer

A 3-month-old Shih Tzu typically weighs 3.1–6.9 lbs (1.4–3.1 kg). Use our Puppy Weight Predictor to estimate your puppy's adult weight based on current age and weight.

Question 7

What is the best diet for a Shih Tzu to maintain healthy weight?

Accepted Answer

Adult Shih Tzus typically need 402–503 calories per day, depending on activity level. Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and size. Use our Calorie Calculator for a personalized daily food amount recommendation.

Question 8

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus are a toy-sized breed and typically need 20–30 minutes of exercise per day. This includes walks, play time, and mental stimulation. Adjust based on your dog's age and health — puppies need shorter, gentler sessions while healthy adults can handle more.

Weight Range	8.8–15.4 lbs (4–7 kg)
Full Growth	9–10 months
Daily Calories	~402–503 kcal (adult, neutered)

Shih Tzu Weight & Calorie Guide

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight Range

Shih Tzu Calorie Calculator