Shih Tzu Age Calculator: Dog Years to Human Years

Shih Tzu age in human years

Dog years	Human years	Life stage
1	15	Adolescent
2	24	Adult
6	40	Adult
10	56	Senior begins
13	68	Senior
15	76	Geriatric

Figures based on The Royal Kennel Club's published small-breed guidance, as tabulated by Purina UK. For an exact figure, try the Dog Years calculator.

The Shih Tzu is classified by The Royal Kennel Club within the smaller ageing band, typically weighing 4.5–7.3 kg as an adult, with a median life expectancy of around 12.8 years, according to a 2024 analysis of UK veterinary records by Dogs Trust. Bred in Tibet and China as a companion for royalty, the Shih Tzu is known for its calm, affectionate temperament and long, flowing double coat.

What this means for your Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are generally easy-going and sociable, making them well suited to a wide range of households. Their flat face — a brachycephalic skull shape shared with breeds like the Pug and French Bulldog — means breathing can become laboured in hot weather or with excitement, so extra care with exercise timing and temperature matters more as they age.

The breed's shallow eye sockets make eye injuries and corneal ulcers more common than in longer-nosed breeds, and dental crowding is a frequent issue given their small jaw. Hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease (a spinal condition affecting the discs between vertebrae) are also worth watching for in older Shih Tzus.

When is a Shih Tzu considered a senior?

Under The Royal Kennel Club's size-adjusted guidance, small breeds like the Shih Tzu are generally considered senior from around 10 dog years old.

Related reading: Is the ×7 Rule Real? · Dog Life Stages Explained · Signs Your Dog Is Entering Its Senior Years

Compare: vs Pug · vs French Bulldog · vs Chihuahua