How Long Does A Shih Tzu Live? The Secret to Long Life (Audio)
So you have a Shih Tzu. You are in love with their fluffy mane, goofy grin, stubbornness, and adorable faces.
But one question crosses your mind all the time:
“How long will my little Shih Tzu live by my side?”
Now, you are investigating Shih Tzu’s life expectancy and looking for all the secrets that will keep your dog at your side for as long as possible.
So, how long does a Shih Tzu live?
- The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 10 to 18 years, but some Shih Tzus live even beyond 20 years.
- Reasons why some Shih Tzu live longer than others might include:
- Good nutrition
- Plenty of physical and mental exercises
- Regular vet checkups
- A holistic and natural lifestyle
- Abundance of love and care
What’s the Average Life Expectancy of a Shih Tzu?
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu is respectable at 10 to 18 years1.
That is a good portion of your life to spend with a dog that looks just about like a walking teddy bear.
But, much like in humans, some Shih Tzus are luckier than others and live longer.
So, one day I asked on Reddit, “How old is the oldest Shih Tzu you have heard of? And what do you think are the secrets of a longer life?”
Here is what I gathered…
Why Do Some Shih Tzus Live Longer Than Others? (What I learned from different people)
The question sparked a great conversation I thoroughly enjoyed and learned much from.
I summarize those answers here:
1. Good Nutrition – The Home-cooked Advantage
It seems like a good diet is a big deal for these little guys.
I’ve learned great stories about how Shih Tzus spent long and healthy lives eating a fresh diet.
One owner told me his two Shih Tzus, Bear and Riley, lived to be 17 years old. He’s convinced their home-cooked diet was the key.
Another owner shared that his rescue Shih Tzu lived to be an astonishing 20 years old. He enjoyed a diet of fish, chickpeas, black beans, pumpkin, spinach, and even a little coconut oil.
The owner was convinced that the secret lay in a healthy, varied diet.
Another owner stands by the philosophy of “They eat what I eat”. Her Shih Tzu has lived beyond 23 years.
These stories are testimonials of the power of good nutrition and how it can make a huge difference in the lives of Shih Tzus.
Isn’t it truly amazing how everything we do to show our care through their meals may mean years of extra joyful time together?
2. Plenty of Exercises – The Chill Life
One owner shared his secret: just allowing his Shih Tzus to chill and go with the flow.
“We play when they’re feeling frisky, nap when they’re feeling snoozy, and we’ve literally turned the backyard into their own Zen garden,” he mentioned.
It’s all about following their lead and keeping those stress levels lower than a dachshund’s belly.
Another Shih Tzu, Brody lived a happy 18 years. He would agree with the above statement.
This happy dog never stopped wagging its tail. His owner believes that the key to healthy longevity for a Shih Tzu is to let them live with a happy attitude and relish the small things in life.
One owner believes farm dogs, including Shih Tzus, live longer because they all get more exercise and often have homemade food. Added to this, having a purpose—minding the chickens or being the official greeter—may add years to their lives.
These stories tell us again and again the secret behind the longevity and happiness of our dogs: good food, a stress-free life, and plenty of love.
3. The Ritual of Regular Checkups
A 19-year-old Shih Tzu lady. She had regular checkups to monitor her health.
Like many other Shih Tzu owners, one owner testifies that regular veterinary visits and attention to health issues could make a lot of difference in proactive measures toward ensuring a long, happy dog life.
Additionally, they take supplements if needed and plenty of brain games. It is these extra touches of care and attention that really make the difference.
4. The Holistic Natural Lifestyle
Many owners believe that the real secret to health and long dog life lies in applying holistic, natural health care for a Shih Tzu.
They argue that limiting vaccination, much outdoor time, and quality food are among the most important factors when it comes to living long.
They swear by the power of nature. Fresh air, sunshine, and freedom to run around outdoors are major ingredients that keep these little dogs happy and healthy.
It’s also about adopting a lifestyle focusing on inner wellness.
These owners, having showered their Shih Tzus with love and natural remedies, believe that they are not just adding years to their dogs’ lifelong but also making sure those years have filled with joy.
A sincere commitment to bestowing a good life on your beloved Shih Tzu, naturally.
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So, What Is The Secret That Influence a Shih Tzu’s Lifespan? It’s All About the Love and Care!
So, what’s the verdict?
It appears that a long and happy life for a Shih Tzu is just as varied and interesting as their cute hairdos.
Some swear by good food and make every meal into a wholesome bomb to keep them in shape.
Others believe in an easy lifestyle so that playtime and naps happen on their own terms.
And then, of course, some were just plain lucky, having dogs with genes that are naturally robust and resilient.
But one thing is very clear beyond any doubt: loads of love and care.
Bottom Line
Lastly, if you ask me, I would say yes, genetics do play a role in determining how long your Shih Tzu can live.
What we can really control is their diet, mental health, and exercise.
As pet parents, all we can do is try our best within our capacity. If you are reading this right now, I believe that you are already doing amazingly well.
Let’s continue learning each day how to keep our Shih Tzus as healthy and happy as possible!
Our Shih Tzus deserve nothing less.
