Ideal Weight for a Shih Tzu: Chart by Sex and Age
A healthy Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 lb. The standard gives no separate male and female weights, and because the long coat hides the body, part the hair and feel for the ribs to tell muscle from fat.
Shih Tzu ideal weight by sex
| Sex | Ideal weight (lb) | Ideal weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 9-16 lb | 4.1-7.3 kg |
| Male | 9-16 lb | 4.1-7.3 kg |
Size class: small. Weight-gain risk for this breed: Moderate.
Why the number matters less than body condition
A weight chart is a starting range, not a verdict. Two healthy Shih Tzus can sit pounds apart depending on frame and height, so the reliable test is body condition: can you feel the ribs with a light press, and is there a waist when you look down from above?
The Shih Tzu standard asks for a compact, solid toy of 9-16 pounds with plenty of substance for its size, and gives no separate male and female figures. The long, flowing double coat completely masks the body, so a groomed Shih Tzu can carry hidden weight. Part the coat and feel along the ribs and flank to judge whether a dog near the top of that range is muscular or merely heavy.
Check your Shih Tzu's body condition from a photo
Upload a side photo and get an estimated body condition score in seconds — free, no sign-up. It reads shape, not just the scale.
Check my dog's body condition →Weight-related health risks in the Shih Tzu
As a flat-faced breed the Shih Tzu has limited airway reserve, and extra weight worsens the stenotic nares and elongated soft palate behind brachycephalic breathing trouble. The breed's large, prominent eyes are its other weak point, prone to corneal ulcers, tearing and a disproportionate share of glaucoma cases. Obesity also stresses the short legs and back of this low, long-bodied companion.
Rough daily calories across the Shih Tzu's ideal range
| Body weight | Maintenance (kcal/day) | Weight-loss target (kcal/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 lb (4.1 kg) | 322 kcal | 161 kcal |
| 12.5 lb (5.7 kg) | 412 kcal | 206 kcal |
| 16 lb (7.3 kg) | 495 kcal | 248 kcal |
Orientative only, for a spayed/neutered adult, using resting energy (RER = 70 × kg^0.75) and AAHA/WSAVA maintenance factors; weight loss follows the AAHA rule of 0.80 × RER of the target weight. For your dog's number, use the dog calorie calculator and see the full methodology. Confirm any weight-loss plan with your veterinarian.
Sources
- AKC Official Shih Tzu Breed Standard
- Shih Tzu health (brachycephalic airway, ocular disease, glaucoma), Wikipedia
Last updated 2026-07-22.
Related
This chart is a general guide, not a diagnosis. Sudden weight change, a distended belly, or any health concern warrants a veterinary exam. The right target for an individual Shih Tzu is set with your vet.