Ah, the Shih Tzu – one of the most beloved dog breeds out there! These fluffy bundles of joy will surely steal your heart with their playful personalities and devoted nature. But before you bring one into your home, knowing when these little fur babies stop growing is essential. So, when do Shih Tzu puppies stop growing?
What size do they get? How fast do they grow? When should you expect them to reach their full size? We’ll answer all these questions and more in this guide – providing all the information you need to understand when your Shih Tzu puppy stops growing.
So whether you’re a first-time pet owner or an experienced animal lover, this guide is here to help you decide if a Shih Tzu is right for you. Let’s dive in and learn everything there is to know about this adorable fur ball!
When Do Shih Tzus Puppies Stop Growing?
Unsurprisingly, you want to know when your adorable Shih Tzu puppy will stop growing. After all, they’re so cute as puppies; you almost don’t want them to grow up! But as with any other breed of dog, Shih Tzu puppies do reach their adult size—the only question is when?
The answer depends on the size of your Shih Tzu puppy. Generally speaking, a teacup or toy Shih Tzu will take between 10 and 12 months to reach its full size. A miniature Shih Tzu will take about 16 months. And for a standard-sized puppy, it could take up to 24 months for them to reach their adult size.
That means you’ll still have lots of time with your pup as a baby before they enter adulthood—which also means plenty of time for cuddles and playtime! So don’t worry too much—your puppy will be grown up before you know it!
Understanding the Basics of Shih Tzu Growth
As adorable as Shih Tzu puppies are, it’s essential to understand their growth rate and size potential so you can adjust your lifestyle accordingly. The breed you choose has a large influence on the size & shape of your adult dog, but it’s also important to consider other factors, such as genetics & overall health.
Generally speaking, Shih Tzus reach their adult size and weight (7-16lbs) within the first year of life. The American Kennel Club acknowledges that this breed can grow up to 10 inches in height – though some may reach up to 12 or 13 inches. When it comes to their coat, most Shih Tzus never fully attain their full adult coat until they are between 1½ and 2 years old!
It’s important to remember that every pup is different, so the above averages may not be an exact match for your pup. No matter how fast or slow your puppy grows, it will become a healthy and happy companion if it’s taken proper care of – proper nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits.
Shih Tzu Growth and Weight Chart
Are you wondering when your Shih Tzu pup will stop growing? Knowing the size and weight of a full-grown adult, Shih Tzu is a great way to track your puppy’s growth.
A good rule of thumb is that Shih Tzus will reach their full size by the time they are 18 months old, and some breeds may take as long as two years to reach their full size. Generally, adult Shih Tzus range in weight from 5 to 15 pounds, with a height of 8 to 11 inches for males and 8 to 10 inches for females.
Below is a chart that outlines the average growth rate for male and female Shih Tzus:
| Weight at 8 Weeks Old | Estimated Adult Size |
| 1.5 lbs | 6-7 lbs |
| 1.75 lbs | 7-7.5 lbs |
| 2 lbs | 8-9 lbs |
| 2.5 lbs | 9.5-11 lbs |
| 2.75 lbs | 11-13 lbs |
| 3 lbs | 12.5-14.5 lbs |
| 3.25 lbs | 13-15 lbs |
| 3.5 lbs | 14-16 lbs |
| 3.75 lbs | 15-16 lbs |
| 4 lbs | 16-18 lbs |
Factors That Affect Shih Tzu Growth
When it comes to your Shih Tzu pup’s growth, a few factors can affect how big or small they will get. Let’s take a look at them.
Genetics
The pup’s parents and other relatives size significantly affects how large they will become. Larger parents usually lead to more giant puppies, while more minor parents usually lead to smaller puppies. However, it is essential to note that genetics can be difficult to predict, and you may end up with a Shih Tzu different in size than the parents.
Neutering/Spaying
Getting the pup spayed or neutered before reaching sexual maturity can affect the size. Research has shown that neutering/spaying can increase weight gain, which could increase the pup’s size. Therefore, if you decide to spay or neuter your Shih Tzu, know their potential to grow even bigger than initially anticipated.
Nutrition
Providing your Shih Tzu with a nutrient-rich diet is important for healthy growth and development and should not be overlooked. Ensure that you provide them with high-quality food and nutrition supplements, if necessary, to get all the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. In addition, make sure their diet is appropriate for their age and activity level to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding, which can cause them to grow too fast or too slow, respectively.
Effects of Nutrition on Shih Tzu Development
When it comes to the development of any puppy, nutrition is key. You want to ensure your Shih Tzu is eating the right type and amount of food for their breed and size. A family’s diet can impact a puppy’s growth rate and final size, especially a small breed like a Shih Tzu.
Here are some tips to consider when it comes to nutrition for your Shih Tzu puppy:
- Always buy high-quality puppy food from a reliable source. Do your homework, read reviews, read the labels, and look for ingredients that promote muscle development and brain function.
- Follow recommended guidelines on the dog food package for how much to feed your pup—allowing them to eat as much as they want can cause them to become overweight.
- Incorporate some healthy snacks into their diet, like carrots or apples in small pieces—make sure they’re not high in sugar or fat, as this might stunt growth.
- Monitor their activity level and adjust their food accordingly—lower activity means fewer calories needed.
Proper nutrition paired with plenty of exercise will ensure that your Shih Tzu pup reaches its optimal size at the right age — usually between 10-12 months for most Shih Tzus — with maximum health benefits along the way!
Signs When Your Shih Tzu Is Done Growing
You might be wondering when your Shih Tzu puppy will stop growing—so let’s talk about the signs to look for.
Look for the Adult Teeth
One way to determine when your pup is done growing is by looking at its teeth. Adult Shih Tzu puppies have a mix of both puppy teeth and adult teeth. When full-sized adult teeth have replaced all of their baby teeth, they are likely done growing.
Smaller Legs and Head
Another sign is when their legs and head appear smaller than during their growth spurt. As puppies grow, they usually go through a period of rapid growth, where their legs, head, and torso appear much more prominent. Once the growth period has ended, those body parts will settle back down to the size of a full-grown Shih Tzu.
Weight
Finally, you can also look for an increase in weight once your pup has stopped growing. A full-grown Shih Tzu typically weighs between 8 to 16 pounds—if your pup is close or above that range, it’s safe to assume they’re done growing!
Health and Wellness Tips for Growing Puppies
You might be wondering what you can do to help your Shih Tzu puppies stay healthy and happy while they grow. The good news is, there are plenty of things you can do!
Diet
One of the most important things you’ll want to consider is diet. High-quality puppy food formulated specifically for small breeds like Shih Tzus is your best bet. Avoid artificial or high-sugar content, and feed your pup a balanced diet that includes all the right nutrients.
Exercise
Just like humans, puppies need some exercise to be healthy and happy. Exercise helps build strong bones and muscle mass—but don’t overdo it! Your pup should not walk too far or long at too young an age—you don’t want to cause joint issues or premature wear down of those tiny paws.
Here are some activities you can do with your pup as they grow:
- Going for short walks – Start slow with a 10-minute walk every day and gradually increase the amount as your puppy grows older
- Playing fetch – Teach your pup how to catch a ball or frisbee, which will help strengthen their muscles while having fun
- Swimming – Swimming is an excellent workout for an older Shih Tzu breed, but it’s important not to let them swim until they’re around one year old
- Mental stimulation – Games like hide and seek, will help keep their minds sharp as they grow!
FAQ
If you’re considering adopting a Shih Tzu puppy, you will likely wonder when it will stop growing. It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t so straightforward.
However, some factors can give us an idea of when your pup might reach adulthood. Generally speaking, Shih Tzu puppies stop growing between 8-12 months old, but their size may change until they reach 18 months old.
Size Variation
The size of Shih Tzu puppies can vary greatly – some may not be larger than 6 pounds, and others may reach up to 16 pounds as adults! There are three sizes of a Shih Tzu: Toy, Imperial, and Standard. The Toy is the smallest and will typically stay between 4-8 pounds. Imperials are still small but slightly bigger than toys at around 8-10 pounds, and Standards will range from 10-16 pounds as full-grown dogs.
Genetics Matter
It’s important to remember that genetics play a huge role in determining the size of your pup—so don’t be surprised if there are some differences compared to what you were expecting! The average weight for both male and female Shih Tzus is 9-16 pounds, depending on which side of this range your pup lies in.
Growth Spurts
Your pup’s growth patterns will also depend on whether they’ve already experienced any growth spurts over the past few months—for example, if your pup recently had a spurt where they gained a lot of height quickly, this period has likely left them exhausted and unable to eat as much as usual. If this is the
Conclusion
Considering all these points, it is crucial to understand that the growth rate of your Shih Tzu pup varies based on various factors. Understanding how each factor affects its growth can help you get an accurate estimate of when it’ll stop growing and its potential adult size.
Also, your pup’s diet plays a vital role in its growth. Proper nutrition and plenty of exercise will ensure healthy growth and development. And with regular vet check-ups and plenty of socialization, your Shih Tzu will grow into a happy and healthy companion.
