Shih Tzu puppy weight chart
The ranges below run from a puppy that will end up at the light end of the breed (9 lb) to one heading for the heavy end (16 lb). Males usually track the upper numbers and females the lower.
| Age | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) | % of adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 2.2 to 3.8 | 1 to 1.7 | 24% |
| 10 weeks | 2.8 to 5 | 1.3 to 2.3 | 31% |
| 12 weeks | 3.4 to 6.1 | 1.5 to 2.8 | 38% |
| 14 weeks | 4.1 to 7.2 | 1.9 to 3.3 | 45% |
| 16 weeks | 4.7 to 8.3 | 2.1 to 3.8 | 52% |
| 5 months | 6.1 to 11 | 2.8 to 5 | 68% |
| 6 months | 7 to 12 | 3.2 to 5.4 | 77% |
| 7 months | 7.6 to 14 | 3.4 to 6.4 | 84% |
| 8 months | 8.1 to 14 | 3.7 to 6.4 | 90% |
| 9 months | 8.4 to 15 | 3.8 to 6.8 | 93% |
| 10 months | 8.6 to 15 | 3.9 to 6.8 | 96% |
| 12 months | 8.9 to 16 | 4 to 7.3 | 99% |
| 15 months | 9 to 16 | 4.1 to 7.3 | 100% |
How Shih Tzus grow
Affectionate lap dog that loves everyone. As a small breed, a Shih Tzu is roughly half grown at about 16 weeks and reaches adult size at around 10 to 12 months. Shih Tzus gain most of their weight by 7 or 8 months and then fill out slowly.
Small and medium puppies have fast metabolisms. Split their food into 3 or 4 meals a day until about 4 months old, then move to 2 or 3 meals.
Is my Shih Tzu puppy underweight or overweight?
The scale only tells half the story. Check your puppy's body condition: you should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist when you look down from above. A puppy that tracks low on the chart but has good energy and body condition is usually just going to be a smaller adult. Talk to your vet if your puppy stops gaining for more than two weeks, loses weight, or has persistent diarrhea.
Frequently asked questions
How big will my Shih Tzu puppy get?
Most Shih Tzus finish at 9 to 16 lb. Enter your puppy’s age and weight in the calculator above for a personal estimate.
When does a Shih Tzu stop growing?
Most Shih Tzus reach adult height and weight at around 10 to 12 months.
How much should a Shih Tzu puppy weigh at 12 weeks?
Usually around 3.4 to 6.1 lb, which is about 38% of adult weight. Lighter or heavier can still be normal if your vet is happy with your puppy’s body condition.