Shih Tzu Health Issues & Lifespan
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Shih Tzus are affectionate companions whose flat faces and big eyes drive most of their health issues — breathing (brachycephalic) and eye problems in particular. Typical lifespan is a long 10 to 16 years. Heat management, eye care, dental care, and keeping them lean protect these dogs best.
What health problems are Shih Tzus prone to?
As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) toy breed, the Shih Tzu's main risks cluster around the face, airway, and eyes:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS): the short muzzle can mean noisy breathing, snoring, snorting, exercise intolerance, and poor heat tolerance.
- Eye problems: their large, prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye (KCS), and — in severe cases — the eye slipping out of its socket (proptosis) after trauma.
- Dental disease: crowded, misaligned teeth in a small undershot jaw.
- Ear infections: hairy, floppy ears trap moisture.
- Patellar luxation and hip issues.
- Skin fold dermatitis around the face, and some risk of kidney and bladder issues.
Early signs to watch for
- Loud snoring, snorting, labored breathing, blue-tinged gums, or overheating easily — airway distress can be an emergency in the heat.
- Squinting, pawing at an eye, redness, cloudiness, or discharge — eye problems can worsen fast, so treat them as urgent.
- Bad breath, reluctance to eat, or loose teeth — dental disease.
- Head shaking, ear odor, or scratching at the ears — ear infection.
- Redness or odor in facial skin folds.
How to keep a Shih Tzu healthy
Manage heat and breathing. Avoid exercise in hot, humid weather, never leave them in a warm car, use a harness rather than a collar, and keep them lean to ease airflow.
Care for the eyes and face daily. Wipe the eyes and facial folds, keep the hair trimmed away from the eyes, and check for redness or squinting. Keep up with dental brushing and cleanings, and clean and dry the ears regularly.
Because eye and breathing flare-ups can recur, logging vet visits, eye episodes, and weight in Tavi helps you and your vet track patterns — and keeping weight steady directly eases breathing.
Shih Tzu lifespan & when to see the vet
Shih Tzus are long-lived, commonly reaching 10 to 16 years. Airway and eye complications, dental disease, and obesity are the main things that affect quality of life.
Treat any eye problem — squinting, cloudiness, a bulging eye, or trauma — as urgent. Seek care right away for serious breathing difficulty or overheating. Keep yearly wellness exams (twice yearly for seniors) with a dental and eye check each time, and ask whether your dog's airway would benefit from evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Shih Tzus live?
Shih Tzus are long-lived toy dogs, typically reaching 10 to 16 years. Their lifespan is affected more by breathing (brachycephalic) issues, eye problems, dental disease, and obesity than by cancer. Keeping them cool, lean, and well-groomed, with regular eye and dental care, supports a long and comfortable life.
Why do Shih Tzus have breathing problems?
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic — their short muzzle and flat face can narrow the airway, causing snoring, snorting, exercise intolerance, and poor heat tolerance (brachycephalic airway syndrome). Avoid heat and overexertion, use a harness, and keep your dog lean. Severe cases may benefit from corrective surgery, so ask your vet about airway evaluation.
Are Shih Tzu eye problems serious?
They can be. Their large, prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye, and, after trauma, even proptosis (the eye slipping from its socket). Squinting, redness, cloudiness, or pawing at an eye should be treated as urgent — eye conditions can worsen within hours. Keep facial hair trimmed and wipe the eyes daily.
Do Shih Tzus need special grooming for their health?
Yes. Daily eye and facial-fold cleaning prevents irritation and infection, keeping hair trimmed away from the eyes protects the cornea, and regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections in their floppy ears. Add daily tooth brushing for their crowded mouths. Good grooming isn't just cosmetic for this breed — it directly prevents common health problems.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); American Shih Tzu Club; VCA Animal Hospitals; Merck Veterinary Manual; American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
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