Shih Tzu Age Calculator
Convert your Shih Tzu's age to human years, adjusted for toy-breed aging. Life expectancy 10–18 years.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
toy breed
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Educational estimate for a toy breed. Individual dogs vary — your vet is the best judge of your Shih Tzu's life stage.
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About Shih Tzu aging
The Shih Tzu is a toy breed with a typical adult weight of 9–16 lbs and a life expectancy of 10–18 years. Because aging speed tracks body size, this page uses the toy-breed rate — the slowest, which is why small dogs often reach 15+.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate a Shih Tzu's age in human years?
As a toy breed, the Shih Tzu ages at the toy-breed rate: about 15 human years in year one, 24 by age two, then roughly 4 human years for each dog year after that. Enter an age above to see the exact figure alongside the UCSD epigenetic estimate.
How long do Shih Tzus live?
The typical Shih Tzu life expectancy is 10–18 years. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, staying current on veterinary care, and dental hygiene are the biggest levers on the high end of that range.
When is a Shih Tzu considered a senior?
Smaller breeds like the Shih Tzu typically enter their senior years around age 8–10. Senior care means more frequent vet checks and often a diet adjustment.
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