When Do Shih Tzu Stop Growing? Complete Guide for Owners
If you own a Shih Tzu, you might wonder, “When do Shih Tzu stop growing?” Shih Tzus are one of the most lovable toy dog breeds, known for their sturdy bodies, friendly personalities, and fluffy coats. Understanding their growth stages helps ensure they’re healthy and reaching the right milestones. In this guide, we’ll look at what to expect as your Shih Tzu grows and when they typically stop.
Table of Contents
Growth Stages of a Shih Tzu Puppy
Shih Tzu puppies go through rapid growth stages, especially in their first year. Typically, Shih Tzu puppies stop growing at around 10 months to a year. Let’s break down these growth stages.
- First 3 Months: Shih Tzu puppies grow the fastest in the early months. By three months, you’ll notice they’ve developed a lot. Their weight and size increase quickly as they grow muscle, bone, and body mass.
- 4 to 6 Months: During this stage, growth slows down a bit, but they’re still adding size. Shih Tzus reach around 75% of their adult height by six months.
- 7 to 10 Months: Most Shih Tzus stop growing in height by 10 months, but they may gain some weight as they build muscle.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate
Several factors influence when Shih Tzu dogs stop growing:
- Genetics: A puppy’s size is often linked to their parents’ size.
- Nutrition: High-quality food supports healthy growth.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise helps build muscle without straining their bodies.
Shih Tzu Weight Chart by Age
It’s helpful to track your puppy’s weight to ensure they’re developing well. Below is a general weight chart to give you an idea of when do Shih Tzu puppies stop growing.
| Age | Expected Weight (lbs) | Expected Weight (kg) |
| 8 Weeks | 1.5 – 3 lbs | 0.7 – 1.4 kg |
| 3 Months | 3 – 5 lbs | 1.4 – 2.3 kg |
| 6 Months | 7 – 12 lbs | 3.2 – 5.4 kg |
| 10 – 12 Months | 9 – 16 lbs (Full Size) | 4 – 7.3 kg |
Healthy Weight Range
A full-grown Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 lbs. If your Shih Tzu’s weight falls outside this range, consult your vet. Knowing when do Shih Tzu stop growing can help you maintain their weight within the healthy range.
Signs Your Shih Tzu May Still Be Growing
Not sure if your Shih Tzu has stopped growing? Here’s how to tell:
Puppy Features vs. Adult Traits
Young Shih Tzus have certain “puppy traits” like soft, round faces and larger paws relative to their bodies. If your Shih Tzu still has these traits, they might still be growing.
Weight and Proportion Checks
Another way to gauge growth is by checking their weight. Shih Tzus tend to stop growing by 10 months, but you may see them gain a bit more weight over the next few months. If they look lean or unbalanced, they’re probably still in their growth phase. Most Shih Tzu dogs stop growing in height at around 10 months, but may add a little weight as they reach adulthood.
Typical Growth Timeline for Shih Tzus
Here’s a closer look at the typical growth timeline for Shih Tzus, including when they stop growing in weight and height.
Growth at Six Months
By six months, when do Shih Tzu puppies stop growing in height? By now, they’re often near their adult height and weigh about 7 to 12 lbs. If they seem small, it’s likely that they’ll still grow a bit in the coming months.
Growth Between 8–10 Months
At this stage, they’re reaching their final size, but there may be a little more development to come. By eight to 10 months, most Shih Tzus stop growing in height, although they might still gain some muscle mass or weight. This period is crucial as they reach their adult shape.
when does a Shih Tzu stop growing
Most Shih Tzus reach their full size between 10 months and a year. So, when does a Shih Tzu stop growing exactly? Typically, by their first birthday, your Shih Tzu will have reached their adult size.
Average Adult Height and Weight
According to the American Kennel Club, a full-grown Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. They usually stand between 9 and 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder. If your Shih Tzu has reached these measurements, they’re likely done growing.
If you’re wondering about a Maltese Shih Tzu, they generally grow in a similar pattern. Most Maltese Shih Tzus stop growing around the same time, although their exact size can differ slightly due to the Maltese genes.
Does Gender Affect Shih Tzu Growth?
In some breeds, gender affects size, but in Shih Tzus, this difference is minimal. Male and female Shih Tzus tend to grow to similar sizes. So, what age do Shih Tzu stop growing based on gender? Both typically reach their adult size by about 10 months.
Male vs. Female Growth Patterns
While male Shih Tzus might weigh a bit more on average, these differences are usually minor. What matters more are factors like diet and genetics, which influence their growth far more than gender.
Importance of Veterinary Guidance on Growth
Keeping track of your Shih Tzu’s growth is easier when you have your vet’s support. Veterinary checkups can ensure your puppy is growing at a healthy rate.
Recognizing Healthy Growth
If your vet confirms that your Shih Tzu is following a normal growth path, that’s a great sign. They’ll assess your dog’s height and weight, helping you understand if your Shih Tzu’s growth is on track.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
If your vet notices that your puppy is underweight or overweight, they may recommend diet adjustments. A vet’s guidance is especially helpful if you’re concerned about when Shih Tzu dogs stop growing and how to support them.
Final Thoughts on When Shih Tzu Stop Growing
So, when do Shih Tzu stop growing? For most, they reach their final size around 10 months, with full weight and height reached by a year. But every Shih Tzu is unique. Following their growth patterns, maintaining a balanced diet, and scheduling regular vet checkups can help ensure they grow up healthy.
Final Tip: Don’t worry if your Shih Tzu is slightly smaller or larger than average. Each dog is unique, and some may grow differently. What’s most important is that they’re healthy and happy!
Whether you have a pure Shih Tzu or a Maltese Shih Tzu mix, knowing when puppies stop growing Shih Tzu is essential to their care. Embrace each growth stage, and enjoy watching your Shih Tzu grow into their full, charming personality!
FAQs
Can a Shih Tzu grow larger than 16 pounds?
Yes, some Shih Tzu dogs may grow beyond the average 16 pounds, especially if they inherit larger genes. Monitoring weight and size with your vet ensures they stay healthy.
When do Maltese Shih Tzu puppies stop growing?
Maltese Shih Tzus typically reach adult size around 10–12 months, similar to pure Shih Tzus. Their unique genetics may cause slight size variations, but most growth slows significantly by a year.
How do I know if my Shih Tzu's growth is healthy?
Healthy growth includes steady weight gain, balanced proportions, and active behavior. Shih Tzus should maintain a weight between 9–16 pounds as adults. Consult your vet for specific guidance on a balanced diet and exercise.
Do male and female Shih Tzus grow differently?
Unlike larger breeds, Shih Tzus show little difference in size by gender. Both males and females typically reach their adult size around the same time, with only slight weight variations.
