Knowing the stages of growth of Shih Tzu is very important to provide us with knowledge for optimal care and to meet our expectations for them. Today we are going to find out how old the Shih Tzu grows.
Compared to humans, the growth rate of Shih Tzu is much faster. Although considered inaccurate, it is believed that on average one human year equals seven Shih Tzu years, but if this were completely true the one-year-old Shih Tzu would not be an adult/teenager and/or mature Shih Tzu. sexually.
That’s why the first year of the Shih Tzu would be equal to 14 years of ours on average, with small variations. Likewise, behavioral and personality maturity also shows variations depending on race and individuals. The Shih Tzu grows up to that age.
Larger dog breeds are slower to mature compared to small breeds such as Shih Tzu. A Great Dane will only reach full maturity at about 2 years of age while a Shih Tzu will be fully mature at one year of age.
While in small breeds the first Shih Tzu heat can occur around 6 to 8 months of age in some giant breeds it can come much later.
See also: What Makes Shih Tzu Dogs Stressed
How Shih Tzus Grow and When They Stop Growing
The Shih Tzu grows up to what age – Despite these differences depending on the breed (size) practically all of them maintain the same pattern of the growth curve. This also applies to the personality of Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzus completely change their behavior as they mature, becoming more serious and responsible while others remain messy and active like the Labrador for life. To get an idea of how big your Shih Tzu puppy will be and if he is growing properly, we must first research the characteristics of the Shih Tzu as adults and carry out weight and size control in periodic evaluations with your Veterinary Doctor. After all, the Shih Tzu grows to what age?
Shih Tzu growth curve
Shih Tzus are born with their eyes and ears closed. They start to open their eyes between 12 to 15 days of life, and a few days later, their ears open.
First month
30-day-old Shih Tzu – When puppies are around one month old, they begin to walk and recognize others. By this time, they have already developed their first set of teeth.
From 3 to 6 months old
Shih Tzu at 3 months – Generally, a Shih Tzu’s weight will double the weight he was at 3, 4, 5, or 6 months of age.
At this point you are already able to assume that the weight of the 3-month-old Shih Tzu will double in adulthood, considering the 3 months of age, and so on, calculating the weight they had at 6 months of age of the Shih Tzu. There is no way to know how many centimeters a Shih Tzu grows because it varies from father and mother.
At 7 months old
Shih Tzu at 7 months – Puppies are very sociable and active at 7 months. Both sexes become sexually mature and get their permanent teeth. Female Shih Tzus will be fully grown, while males continue to grow until they reach 18 months.
From 8 to 12 months old
Shih Tzu at 8 Months – Shih Tzu puppies are able to hold their waste for about eight hours once they reach 8 months. At 9 to 12 months, they will be ready to feed on adult dog food.
healthy development Shih Tzu puppy
Puppy Shih Tzu Development – Shih Tzus need positive encouragement and rewards. These dogs will not do well if scolded or punished.
Shih Tzu weight
3 months old Shih Tzu – 2,350 kg
4 months old Shih Tzu – 3,700 kg
8-month-old Shih Tzu – 4,400 kg
1-year-old Shih Tzu – 5,450 kg
Choosing the “wrong” breed that as an adult will not fit in your apartment or that in a matter of months will be so big that it will hurt a child or even an elderly person, knocking them down, is one of the main reasons for dogs being abandoned on the streets or shelters.
In addition to the size of the Shih Tzu, we cannot forget about the behavioral characteristics of the Shih Tzu that can make you regret the choice you made when you were a puppy just because it is a beautiful or “fashionable” breed, but whose behavior does not suit your routine. or the physical space you live in. But Shih Tzu is great for apartments and is very fond of children.
Knowing the Shih Tzu and its growth and development characteristics are essential for this choice to manifest itself in the purest form of pleasure and satisfaction in having a perfect Shih Tzu for you and your family.
Therefore, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments on Facebook.