Small breed

Shih Tzu Puppy Checklist & Care Guide

Shih Tzu puppies are sweet companions with a long coat that mats quickly.

Adult weight

9–16 lb (4–7 kg)

Crate size

24 in (61 cm)

Energy

Low–Medium

Grooming

Daily brushing; regular trims

First-year tips

Brush daily and keep hair out of the eyes.
Wipe the face and check eyes regularly.
Be patient with potty training; small breeds can take longer.

Feeding

Small-breed puppy food in measured meals.

Health to discuss with your vet

Eye problems and dental disease are commonly discussed. Keep regular vet visits.

General information only, not veterinary advice. Always follow your own vet's guidance.

Best checklists for a Shih Tzu puppy

Daily care

Puppy Grooming Checklist

Free PDF

Training

Puppy Potty Training Checklist

Free PDF

Health

Puppy First Vet Visit Checklist

Free PDF

Woman laughing as her puppy licks her face

Free date calculator

When is the next vet visit?

Enter your puppy's birthday or the day you brought them home and get a dated schedule of vaccines, vet visits and training milestones, ready to print.

Popular checklists

Before you bring puppy home

New Puppy Checklist

Bringing a puppy home is exciting and a little overwhelming. This printable new puppy checklist walks you through what to buy, what to prepare and what to book before your puppy arrives, so nothing gets missed.

19 itemsFree PDF

Before you bring puppy home

Puppy Shopping List

It is easy to overspend on puppy gear. This shopping list separates the must-haves from the nice-to-haves so you can prioritise before the first trip to the pet store.

17 itemsFree PDF

Health

Puppy Vaccination Schedule Checklist

Vaccines protect your puppy from serious diseases. This checklist shows the typical timeline so you can track appointments. Schedules vary by country, region and vet, so always confirm your own plan with your veterinarian.

13 itemsFree PDF

First days

Puppy First Week Checklist

The first week sets the tone for the next few months. Use this checklist to build a calm routine, begin house training and keep your puppy safe while they settle in.

12 itemsFree PDF

Answers

Frequently asked questions

How big will a Shih Tzu puppy get?

Adult Shih Tzus typically weigh 9–16 lb (4–7 kg). Individual dogs vary, so ask your vet to track your puppy's growth.

What size crate does a Shih Tzu puppy need?

Buy a crate that fits the adult size, around 24 in (61 cm) for most Shih Tzus, with a divider so it suits your puppy now.

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu puppy need?

Energy level is typically low–medium. Puppies need short, frequent sessions and plenty of rest; ask your vet how much is right while they are growing.

How often should I feed a Shih Tzu puppy?

Small-breed puppy food in measured meals. Most puppies eat three to four small meals a day at first, moving to two meals as they mature. Follow your vet's plan.

How often does a Shih Tzu need grooming?

Grooming needs for Shih Tzus are generally: daily brushing; regular trims. Start handling and brushing early so your puppy learns to enjoy it.

What health problems should I ask my vet about for a Shih Tzu puppy?

Eye problems and dental disease are commonly discussed. Keep regular vet visits. Regular vet checks help catch problems early.

How do I start training a Shih Tzu puppy?

Brush daily and keep hair out of the eyes. Wipe the face and check eyes regularly. Keep sessions short and reward good behaviour.

Support & sponsorship

Still have a question?

Ask us anything, request a checklist, or get in touch about sponsoring a checklist or partnering with us.