How to Estimate Size of a Shih Tzu Puppy

If youre looking for a lap dog or live in a confined space, a small toy dog such as a shih tzu may be the perfect choice for a companion. Purebred shih tzus generally range from 8 to 11 inches tall from floor to shoulder and weight between 9 and 16 pounds when fully grown, according to the American Kennel Club. While there is not a surefire method to predict a puppys precise size when fully grown, there are several things you can do to estimate the size your puppy will be when mature.

Instructions

1

Ask to see the puppys parents. If youre purchasing a puppy from a breeder, you should at least be able to see the mother. Some breeders own their own studs, while others pay a fee to use a stud to father a litter. If the breeder does not own the father, ask about his size. Most puppies are very similar to their parents in size when fully grown, and observing the parents size and stature is the best way to get an idea of how big your puppy will be as an adult dog.

2

Expect male shih tzu puppies to be a bit larger than females as adult dogs. Even males that are smaller than females of the same litter as puppies will likely be larger when they mature.

3

Multiply a female shih tzu puppys weight at eight weeks old by 3.6 to estimate her healthy adult weight. Multiply a male puppys 8-week-old weight by 4 to estimate his adult weight.