Breed guide
Shih Tzu Breeding Guide: Litter Size, Whelping, Puppy Weights and Health Testing
Updated September 6, 2026 · 6 min read · By the BreedBloom team
Shih Tzu are a toy companion breed with tiny neonates, an airway that deserves selection pressure, and eyes that need protection from day one. Litters are small and every puppy counts.
Shih Tzu at a glance
Typical litter size
3–5 puppies (average around 4)
Birth weight
4–7 oz (110–200 g)
Adult weight
9–16 lb (4–7 kg)
Gestation
About 63 days from ovulation (57–72 from breeding)
Whelping
Free-whelping is common but brachycephalic heads and small pelvises produce a meaningful C-section rate. Have a plan and a vet on call.
Breeding and whelping notes
Neonates under 5 oz have no reserves; weigh twice daily and keep the box at 85–90°F the first week.
Eye injuries and dry eye are common in the breed; teach families daily face cleaning.
Select away from stenotic nares and excessive soft palate; breathing matters more than a flat face.
Grooming: daily brushing or a pet trim; put the choice in the go-home packet.
Health testing before breeding
•
Eyes: annual CAER exam
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Patellas: OFA
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Hips: OFA
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DNA: as available for the breed (few validated tests); renal dysplasia awareness
•
Airway assessment of both parents
Keep the paperwork attached
Test results are only useful when they travel with the dog. Keep certificate numbers and dates on each dog's record and include copies in every go-home packet.
Tracking a Shih Tzu litter
Enter the ovulation or tie date and BreedBloom builds the Shih Tzu litter timeline: ultrasound window, X-ray count reminder, temperature checks, the day 3–16 ENS/ESI schedule, deworming and vaccination tasks, and per-puppy weight curves you can compare against the whole litter. Families follow along in the BloomPetz portal, and the go-home packet is assembled from the same records.
About these figures
Figures on this page are typical ranges drawn from breed club and veterinary references; individual lines vary. Confirm health-testing requirements with your breed's parent club, and whelping plans with your reproductive veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
How many puppies do Shih Tzu have?
Typically 3–5, average around 4.
Do Shih Tzu need C-sections?
Not always, but the rate is higher than in most breeds because of head shape and small pelvises. Progesterone timing and a vet on call are standard.
Run your program on BreedBloom
Dogs, litters, puppy weights, ENS/ESI tasks, waitlists, contracts and go-home packets in one connected record, with a family portal built in. Free for up to 3 dogs.
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