Shih Tzu Puppy Guide

Feeding your Shih Tzu puppy

For the first few months at home (typically 8–16 weeks), feed your Shih Tzu puppy three to four small meals per day. Small, frequent meals prevent hypoglycemia — low blood sugar — which toy-breed puppies are susceptible to, especially if they are stressed, under 1.5 kg, or have gone more than 4–5 hours without eating. Signs of hypoglycemia include weakness, lethargy, trembling, and disorientation — contact your vet immediately if these occur.

Choose a high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds. Small-breed puppy formulas have higher calorie density per cup and smaller kibble sizes that are easier for tiny jaws to manage. From 4–6 months, three meals per day is sufficient for most Shih Tzu puppies. By 6–8 months, many transition comfortably to twice daily. Adjust daily total amounts as the puppy grows — puppies proportionally need more calories per kilogram than adults, but the daily total still increases steadily as they gain weight.

Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day). Beyond making it harder to monitor intake, it disrupts meal-training, makes it difficult to spot appetite changes that might indicate illness, and can contribute to overfeeding.

Socialization and early training

Shih Tzus are affectionate and people-oriented by nature, which makes the socialization window (roughly 3–14 weeks) highly productive. Exposure to a variety of people, sounds, environments, and gentle handling during this period establishes the confident, outgoing adult temperament the breed is known for. Lack of early socialization can result in a Shih Tzu that is anxious or reactive — common, and preventable.

Begin basic training — sit, stay, name response — from 8 weeks onward using small, low-calorie treats and short 5-minute sessions. Shih Tzus are intelligent but can be stubborn; keeping sessions positive, brief, and frequent works better than long, repetitive drills. Consistent house training from day one is also important — toy breeds can be slower to house train than larger breeds, and consistency in scheduling outdoor trips pays off.

Health priorities in the first year

Vaccinations should follow your veterinarian's recommended schedule, typically beginning at 6–8 weeks with core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus) and a rabies vaccine at the appropriate age. Regular deworming and flea/tick prevention should also be established early. Schedule wellness visits at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and then annually after that.

Shih Tzu puppies are a brachycephalic breed — their shortened muzzle means they can overheat more quickly than non-brachycephalic puppies and may show noisy breathing or snoring that is normal for the breed but should be monitored. If a puppy appears to be struggling to breathe, breathing with an open mouth frequently, or tires very quickly from light play, consult your veterinarian. Severe brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) can sometimes be addressed with surgical intervention.

Eye conditions including proptosis (eye displacement from the socket) and dry eye are associated with the Shih Tzu breed. Keep the face clean and hair trimmed away from the eyes. If you notice redness, discharge, cloudiness, or squinting, schedule a vet check promptly — eye issues can progress quickly.

Setting up for a healthy adult life

Dental health habits established in puppyhood pay dividends for years. Begin gentle tooth brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste from 8–10 weeks — most puppies accept it with patience and positive reinforcement. Shih Tzus are prone to dental disease throughout life, partly due to small jaw crowding, so regular brushing significantly slows tartar buildup between professional cleanings.

Avoid letting your Shih Tzu puppy jump from elevated surfaces like sofas or beds. While Shih Tzus are not long-backed breeds like Dachshunds, falls from height still carry real injury risk in a tiny puppy whose growth plates are not yet closed. Low ramps or steps to preferred elevated spots are a worthwhile investment from an early age.