How tall is a Shih Tzu?

An adult Shih Tzu stands about 10 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Shih Tzu considered a toy dog?

Yes — at 10" / 13 lb, the Shih Tzu falls into the toy-breed size class (shoulder height under 11"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #238 tallest.

How does a Shih Tzu compare to a person?

At 10" tall, a Shih Tzu stands about 16% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Shih Tzu Size Compared to a Person

A Shih Tzu stands 10″ at the shoulder and weighs about 13 lb — that puts it at 16% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #238 by shoulder height and falls into the toy-breed size class (Toy breeds, under 11").

Shih Tzu next to a person at scale — 10-inch shoulder height, 13 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Shih Tzu at 10″ / 13 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Shih Tzu compares

	Shih Tzu	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	10″	64″	-54″
Weight	13 lb	135 lb	-122 lb

Save the chart

💾 Download PNG

About the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an ancient and regal toy breed with roots in the imperial palaces of China, where they were cherished as prized companion dogs of Chinese royalty. Often called the Chrysanthemum Dog for the way their facial hair grows in all directions, or the Chinese Lion Dog for their resemblance to traditional Chinese guardian lions, Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious flowing coat, sweet round face, and warm, trusting eyes.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Toy size class with shoulder height closest to the Shih Tzu.

Affenpinscher — 10″ / 9 lb (same height)
Australian Silky Terrier — 10″ / 10 lb (same height)
Cairn Terrier — 10″ / 14 lb (same height)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier — 10″ / 21 lb (same height)
Dorgi — 10″ / 22 lb (same height)
English Toy Spaniel — 10″ / 11 lb (same height)
Havanese — 10″ / 10 lb (same height)
Japanese Chin — 10″ / 9 lb (same height)

Compare a Shih Tzu with another breed

Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu size comparison

Frequently asked

How tall is a Shih Tzu?: An adult Shih Tzu stands about 10 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Shih Tzu considered a toy dog?: Yes — at 10" / 13 lb, the Shih Tzu falls into the toy-breed size class (shoulder height under 11"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #238 tallest.
How does a Shih Tzu compare to a person?: At 10" tall, a Shih Tzu stands about 16% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dog names & full breed page · All toy-size breeds · Visual atlas (Toy section) · Size comparison home