Are Shih Tzus prone to health issues?
In general, Shih Tzus are a relatively sturdy breed. But, like all breeds, there are inherent conditions that are more common in some breeds. I make it my mission at Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos to follow all mandatory health testing recommendations from the Shih Tzu National Breed Club. Furthermore, I use Embark Genetic testing (https://embarkvet.com/breeders/) on all my breeding prospects to breed away from any serious health conditions.
Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. This means that they have a relatively flat face and a shorter snout. These features sometimes lead to snoring and snorting. The snoring and snorting are sometimes more obvious during the teething stage of puppyhood. Shih Tzu puppy owners may also notice that their Shih Tzu puppy sounds nasal. Pinched nostrils almost always open over time as the puppy reaches adulthood and the teething stage ends. If not, your veterinarian may want to widen the nostril openings during the spay/neuter procedure.
Reverse sneezing is another common yet harmless occurrence in Shih Tzus. Your puppy may honk and snort and look like he or she is unable to catch his or her breath. It is important to remain calm so your puppy doesn’t feed off of your fear response. I have found that simply placing my finger over the nose remedies the flare-up rather quickly.
Overheating is another issue that plagues the Shih Tzu breed. Brachycephalic breeds are more prone to temperature regulation issues. Their breathing airway is more narrow which means they have to put more effort into breathing in general. When it is hot outside dogs must pant more to cool down. The extra demand on a Shih Tzu’s sensitive respiratory system in hot weather can cause breathing difficulties and an inability to cool down. Shih Tzu owners must keep their pups cool and offer plenty of shade and water in hot weather.
A good harness is a must in the Shih Tzu breed as well. Any extra pressure on a Shih Tzus windpipe or trachea can cause permanent damage. A collar is fine for holding dog tags but isn’t necessary for walking. The risk of injury to a Shih Tzu’s delicate airway is far too great.
Shih Tzus are also known to be a Chondrodysplastic breed. This means that as a whole the breed is known for their short legs and long body appearance. Some common Chondrodysplastic breeds include Corgis, Beagles, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, etc. This makes the breed more prone to back injuries. There is a genetic marker known as IVDD which predisposes Shih Tzus and other dogs with short legs to back issues. None of the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in my responsible breeding program carry IVDD fortunately.
I still suggest using precautions to protect your Shih Tzus back. Simple measures like not letting your Shih Tzu jump from high places and using a ramp or steps to get on and off of furniture can be very useful. Also, low-impact exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will go a long way in keeping your Shih Tzu safe from back issues.
Shih Tzus are notorious for having a classic underbite. So much, so that the underbite is even part of the American Kennel Club breed standard for Shih Tzus. This form of malocclusion is extremely common in dogs with short muzzles like the Shih Tzu. Many breeders breed for the underbite because they find the characteristic desirable in appearance.
I strive for perfect bites in my Shih Tzu breeding program, but every once in a while I will get a less-than-perfect bite. I don’t make a big deal about it because it is part of the breed standard. But, If the vet notices it upon exam, or I notice the bite alignment issue before the puppy go home day I make sure to inform my clients before puppy pick. I aim to always be transparent with my puppy owners.
Shih Tzus are also prone to teeth overcrowding, misaligned teeth, and retained teeth. The reason Shih Tzus are more likely to have dental problems is that brachycephalic breeds have the same number of teeth as other dogs, but the teeth are in a much smaller space! Dental cleanings both at home and professionally are a must in the breed. Dental treats are also great for removing plaque. Retained puppy teeth are usually taken out during the spay/neuter procedure.
In the end, all breeds have common conditions that they are often confronted with throughout life. The Shih Tzu is not exempt from health ailments that may pop up over time. There is no perfect dog, even though we all believe our dog to be perfect. I do my absolute best to rule out serious health conditions in my responsible breeding program.
Unfortunately, it would be unrealistic for me to breed out every minor health issue or benign condition in the breed. What I can do is promise to be transparent with my puppy clients. My puppy clients will always be made aware of any issue that either my veterinarian or I notice in any of the puppies before puppy pick day. Building a relationship built on trust is one of my key goals as a local, reputable Shih Tzu breeder.
