As befitting the Shi Tzu's noble Chinese ancestry he should stand proudly, carrying a weight of between 9 and 16 pounds. Anything either lighter or heavier indicates an unhealthy dog. Consequently it is advised that you keep track of your puppy's weight, estimating his adult weight using established formulas.
Estimating the Size of a Female Shih Tzu
Step 1
Check the size of your female puppy’s mother. Your Shih Tzu is likely to grow to a similar size.
Step 2
Weigh your 8-week-old female Shih Tzu puppy on a pet scale.
Step 3
Mulitply your female puppy's weight by 3.6. If your female puppy weighs 3 pounds she should grow to weigh 10.8 pounds as an adult.
Estimating the Size of a Male Shih Tzu
Step 1
Check the size of your male puppy’s father. Your Shih Tzu is likely to grow to a similar size.
Step 2
Weigh your 8-week-old male Shih Tzu puppy on a pet scale.
Step 3
Multiply your male puppy's weight by 4. If your female puppy weighs 3 pounds, he should grow to weigh 12 pounds as an adult.
Tips
- Expect male puppies to grow to a slightly bigger size than a female adult dog.
- Don't worry if your male puppy is smaller than a female puppy of the same age. He will grow bigger as he matures.
Writer Bio
Simon Thomas has worked as a writer and journalist since 2004. He has contributed articles to several online publications, including Smashing Magazine, an art-and-design e-zine. Thomas holds a B.A. in film and media from Winchester University.