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The Daily Insight

At what age can a male Shih Tzu mate?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 09, 2026

While a female Shih Tzu goes through estrous cycles, a male Shih Tzu is ready to mate any time after it reaches sexual maturity. A large dog breed can take as long as 18 months to reach sexual maturity; but a Shih Tzu reaches sexual maturity around 8 to 9 months of age.

Also know, what is the best age to breed a Shih Tzu?

1) Age. It is recommended to breed your Shih Tzu anytime between its second cycle of heat and the age of 7 years. Breeding after the age of seven years poses severe health risks to the mother due to the stress on their bodies.

Also, how long does a Shih Tzu bleed when in heat? A Shih Tzu will first go into heat at about 5 months. Like any other animal, including humans, the start period may differ. Five months is, in general, when it starts, but it may go over or just slightly under. You will notice that the Shih Tzu has gone into heat when you start to see light bleeding.

Similarly, how do I get my Shih Tzu to mate?

How to Breed Shih Tzus

  1. Consider your reasons for breeding your dog. Is it for the money?
  2. Take your dog to the vet to make sure it's healthy before you breed it.
  3. Find a dog you can breed with your dog.
  4. Keep track of when the female dog is in heat.
  5. Bring the dogs together every other day until the female will no longer accept the male.

Can a 7 year old Shih Tzu have puppies?

3) Appropriate age. A male's sperm will be viable at 7-months-old (it typically is by 4-months); however, we suggest waiting until a male Shih Tzu is at the 1-year-mark, to ensure strong sperm. Additionally, a female should be retired from breeding at 7-years-old, if health status does not warrant this done sooner.

Related Question Answers

How long does a Shih Tzu stay pregnant?

about 63 days

How many times can a Shih Tzu have babies?

Some toy breed dogs only have 1 to 3 puppies. The Shih Tzu, while a toy breed, has a relatively larger litter. The average litter of the Shih Tzu is 3 with a range of 1 to 5 being considered normal; however some cases a Shih Tzu may have an even larger litter.

Are male or female Shih Tzus better?

While most Shih Tzu "own their owners" this is typically always the case if the Shih Tzu is a female. and don't we love it! * Females are sweeter than males. But on any scale, males are more affectionate and more adoring to their owners than females.

How will I know if my shih tzu is pregnant?

Possibly one of the most noticeable signs that your dog is pregnant will be changes to their nipples which will begin to appear more swollen. Another visible cue is changing colour with the nipples becoming darker, particularly the ones closest to their hind legs.

At what age is a Shih Tzu considered a senior?

The Age That a Shih Tzu Becomes a Senior With the Shih Tzu, the average life span is 13 years, though this can range from 12 years to 16 years; for this reason, Shih Tzu dogs are considered to be seniors by the 10 year mark.

How many times should a dog mate?

So, typically breeding once a day for 3 days in a row or every other day until the three breedings are reached should be a good way to start. So once again, the frequency of breeding in male dogs is much more flexible than it is the case for females.

How often does a Shih Tzu go in heat?

How Often Heat Cycles Occur. With the Shih Tzu, it will be normal to have a heat cycle every 4 to 8 months. This averages out to two or sometimes 3 times per year. It is important to note that even senior dogs still enter heat; the canine equivalent of menopause typically does not occur.

How much is a Shih Tzu?

The cost of purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy will vary depending on the region you are in and the breeder you are purchasing from but, in the US, potential owners should expect to pay between $500-$1000 on average. Occasionally the price can be even higher, although this is rare.

What can you breed with a Shih Tzu?

To help you make your decision, we have compiled a list of 35 Shih Tzu cross breeds.
  • Bea-Tzu: Beagle and Shih Tzu.
  • Blue-Tzu Heeler: Australian cattle dog and Shih Tzu.
  • BoShih: Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu.
  • Care-Tzu: Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu.
  • Cava-Tzu: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu. 48 Comments.

How much should a Shih Tzu eat per day?

How much food is sufficient for them? The amount of food which should be given to a Shih Tzu depends on his age, activity level, metabolism and build. Recommended daily amount for Shih Tzu is 1/2 to 1 cups of high quality dry food. There is also a difference in calories in various foods which you feed to your dog.

When can you stud your dog?

Many health tests cannot be run on dogs until they are two years of age, so you should only breed your male dog when he is of age and cleared for breeding. Depending on your dog's breed, he may not be able to mate successfully after the age of seven years old.

Are Shih Tzu good dogs?

The Shih Tzu is a wonderful family pet. They get along with other dogs or animals, and their docile personality makes them a good companion for children. Kids should sit on the floor to play with a Shih Tzu puppy, however, so there is no risk of carrying and dropping them.

What kind of health problems do Shih Tzus have?

Shih Tzu Health Problems and Issues
  • Proptosis. Another eye-related disorder, this occurs when the eyeball actually dislodges from the socket and the eyelid shuts behind it.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Hip Dysplasia.
  • Allergies.
  • Ear Infections.
  • Collapsing Trachea.
  • Intervertebral Disk Disease.
  • Patellar Luxation.

At what age can a male Maltese breed?

The Female Maltese dog should not be bred until they have passed the age of 2 years and have gone through at least 2 full heat cycles. Males on the other hand are ready for breeding up to six months regardless of the season.

Is rice good for Shih Tzu?

Yes, a Shih Tzu can eat rice. If his regular commercial dog food contains rice as an ingredient, then a smaller amount such as contained in the formula may be ok. Rice may make a good option for your dog if he's a picky eater. It's bland and converts well to energy.

How do I know when my Shih Tzu is in heat?

Heat Symptoms When a Shih Tzu dog is in heat, its temperature rises and there will be a red or pink colored discharge from her swollen vulva. Other signs of being in heat include fatigue, restlessness, increased urination and mood changes.

Is my dog in pain while in heat?

Swollen vulva: This non-painful swelling typically develops a few days before any discharge or bleeding will occur. Bleeding: A bloody discharge from your dog's vulva may be the first sign of heat that you notice. Agitated or nervous behavior: Your dog might appear more anxious or clingy than usual while in heat.

What do I do when my Shih Tzu is in heat?

Keeping Your Shih Tzu Safe During the Heat Cycle For this reason, we advise you to keep your dog away from public areas like dog parks. If you take her outside to pee, make sure to scope the area beforehand. If she's approached by other dogs, pick her up and move her to a safe area.

Does Shih Tzu have Menstruation?

Having a female Shih Tzu is going take more than a cute and bubbly dog to keep. Female dogs when they reach their puberty stage at around 6 months old go into a heat or estrous cycle. Female humans also go through this stage where menstruation is observed, an indication that reproduction is possible. Female dogs also

Can you bathe a female dog in heat?

There's nothing wrong with bathing your dog in heat, as long as you take some precautions. A bath will be necessary if the dog's flow has been heavy, and to make the animal feel better and drier by having good hygiene. However, you'll have to avoid causing stress because of their mood swings.

At what age do Shih Tzu puppies calm down?

Around the age of six to nine months of age, a friendly pup may back away from a friendly stranger or begin barking at strangers. This is a typical part of Shih Tzu dog adolescence.

What age do Shih Tzu live to?

10 – 16 years

Why is my dogs VAG swollen?

If the dog has a condition called vaginal hyperplasia, dark pink or red tissue may protrude from the vulva. The tissue swelling that causes this should resolve when the heat cycle ends. Infections, injuries, and tumors can also make a dog's vulva appear to be swollen.