Shih Tzu Hereditary Health & Testing Guide

The Shih Tzu puppies are a small, popular toy dog breed known for their distinctive long, flowing coats and charming personality. Originating in Tibet, they stand up to 11 inches tall and weigh up to 7.25kg, with males and females similar in size. Their coats come in a variety of colours including white, black, brindle, grey, and gold. Despite their long fur, Shih Tzus shed relatively little, making them a potential consideration for allergy-sensitive owners. However, their fine double coat requires daily grooming and regular professional trims to stay healthy and tangle-free.

If you are considering welcoming a Shih Tzu into your family, understanding the breed's hereditary health concerns and recommended health testing is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers longevity, genetic diversity, common health issues, and responsible breeding advice to help you make an informed decision and provide the best care for your dog.

Shih Tzu Longevity and Genetic Diversity

Shih Tzus have an average lifespan ranging widely from about 10 to 16 years. Such variance is influenced by genetics, environment, and quality of care. Compared to other small breeds, this means some Shih Tzus can live significantly longer than average, while others unfortunately have shorter lifespans.

The breed’s coefficient of inbreeding stands at around 5.4%, which is within the ideal range for pedigree dogs (typically below 6.25%). This statistic suggests that Shih Tzus enjoy relatively good genetic diversity, reducing the risk of inherited diseases linked to excessive inbreeding. Popularity has helped maintain a diverse gene pool, allowing responsible breeders to avoid close linebreeding.

Conformation Considerations and Health Risks

• Shih Tzus’ short muzzles can cause breathing difficulties and are associated with brachycephalic ocular syndrome, increasing vulnerability to eye conditions.
• Their small mouths often lead to dental overcrowding which can cause oral health problems if not managed with regular veterinary checks.
• Their coat requires daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles, and regular professional grooming maintains coat health.
• The breed’s ear shape and curled tail, while distinctive, may limit natural communication cues with other dogs, which can influence social behaviour.

Common Hereditary Health Issues in Shih Tzus

Several genetic conditions are known to affect Shih Tzus, some of which can be tested for before breeding to avoid passing them on:

• Renal dysplasia: A kidney developmental disorder. The British Veterinary Association and The Kennel Club recommend DNA testing prior to breeding to reduce occurrence.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A spinal disorder common in chondrodystrophic breeds; about 20% carry variants increasing risk.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A breed-specific genetic eye disease linked to mutations in the JPH2 gene.
• Eye conditions: Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), cataracts, distichiasis (extra eyelashes), and entropion (inward eyelids) are reported.
• Other issues: Perianal gland tumours, Cushing’s syndrome, congenital portosystemic shunt, skin allergies (atopy), heart valve disease, patellar luxation, spinal disc disease, and urinary stones have all been documented.

Health Testing for Shih Tzus

Genetic testing plays a critical role in responsible breeding and ownership. Recommended tests include:

• DNA testing for renal dysplasia: Prevents breeding of affected or carrier dogs.
• PRA testing: Identifies carriers to avoid producing affected puppies.
• Genetic risk screening: Comprehensive panels, such as those offered by certified veterinary labs, cover multiple conditions including IVDD risk variants.
• Eye examinations: Specialist veterinary ophthalmologist checks or Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) certifications help detect heritable eye problems early.

Responsible Breeding and Ownership

To promote the health and longevity of the breed, prospective owners should seek reputable breeders who conduct recommended health testing and prioritise low inbreeding levels. Understanding inheritance patterns helps breeders select mating pairs that minimise risk while maintaining genetic diversity.

Owners should maintain routine veterinary care including dental health checks and specialist grooming to support wellbeing. Knowing common breed conditions allows for early detection and management, improving quality of life.

Conclusion

The Shih Tzu is a beloved companion with a lifespan that can reach up to 16 years given proper care and breeding practices. Genetic testing for renal dysplasia, PRA, and IVDD risk factors is essential when acquiring or breeding these dogs to reduce hereditary health issues. Alongside regular health screening, grooming, and veterinary care, these steps help ensure your Shih Tzu enjoys a long, happy life.

By investing time in research and working with knowledgeable breeders, you can bring home a healthy, well-looked-after Shih Tzu puppy that will be a cherished family member for years.