Shih Tzu Pregnancy: What Age It Can Happen, Signs & Care! (2024)

Imagine bringing a litter of Shih Tzu puppies into the world. Shih Tzus are adorable little dogs, but Shih Tzu puppies are even cuter! Shih Tzu pregnancy is something every Shih Tzu owner should learn a bit more about.

When can a Shih Tzu get pregnant? Shih Tzus can become pregnant as early as 6 months old, but according to the American Kennel Club, the recommended age for a is more than 8 months old, though 2 years old is better. In most cases, when a Shih Tzu reaches the age of 9, she can no longer become pregnant or carry a litter. 

Whether or not you’re planning to breed a Shih Tzu, the following details on Shih Tzus and their pregnancy are useful to know and will make you well prepared for the entire journey. 

Shih Tzus and Pregnancy

Whether you’re thinking of becoming a Shih Tzu breeder or suspect that your Shih Tzu girl may be pregnant, it’s important to learn the intricacies of a Shih Tzu pregnancy.

How a Shih Tzu’s Heat Cycle Works

The heat cycle for dogs, in general, includes four different stages, which come with their own physical and behavioral changes.

1. Proestrus Stage

During the proestrus stage, the female Shih Tzu’s estrogen level will start to peak, and the eggs (follicles) begin to develop. It’s also when male dogs start showing their interest, but the female Shih Tzu will not be receptive.

You’ll also notice physical signs like a swollen vulva along with blood-tinged discharge, and usually, more frequent urinating. She will also seem edgier at this point. 

2. Estrus Stage

This is the fertile window when the female Shih Tzu will emit pheromones that heighten the attention she receives from male dogs.

Also, she will now reciprocate the attention by flagging her tail. The swollen vulva will now be enlarged with clear or brown discharge. 

3. Diestrus Stage

The female Shih Tzu will again lose interest and cease to be receptive to the male dog’s attention this time.

Her vulva returns to normal with no discharge, but her behavior changes, acting as though she’s pregnant.

You might notice the following behavior: lethargy, restlessness, reduced appetite, nesting, nursing, depression, and aggression. 

4. Anestrus Stage

The final stage of Shih Tzu’s reproductive cycle is when the body prepares itself for the next heat cycle or season. They will cease showing physical and behavioral symptoms of going into heat by this stage. 

When It Begins and Ends in Life

Shih Tzus, unless spayed, will enter the first heat at around 6-8 months of age. And after the first heat, a female Shih Tzu will then go into heat typically once every six months or twice a year. 

A Shih Tzus cycle will likely be sporadic initially, but her reproductive cycle may start settling into a regular pattern after the first year or two.

Although she may show signs of going into heat in between cycles, she will be infertile during these times. 

Shih Tzu’s fertility will start slowing down starting from the 6-year mark, dropping off continuously until 10 years of age when a possibility for pregnancy ceases altogether.

However, they will continue showing signs of going into heat for the rest of their life unless spayed. 

How Long a Shih Tzu’s Heat Cycle Lasts

The Shih Tzu’s heat cycle length varies per stage.

1. Proestrus Stage: 9-27 days
2. Estrus Stage: 9 days
3. Diestrus Stage: 2 months
4. Anestrus Stage: 4 months on average

Earliest Age a Shih Tzu Can Become Pregnant

According to the AKC and scholars, it’s recommended to wait for a dog to reach at least 8 months old before getting pregnant for the first time.

A Shih Tzu less than 8 months old is still too young to become pregnant as her body will still not be mature enough to handle pregnancy at this stage. 

Ideal Age for a Shih Tzu to First Become Pregnant

Although 8 months old is fine, it’s best to wait for a female Shih Tzu to reach two years old for her first pregnancy, giving her body enough time to physically mature.

That way, she can go through pregnancy easier and with less risk. 

Oldest Age a Shih Tzu Can Become Pregnant

The oldest age a female Shih Tzu can become pregnant safely is seven years old. Some Shih Tzus may be unable to reproduce before this stage or may be deemed not healthy enough to become pregnant. 

Meanwhile, a Shih Tzu that is over 8 years old is already too old to safely become pregnant because they are likely to suffer complications.

How Many Times a Shih Tzu Can Get Pregnant

A Shih Tzu can become pregnant two times in one year. However, it’s not recommended for her to have two litters per year as it would put a strain on the body and ultimately affect her overall health. 

Each bitch is different, but it’s not recommended to breed a Shih Tzu more than three times, even if those pregnancies are spaced far apart.

Shih Tzu Ages as They Relate to Pregnancy

In some cases, pregnancy is possible but ill-advised due to health reasons. For instance, a too-young or too-old Shih Tzu can have complications from the pregnancy.

How Long a Shih Tzu Pregnancy Lasts

A dog’s gestation period is the same across all breeds and sizes, including Shih Tzus. Pregnancy lasts an average of 63 days or 58 to 68 days. 

Usually, before a pregnant Shih Tzu shows any physical changes, you will notice a change in her behavior. Unlike some breeds, Shih Tzus quickly develops their nesting instincts.

For instance, an active Shih Tzu becoming a calm dog, or vice versa, is a marked change that suggests she’s pregnant.

However, there are also other physical signs:

• Previously flush nipples will now pop out, appearing larger and firmer.
• Enlarged mammary glands or drooping glands for those that have carried a litter before.
• Swollen vulva.
• Increased appetite is usually noted around the third week of pregnancy.
• At week four, her belly will quickly enlarge.

Now, at around the two-month mark, when the dam’s temperature suddenly drops, it’s a sign that the labor will soon begin.

Generally, you should start taking her temperature 2-3 times per day starting on day 60.

Their normal body temperature is between 101-102.5℉, and when it drops below 100℉, expect contractions to start within 24 hours. 

Although Shih Tzus are a small breed, they have a relatively large litter. Expect one to five puppies, but they can have an even larger litter in some cases. A Shih Tzu puppy will weigh 6 ounces on average. 

Caring for a Pregnant Shih Tzu

Caring for a pregnant Shih Tzu requires both the effort of the owner and the dog’s veterinarian.

Good prenatal nutrition is necessary, which often includes puppy food and puppy replacement milk. The dog’s veterinarian can also provide vitamin supplements she can take every day.

Making sure that a pregnant Shih Tzu is eating and drinking well is necessary so that she has enough nutrition for herself and her puppies. 

Related Questions:

Can a Pregnant Shih Tzu Take a Bath?

Pregnant Shih Tzus can take a bath as long as you handle them with care to ensure that they don’t feel any distress during bathing.

Be sure the tub has a nonslip surface to prevent falls, and use a gentle, all-natural shampoo, like this one made with buttermilk and honey.

Burt’s Bees for Pets Puppies Natural Tearless 2 in…

Check Price on Amazon

How Many Puppies Can a Shih Tzu Have the First Time?

It’s hard to pinpoint how many puppies a Shih Tzu will have, but usually  first pregnancies tend to result in small litters. You can typically expect one puppy or as many as three puppies. 

Final Thoughts

Before you jump into breeding a Shih Tzu, it’s important to realize the intricacies and complications of Shih Tzu pregnancy.

It’s also very important to understand when pregnancy is possible with this breed so that you can make an appointment to have your dog spayed before an accident occurs or make arrangements to keep her well out of reach of any males in the vicinity.