However, it's important to note that this is just an average. The actual number of puppies in a litter can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:
* Age of the mother: Older Shih Tzus tend to have smaller litters.
* Health of the mother: A healthy mother is more likely to have a larger litter.
* Genetics: Some Shih Tzu lines are known for having larger litters than others.
While it's not uncommon for Shih Tzus to have litters of 6-8 puppies, it's also possible for them to have litters of just 1-2 puppies.