Instructions
Ask to see the puppy̵7;s parents. If you̵7;re purchasing a puppy from a breeder, you should at least be able to see the mother. Some breeders own their own studs, while others pay a fee to use a stud to father a litter. If the breeder does not own the father, ask about his size. Most puppies are very similar to their parents in size when fully grown, and observing the parents̵7; size and stature is the best way to get an idea of how big your puppy will be as an adult dog.
Expect male shih tzu puppies to be a bit larger than females as adult dogs. Even males that are smaller than females of the same litter as puppies will likely be larger when they mature.
Multiply a female shih tzu puppy̵7;s weight at eight weeks old by 3.6 to estimate her healthy adult weight. Multiply a male puppy̵7;s 8-week-old weight by 4 to estimate his adult weight.
How to Estimate Size of a Shih Tzu Puppy
If you̵7;re looking for a lap dog or live in a confined space, a small toy dog such as a shih tzu may be the perfect choice for a companion. Purebred shih tzus generally range from 8 to 11 inches tall from floor to shoulder and weight between 9 and 16 pounds when fully grown, according to the American Kennel Club. While there is not a surefire method to predict a puppy̵7;s precise size when fully grown, there are several things you can do to estimate the size your puppy will be when mature.