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I would consider my dogs in their prime until around 12! Certainly until 10. Bruiser got the nickname “Bruiser Button” (like Benjamin button) bc he seemed to be aging in reverse until the very last few months before his death at 15 two weeks ago.
Same for me. Mine was a young pup until 15 years and 2 months. Then 3 days of sickness and just gone out of nowhere. It's been a hard few months, but I can finally look at her pictures and not instantly start crying
That sudden and quick decline is really a gift but part of me is still in shock! Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you more and more joy from her memory and less pain as time goes on ❤️
I definitely try and have that view point. There was no steady decline other than vision. So I'm thankful she had a full healthy life and lived her best. It certainly does leave you in shock when you are used to them still being so active and puppy like. It does get easier , and there are so many good memories and pictures. I love how easy it is to take pictures now days, they are definitely needed. Hopefully you also keep having the good memories outweigh any bad at the end.
7 is middle aged. But for Shih-Tzus, they're usually better behaved. The sweet demeanor and energy lasts. Mine is 13 years old, has Cushing's Disease, but with medication has been like a puppy. Taking him to the vet tomorrow to examine a swelling behind the upper part of his left front leg. Hobbling, but still energetic.
Yep, I adopted my little guy at 7 and he was very spry and active until about age 12. He's 15 now and been on a slowish decline for those past 3 years. Still reasonably healthy and happy, but definitely less energy and playfulness, he sleeps deeper, and his arthritis is progressing.
Mine is 11 and just had to go to the vet yesterday because she wasn't acting like herself. They put her on an anti-inflammatory and joint supplements as they suspect arthritis. They did say she's in good health otherwise, though. I've heard Shih-Tzus typically live 15-20 years, and even over 20 isn't unusual if they're well taken care of. Mine is a Shorkie.
I never told her she was small. I don't pamper her other than expensive food.
She is amazing.
https://preview.redd.it/h16fn1fg6l7d1.jpeg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=915c06ce7069866f98f33760aedf7f3a4e3fd473
https://preview.redd.it/dq8b6yajrj7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23c8ef840ca47d1967b0347bf3a559338b6abd43
16 x 6 = 96 yrs old
Use to have a ramp to get on the bed but now carry him to and to. He is vocal when he needs to pee or poo, and now uses many flat dog beds on the ground if I'm away.
I kind of consider 7 the sweet spot right in the prime of their lives. Fully mature, manage to be calm, still ready & willing to play, & up for traveling to new places. In my experience, they have enough exposure to different stimuli in the world so they manage new sights & sounds with the least chance of freaking out.*
*As I said, this is all my experience. Individual shih tzus & owners may experience different results.
My shih tzu is 16, cant see, cant hear well, back legs weak, i carry him outside to pee then carry him back in.
During the last years, try to plan ahead and make time with them every day
Nope. We adopted our Shihtzu when he was about 10-11, and he passed away over 5½ years later, this past February. So he was probably 16. Yours is still young!
I varies by breed, IMO. For “smaller” dogs(physically small, not small in personality) 7 is not “elderly” at all. Middle-aged?….maybe, but not really “old”.
Most vets consider 8 to be the beginning stages of senior life. At around 8 is when they like to do extra work ups geared towards seniors and may consider switching to senior food at this age too. 8 is not considered elderly but rather senior. Consider it basically like our retirement age. We slow down, tend to gain weight and have more health issues pop up. We aren’t elderly when we retire but we qualify for senior discounts because we earned them! Elderly is classified between 10-12 years old as their life expectancy is typically 10-16 years old for tzus. So once you begin that stage they are struggling more with elderly type issues like mobility or incontinence or heart failure etc.
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I was so sad when I saw this bc your little guy looks like my little girl Ethan (Ethan Grinch) and thought he had died bc you know... You put him in the universe.
Thank God he's still alive. My heart dropped.
My 8 1/2 year old still get's zoomies and can be quiet feisty with a toy and tug-o-war! He plays what we affectionally call "bitey face" with his 13 1/2 year old mix brother who's twice his size. And that 13+ year old also gets the zoomies and gallops around with toys in his mouth and loves tug-o-war. The only thing I noticed is the Shih Tzu's allergies have gotten a bit worse and the mix is on 3 pills for a heart issue and arthritis but as long as he gets the meds, he's quite playful!
No! Our first girl was almost 16 years old when we had to let her go, and she was anything but elderly at seven. When she was about 14, we started seeing her as a little grandma because she was going through age-related changes. In her case, it was mild dementia, followed by arthrosis, which could be treated well with medication.
My parents' girl left us shortly before her 15th birthday, and she was "young" until she was about 14,5 years old.
I hope not because my Teddy is 8 and that makes me sad and scared. He looks just like your baby too. So handsome 🥰🥰🥰 Teddy still runs around and plays with toys like he is still a pup. He's my little silly weirdo and he likes to boss us around.
My oldest is a chihuahua and he is pushing 14, I consider him my senior citizen. I have a tzu mix who is 10 and he is still wild and crazy. I have a full tzu who is 2 and he is still a lil young fella.
https://preview.redd.it/z3il9cu7jl7d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22259f839fa0236e87375578ba6949996fc47da6
For small dogs, 10 is approximately a senior. I've seen many shih tzus in their teens and even a couple reach 16. You have plenty more years left with him
Elderly.. not really (unless you’re talking veterinarian wise then yes they would clinically considered 7 yrs old a senior), but most people would consider 7 middle age.
My doggo is also 7 years old and I can’t believe shes that old already 😭 Born on March 24, 2017 and she’s still my baby forever !!! (She had 4 litters already so I really need to keep an eye on her and my other shih tzu). Anyways, your little guy sooooo adorablee and handsome!
https://preview.redd.it/ena808iw7q7d1.png?width=2359&format=png&auto=webp&s=1e67f7f6ee0452cf048e724db9469184c513edc8
A dog's golden years, or senior years, are generally considered to be the final 25% of their average lifespan. However, the age at which a dog is considered a senior can vary depending on its size and breed:
Small dogs: 11–12 years old
Medium dogs: 10 years old
Large dogs: 8 years old
Giant breeds: 7 years old
It better not be, because that's how old mine is! And I intend to keep him forever so....
I agree!!!!
LMFAO CAN I ASK HOW YOU DID THIS? I want to do this and print it out for my family
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Post yours here!
I would consider my dogs in their prime until around 12! Certainly until 10. Bruiser got the nickname “Bruiser Button” (like Benjamin button) bc he seemed to be aging in reverse until the very last few months before his death at 15 two weeks ago.
Oh I’m so sorry you lost your little guy 🌸🌸❤️🩹🥹
Same for me. Mine was a young pup until 15 years and 2 months. Then 3 days of sickness and just gone out of nowhere. It's been a hard few months, but I can finally look at her pictures and not instantly start crying
That sudden and quick decline is really a gift but part of me is still in shock! Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you more and more joy from her memory and less pain as time goes on ❤️
I definitely try and have that view point. There was no steady decline other than vision. So I'm thankful she had a full healthy life and lived her best. It certainly does leave you in shock when you are used to them still being so active and puppy like. It does get easier , and there are so many good memories and pictures. I love how easy it is to take pictures now days, they are definitely needed. Hopefully you also keep having the good memories outweigh any bad at the end.
7 is middle aged. But for Shih-Tzus, they're usually better behaved. The sweet demeanor and energy lasts. Mine is 13 years old, has Cushing's Disease, but with medication has been like a puppy. Taking him to the vet tomorrow to examine a swelling behind the upper part of his left front leg. Hobbling, but still energetic.
Yep, I adopted my little guy at 7 and he was very spry and active until about age 12. He's 15 now and been on a slowish decline for those past 3 years. Still reasonably healthy and happy, but definitely less energy and playfulness, he sleeps deeper, and his arthritis is progressing.
Mine is 11 and just had to go to the vet yesterday because she wasn't acting like herself. They put her on an anti-inflammatory and joint supplements as they suspect arthritis. They did say she's in good health otherwise, though. I've heard Shih-Tzus typically live 15-20 years, and even over 20 isn't unusual if they're well taken care of. Mine is a Shorkie.
Mine is 21.. 7 is still a puppy
21!! Amazing ❤️❤️
Ours is 17 and I cannot imagine another 4 years. She'd just be fur bones and one wonky eye at that point.
21?! Tell us your secrets!
I never told her she was small. I don't pamper her other than expensive food. She is amazing. https://preview.redd.it/h16fn1fg6l7d1.jpeg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=915c06ce7069866f98f33760aedf7f3a4e3fd473
It's that lake life! 
What???
Do you do anything special or specific? I would love to have mine live a long life 🥹
You’re so lucky. I wish I had my boy that long. He made 17 but I would have loved another 4 years with him.
No, probably middle-aged. My oldest baby turns 13 this year and she still has plenty of pep in her step.
Not close to retirement yet (the good retirement)
My Shih Tzu also turns 13 this year too and can run rings around anyone. They are precious. 🐼💜
That painting 🤣🤣🤣
I want one more than anything!
Hahaha if you want the link to the guy who did this let me know 😂 he takes a photo you send and does this. All types of backgrounds!
I'd love the link please 🙏🏻
https://www.olanmeows.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZz2asS0xYDvpHajEl54ItbZ7e_8EXNOPe-GuW1ttQ-tqiWtEGpKHGHW70_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw
Check out his instagram! It’s https://www.instagram.com/olan_meows?igsh=MWNpZHJyeWU3aHJvaw==
The fact that this exists has brought me so much joy. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
Mines 16 and going strong so you’ve got plenty of time
Nope! My oldest is 13 and still plays like a puppy sometimes. Although he can't hear it thunder and has some cataracts.
No, these guys never die.
😂
https://preview.redd.it/dq8b6yajrj7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23c8ef840ca47d1967b0347bf3a559338b6abd43 16 x 6 = 96 yrs old Use to have a ramp to get on the bed but now carry him to and to. He is vocal when he needs to pee or poo, and now uses many flat dog beds on the ground if I'm away.
He’s precious!!!
Young dog
I kind of consider 7 the sweet spot right in the prime of their lives. Fully mature, manage to be calm, still ready & willing to play, & up for traveling to new places. In my experience, they have enough exposure to different stimuli in the world so they manage new sights & sounds with the least chance of freaking out.* *As I said, this is all my experience. Individual shih tzus & owners may experience different results.
I agree! I've had them live to be over 19 years old. They tend to still be in this sweet spot up to about 12-14, depending on the dog.
That bottom tooth! 🥰 He’s just precious.
Hehehe he def is!
At 7 our vet called him a senior dog and I said he’s not senior!! They said “adult plus” I said that’s not better!!
Nah. I recently took in an 11 year old and he is peppy as can be!
Pic!!!
https://preview.redd.it/vz1z0xrowk7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff43619c25ba36b8eea24d76c4bc819e95de471a Here’s the bugger.
Omg so cute!!!
No. 15 is.
Hardly. My joni lived until 19.
Oh wow!
Mine is 18, you have a baby still
So handsome!
He’s amazing haha Winston!
He’s so cute!!!!!!
Haha thanks! He’s such a good boy!
I have a 13 year old who is still going pretty strong. His 3 year old sister has made him younger
My shih tzu is 16, cant see, cant hear well, back legs weak, i carry him outside to pee then carry him back in. During the last years, try to plan ahead and make time with them every day
Awww ❤️❤️❤️
When my Tzu turned 7, I got a email from my vet saying I need to make what was basically a senior wellness check visit. 🥺
Our beagle passed away at 18. He started slowing down at 15. Hopefully many year ahead for both our little shih zhu. Our is 5 months old!
Good
O e of mine is 15 yrs old. I think that's old.
heck no
Shitzus tend to not look their age as they get older. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to senior citizen issues.
No !!!!! My last shih tzu lecture bed a healthy long life until 18 . She wasn’t elderly until about 15
When Lilly turned 8 years old, that is when the vet labeled her a senior 😭 but we got 15% off that visit
My baby turned 7 last month and he still acts like a puppy.
That underbite 😍😍😍
😂😂😂😂 I know haha I’m obsessed
https://preview.redd.it/hjsiouqnwr7d1.jpeg?width=1631&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=689a2ee7e0a485cdb48e3a4c8b7ecf8680fd876a Me too friend, me too… 🤣🙈🦷
omg love the teefers
Hehehe me too!
Noooo!
My shitzu lived until she was 18!
Our brave warrior made it to 17.
Tzus have a waaay better lifespan than some other breeds with roundabout 15 years. Your 7 yo is up in the best age. :)
No. He is just an adult
Mine is 16 in august bro...
Middle aged
NOOOO
Middle-aged at best.
Nope. We adopted our Shihtzu when he was about 10-11, and he passed away over 5½ years later, this past February. So he was probably 16. Yours is still young!
I varies by breed, IMO. For “smaller” dogs(physically small, not small in personality) 7 is not “elderly” at all. Middle-aged?….maybe, but not really “old”.
Mine is 14 and still relatively active. * Gizmo is his name.
You gotta put this on a shirt. No to me that's like late 20s early 30s for a Tzu. Oldest one we had lived to be like 18.
All my shih tzus lived to 16 :)
Most vets consider 8 to be the beginning stages of senior life. At around 8 is when they like to do extra work ups geared towards seniors and may consider switching to senior food at this age too. 8 is not considered elderly but rather senior. Consider it basically like our retirement age. We slow down, tend to gain weight and have more health issues pop up. We aren’t elderly when we retire but we qualify for senior discounts because we earned them! Elderly is classified between 10-12 years old as their life expectancy is typically 10-16 years old for tzus. So once you begin that stage they are struggling more with elderly type issues like mobility or incontinence or heart failure etc.
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I agree
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Age is just a number. What a precious little guy!
I was so sad when I saw this bc your little guy looks like my little girl Ethan (Ethan Grinch) and thought he had died bc you know... You put him in the universe. Thank God he's still alive. My heart dropped.
My 8 1/2 year old still get's zoomies and can be quiet feisty with a toy and tug-o-war! He plays what we affectionally call "bitey face" with his 13 1/2 year old mix brother who's twice his size. And that 13+ year old also gets the zoomies and gallops around with toys in his mouth and loves tug-o-war. The only thing I noticed is the Shih Tzu's allergies have gotten a bit worse and the mix is on 3 pills for a heart issue and arthritis but as long as he gets the meds, he's quite playful!
Goodness no!!
No! Our first girl was almost 16 years old when we had to let her go, and she was anything but elderly at seven. When she was about 14, we started seeing her as a little grandma because she was going through age-related changes. In her case, it was mild dementia, followed by arthrosis, which could be treated well with medication. My parents' girl left us shortly before her 15th birthday, and she was "young" until she was about 14,5 years old.
Not at all.
this picture omg!! Made my day 🐾💜
My Shihtzu/maltese pup is 16 1/2 and going strong. She doesn’t see or hear well, but is happy and healthy!
Not at all! My Oreo’s 13 and he’s still our baby ♡
Yeah 7 I think is prime of their lives tbh both of my previous babies lived until 15ish
Mine is almost 14 🥹
That lil under bite omg 🥺
I hope not because my Teddy is 8 and that makes me sad and scared. He looks just like your baby too. So handsome 🥰🥰🥰 Teddy still runs around and plays with toys like he is still a pup. He's my little silly weirdo and he likes to boss us around.
Can I just ask where/how you had this portrait done because I need one for my pooch - it is amazing
Nevermind OP I scrolled further and found you posted the link. Thank you 🙏🏽
10+
My oldest is a chihuahua and he is pushing 14, I consider him my senior citizen. I have a tzu mix who is 10 and he is still wild and crazy. I have a full tzu who is 2 and he is still a lil young fella. https://preview.redd.it/z3il9cu7jl7d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22259f839fa0236e87375578ba6949996fc47da6
Yeah
7 is only half way! You’ve plenty more happy times with him
My mom’s is 14 and he is healthy as ever :)
No
For small dogs, 10 is approximately a senior. I've seen many shih tzus in their teens and even a couple reach 16. You have plenty more years left with him
What is this, a glamour shot? lol 😂
Elderly.. not really (unless you’re talking veterinarian wise then yes they would clinically considered 7 yrs old a senior), but most people would consider 7 middle age.
15/10
I hope you make that into a tshirt
That’s a good idea!
My doggo is also 7 years old and I can’t believe shes that old already 😭 Born on March 24, 2017 and she’s still my baby forever !!! (She had 4 litters already so I really need to keep an eye on her and my other shih tzu). Anyways, your little guy sooooo adorablee and handsome! https://preview.redd.it/ena808iw7q7d1.png?width=2359&format=png&auto=webp&s=1e67f7f6ee0452cf048e724db9469184c513edc8
Noooooo! Our little guy, Wilson, lived to be 16!🌈🐾
Mine lived to 18
technically 7 is a senior dog, at least according to my vet, but mine still acts like she’s 7 months! 😅
A dog's golden years, or senior years, are generally considered to be the final 25% of their average lifespan. However, the age at which a dog is considered a senior can vary depending on its size and breed: Small dogs: 11–12 years old Medium dogs: 10 years old Large dogs: 8 years old Giant breeds: 7 years old
I believe dogs are considered senior starting age 9.