Which lives longer, the Beagle or the Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu has the longer median lifespan: Beagle 12.5 years versus Shih Tzu 12.8 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Beagle or the Shih Tzu?

On the Breed Health Score the Beagle scores 70/100 and the Shih Tzu scores 65/100. The Beagle scores higher.

Beagle vs Shih Tzu

The Beagle has a median lifespan of 12.5 years and a Breed Health Score of 70/100 (grade B); the Shih Tzu lives a median of 12.8 years with a score of 65/100 (grade B). On the overall index the Beagle scores higher. The Shih Tzu has the longer median lifespan.

Beagle

70grade B

Shih Tzu

65grade B

Median lifespan

12.5 yr

12.8 yr

Size

medium · 9-16 kg

small · 4-7 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

70B

65B

Conditions

Epilepsy IVDD Obesity Cherry eye Hypothyroidism

BOAS Corneal ulcers IVDD Dental disease Renal dysplasia

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.