Which lives longer, the Golden Retriever or the Shih Tzu?

The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan: Golden Retriever 13.2 years versus Shih Tzu 12.8 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Golden Retriever or the Shih Tzu?

On the Breed Health Score the Golden Retriever scores 79/100 and the Shih Tzu scores 65/100. The Golden Retriever scores higher.

Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu

The Golden Retriever has a median lifespan of 13.2 years and a Breed Health Score of 79/100 (grade A); the Shih Tzu lives a median of 12.8 years with a score of 65/100 (grade B). On the overall index the Golden Retriever scores higher. The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

Golden Retriever

79grade A

Shih Tzu

65grade B

Median lifespan

13.2 yr

12.8 yr

Size

large · 25-34 kg

small · 4-7 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

79A

65B

Conditions

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Atopic dermatitis Hypothyroidism

BOAS Corneal ulcers IVDD Dental disease Renal dysplasia

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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.