Which lives longer, the Pug or the Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu has the longer median lifespan: Pug 11.6 years versus Shih Tzu 12.8 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Pug or the Shih Tzu?

On the Breed Health Score the Pug scores 55/100 and the Shih Tzu scores 65/100. The Shih Tzu scores higher.

Pug vs Shih Tzu

The Pug has a median lifespan of 11.6 years and a Breed Health Score of 55/100 (grade C); the Shih Tzu lives a median of 12.8 years with a score of 65/100 (grade B). On the overall index the Shih Tzu scores higher. The Shih Tzu has the longer median lifespan.

Pug

55grade C

Shih Tzu

65grade B

Median lifespan

11.6 yr

12.8 yr

Size

toy · 6-8 kg

small · 4-7 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

Hereditary burden

Health Score

55C

65B

Conditions

BOAS Pug dog encephalitis Corneal ulcers Skin fold dermatitis Obesity

BOAS Corneal ulcers IVDD Dental disease Renal dysplasia

Full profiles

More comparisons

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.