Which lives longer, the Shih Tzu or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The Shih Tzu has the longer median lifespan: Shih Tzu 12.8 years versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier 12.0 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Shih Tzu or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

On the Breed Health Score the Shih Tzu scores 65/100 and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores 67/100. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores higher.

Shih Tzu vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Shih Tzu has a median lifespan of 12.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 65/100 (grade B); the Staffordshire Bull Terrier lives a median of 12.0 years with a score of 67/100 (grade B). On the overall index the Staffordshire Bull Terrier scores higher. The Shih Tzu has the longer median lifespan.

Shih Tzu

65grade B

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

67grade B

Median lifespan

12.8 yr

12.0 yr

Size

small · 4-7 kg

medium · 11-17 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

65B

67B

Conditions

BOAS Corneal ulcers IVDD Dental disease Renal dysplasia

Hereditary cataracts L-2-HGA Atopic dermatitis Mast cell tumours Hip 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.