How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Shih Tzus need about 30–45 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 to 3 short walks.

LowEnergy

0.5–1.5 miDaily distance

LowHeat tolerance

ModerateCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Shih Tzu's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Shih Tzus need this much exercise

Shih Tzus were bred as palace companions in imperial China. Their job was to be good company.

Shih Tzu exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	30–45 min	2 to 3 short walks
Senior (10+ years)	15–35 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Shih Tzu puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
6 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
8 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
10 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
12 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed.

Best exercise for Shih Tzus

Short, easy walks
Sniff walks
Indoor play
Trick training

Walking tips for Shih Tzus

A short muzzle means heat caution. Keep summer walks short and in the shade.
Two or three gentle walks a day plus indoor play is plenty for most Shih Tzus.
Use a harness to protect the neck and airway.

Shih Tzus in hot and cold weather

Heat: Shih Tzus don’t handle heat well. Their short muzzles make panting, a dog’s main way to cool down, inefficient. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C). Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Most healthy adult Shih Tzus are comfortable until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days. Check today's cold risk.

Shih Tzu exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Shih Tzu?

A healthy adult Shih Tzu needs about 30–45 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 to 3 short walks. Because of their short muzzle, keep each walk to about 20 minutes or less in warm weather.

How far can a Shih Tzu walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 0.5–1.5 miles (1–2.5 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Shih Tzus, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can a Shih Tzu puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed like the Shih Tzu. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Shih Tzus handle hot weather?

Not well. Their short muzzles make panting, a dog’s main way to cool down, inefficient. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C).

Do Shih Tzus need a coat in winter?

Most healthy adults don’t need one until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.