Shih Tzu pregnancy
Shih Tzu pregnancy: gestation, litter size and C-section risk
Updated October 2026 · Information only, not veterinary advice
Step 1
What do you know?
Puppies are due
- Earliest, day 56
- Nov 24, 2026
- Latest, day 70
- Dec 8, 2026
A 14-day window, based on the mating date. Sperm can survive 5–7 days, so conception may be later than the tie.
Day 14 of 63 · week 2
22%
Breed profile
Shih Tzu
small breed
- Average litter
- 4 puppies (2–6)
- C-section risk
- medium
Worth knowing
- Brachycephalic puppies may have difficulty fitting through the birth canal
- Under-5-lb dams have significantly higher C-section rates
Temperature watch: take her temperature twice a day from day 56. A drop below 99.0°F (37.2°C) means labor within 12–24 hours.
Source: Borge et al., Theriogenology 2011 — 10,810 litters, 224 breeds.
Your calendar
Sixteen dates to put in the diary
Shih Tzu pregnancy at a glance
| Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|
| Gestation from ovulation | 62 to 63 days (63 days average) |
| Gestation from mating | 56 to 70 days |
| Typical litter | 4 puppies (range 2 to 6) |
| Size group | small breed |
| C-section risk | Moderate risk |
Brachycephalic breed with moderate C-section risk. Smaller Shih Tzus have higher whelping complications.
Moderate risk, individual answers
Smaller Shih Tzus tend to have more whelping complications. Your vet may suggest an X-ray to check puppy size and decide whether to plan surgery.
Coat and cleanliness
Trim the long hair around the belly and rear before whelping so it stays clean and puppies can find the nipples easily. Ask your groomer or vet to do this if you are unsure.
Keep breathing easy
As a flat-faced breed she can struggle in heat or when stressed. Keep the room cool and quiet and call your vet if breathing becomes noisy or labored.
What to watch for in Shih Tzus
- Brachycephalic puppies may have difficulty fitting through the birth canal
- Under-5-lb dams have significantly higher C-section rates
Dates to put in the diary
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Day 25 to 30 | Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy |
| Day 50 to 55 | X-ray to count puppies and check head size |
| From day 56 | Take her temperature twice a day |
| Day 63 | Expected due date from ovulation |
Add all of these to your phone with the whelping calendar, and track her temperature with the temperature log.
Call your vet now if…
- Green or black discharge before the first puppy is born.
- Strong straining for 30 to 60 minutes with no puppy.
- More than two to four hours between puppies when you know more are still inside.
- Tremors, stiffness, collapse or seizures at any point (possible low blood calcium).
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Shih Tzu pregnant?
Shih Tzus are pregnant for about 63 days from ovulation, and most whelp in 62 to 63 days. Counted from a mating date, the normal range is 56 to 70 days, because conception can happen days after mating. Use the calculator on this page to get a date range.
How many puppies can a Shih Tzu have?
A typical Shih Tzu litter is about 4 puppies, with a range of 2 to 6. First litters and litters from older dogs are often smaller. An abdominal X-ray after day 50 gives the actual count.
Does a Shih Tzu need a C-section?
The risk of a C-section is moderate for Shih Tzus. An X-ray around day 50 helps your vet decide between natural whelping and planned surgery.
What are the signs a Shih Tzu is pregnant?
Around three to four weeks you may notice a smaller appetite, pinker and larger nipples and a clear mucus discharge. Her belly grows from about week six. Confirm with an ultrasound at about day 25 to 30.
When should a pregnant Shih Tzu have an X-ray?
Between about day 50 and day 55. By then the puppies’ skeletons show, so your vet can count them and compare head size with her pelvis.
Keep reading
Related tools and guides
Due date from ovulation or LH peak
Narrow the window to about two days with progesterone or LH dating.
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