Crate sizing tool

What size crate does a Shih Tzu need?

Shih Tzus typically weigh 9–16 lb as adults and fit a 30" crate. Here's the exact sizing — plus how to measure your own dog if they're at the edge of the range.

Breed

Typical adult weight: 9–16 lb (4.1–7.3 kg)

Recommended Crate

30"crate

Engineered for dogs around 13 lb · Shih Tzu.

Length (in)

30in

Width (in)

19in

Height (in)

17in

Disclaimer: Breed sizes vary greatly based on bloodline, sex, and mix. Always measure your individual dog while standing and lying down to ensure complete safety before purchasing equipment.

Estimate. This is based on typical body proportions for that weight. Individual dogs vary by an inch or two — for the most accurate fit, switch to .

Standard crate sizes

Size	Length	Max dog weight
18"	18 in	Up to 15 lb
22"	22 in	Up to 25 lb
24"	24 in	Up to 30 lb
30"	30 in	Up to 40 lb
36"	36 in	Up to 70 lb
42"	42 in	Up to 90 lb
48"	48 in	Up to 110 lb
54"	54 in	110+ lb

About Shih Tzu sizing

Shih Tzus stay small as adults, so the recommended crate is genuinely sized for them — not oversized. If you're crate-training a puppy or want extra room to stretch, many owners size up by one (e.g. a 24" instead of a 22") for comfort.

In depth

Shih Tzu crate guide

A small brachycephalic that's easy to under-ventilate

Shih Tzus are toy-sized and brachycephalic, an unusual combination. The 22" crate fits their body fine, but the same crate you'd give a papillon or a small terrier can be dangerous for a Shih Tzu because their airway limits how well they cool themselves. Wire crate, cool room, no solid plastic kennels for home use.

Their long double coat compounds the heat problem. A grooming trim in summer isn't cosmetic — for a crated Shih Tzu in a warm climate, shorter hair meaningfully improves thermoregulation. Never blanket-cover a Shih Tzu crate in summer, even if they look like they want to burrow.

Eyes and face-forward coat

Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes and hair that constantly grows into them. Before crating, tie or clip the topknot so face hair isn't rubbing corneas during hours of settled rest. Corneal ulcers in this breed are frequently traced back to nothing more dramatic than sleeping with hair in the eye.

The 22" crate is right for adults. Puppies fit the same crate from about 10 weeks with a divider — Shih Tzus don't grow into different crate sizes.