This week we became proud owners of a four year old male Shih Tzu which we were told was larger than some Shih Tzus you see however, we have just weighed him and he is around 20lbs. Would you say that he is very overweight and if so, how would you suggest we try to help him to lose some of the excess. We obviously want the best for him and to help him to live a full and healthy life!

Hi Guest, according to the KC website Shih Tzus can weigh from 10-18 llbs so yours may be a little over standard, but it does say type and character are more important than size alone. Of course as you have only just got your little guy I would give it a bit of time and get to know his eating habits and what seems like a healthy weight for him, your vet/vet nurse should be able to help if you are unsure.(If you think he does need to shed a bit we found less food, more exercise worked best, also veg can help bulk out the meal so he thinks he is getting something decent but without the cals!)
Best of luck with your new addition and I hope you have a great time together :)
Emily

You mshould be able to feel his ribs easily without having to dig around (other than through his coat) and there should be a discernible waist behind the easily felt last rib.  If he is shaped like a tin can then he is likely somewhat overweight.

If the amount of excess weight isn't huge then I would cut his normal food ration by a quater.  Always weigh his food and find a container that holds exactly this amount (you can usually find a plastic pot of sme sort that holds just the right amount.  Also different foods have different shape and texture so will weigh differently so adjustments need to be made.  This way I find it easy to shake a bit off good off  for anyone getting a bit well covered, and rounding it to a heped measure for anyone looking lean.

Evne in the same family and height dogs need to weigh different amounts to be correct weight for their build.

One of my girls would be faat over 18kgs, but her Grandaughter who is only a fraction taller is already a nice 19kg and a just right teenager, who will body up to around another kg or so.