Shih Tzu vaccination schedule

A general Shih Tzu puppy vaccination schedule by age, with what each vaccine protects against. Schedules for the US, the UK and the EU. Your vet sets the actual one.

DHPP #1
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Bordetella (if going to puppy class or daycare)
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).
DHPP #2
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #1 (at 12 weeks or older)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #1 (regional)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Rabies #1
12 to 16 weeks, as state or local law sets it
Protects against rabies.
DHPP final dose
16 weeks or later
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
DHPP booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Rabies booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against rabies.
Lyme yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Bordetella yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).

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Questions

When should my Shih Tzu start vaccinations?

Most Shih Tzu puppies start their first DHPP between 6 and 8 weeks in the US, or 6 to 9 weeks in the UK and EU. Use the form above with your puppy's age and country to see the next-due date.

Why is brachycephalic relevant for my Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus can react more strongly to closely-spaced injections and to anesthesia. Vaccines themselves are fine; ask your vet about spacing if your pup gets sleepy or sore after a shot.

Should my Shih Tzu get split visits?

Often yes. Shih Tzus are small and brachycephalic, both reasons to consider splitting combined doses across two appointments.

Does my Shih Tzu need Lyme or leptospirosis?

Lyme is typically skipped for an indoor Shih Tzu, and Bordetella matters for daycare or grooming. Leptospirosis is not a lifestyle choice any more: in the US it is core for all dogs, with a booster every year (AAHA). In the UK it is part of the usual puppy course, and elsewhere it is core where the disease is present (WSAVA).

Same schedule for a Shih Tzu mix?

Yes. The core vaccines are the same for purebreds and mixes: DHPP, leptospirosis in the US (AAHA), and rabies where the law or travel requires it. Vaccines such as Lyme and Bordetella depend on lifestyle and region, not breed. The schedule above works for any Shih Tzu mix.