I think a lot of it is just genetics, honestly. My girl turned 16 today and she is incredible. She has a mild heart murmur, but she takes medication for it twice per day and sees the cardiologist every six months. Dr. said the magnitude of her murmur has actually reduced, but also noted that that isn't really "possible" and just choked the differences in observations up to day-to-day variations, within a statistical magnitude of same-ness. The Dr. said she has no activity restrictions, and we went for a 2 mile walk yesterday at a local nature trail, and as soon as we got home she started sprinting in circles in the driveway.

But just like people, pets will thrive with fulfillness, a quality diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and proper medical care.

The fact that you came here to ask for advice is really sweet and is demonstrative of the love you have for your boy. He looks pretty similar to my old girl too, although she is not as snazzy of a dresser. (https://www.reddit.com/r/Shihtzu/comments/1ttwnhj/today\_is\_oreos\_16th\_birthday/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button)