Best Gear for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are small brachycephalic companion dogs prone to breathing issues, eye problems (proptosis, dry eye), ear infections, and dental crowding. Their long, flowing coat requires daily grooming.
Energy
High
Shedding
Heavy
Trainability
Stubborn
Life with a Shih Tzu
Your Shih Tzu will follow you to every room — right until the moment you actually want them to come, at which point they will go boneless on the floor and stare at you with the patience of someone who has decided this is simply not happening.
Your Shih Tzu will make a snorting reverse sneeze noise that sounds like a honking emergency, scare you half to death the first ten times, and then become so routine you don't even look up from your phone.
Zoomies will happen exactly after bath time, every bath time, without exception — 90 seconds of frantic sprinting, face-rubbing on the carpet, and dramatic rolling, followed by complete stillness and the expression of someone who has no memory of the previous minute.
Your Shih Tzu's face staining will require daily attention. The hair around their eyes is both their most adorable and most high-maintenance feature. You will research staining remedies. There will be many opinions. The staining will still happen.
Someone will assume your Shih Tzu is easygoing and low-energy because they are small and fluffy and regal-looking. Then your Shih Tzu will lie dramatically flat on the sidewalk in protest of a walk direction change and refuse to move. They are not easygoing. They are royal. There is a difference.
What Owners Say
“r/shihtzu is unanimous: the breed is not for people who want an easy, independent dog — Shih Tzus are velcro dogs with royal attitudes, grooming requirements that rival some humans, and a remarkable ability to go from 'ignoring you completely' to 'sitting on your face' in under three seconds. They are also, universally, completely worth it.”
Games Shih Tzus Actually Love
Indoor Snuffle Mat Foraging
Sprinkle kibble or small treats across a snuffle mat and let your Shih Tzu spend 15–20 minutes sniffing it all out. Shih Tzus were bred purely for companionship and don't
Gentle Tug with Plush Toys
Shih Tzus enjoy a light game of tug with a soft toy — nothing intense, just playful back-and-forth. They especially love toys with different textures and will often 'kill' their
Top Picks for Your Shih Tzu
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | |||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 85 Ingredients 75 Palatability 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 94 Engagement 76 Safety 85 Value 88 Owner Satisfaction 89 | Durability 79 Comfort 91 Adjustability 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 |
| Bag Size | 35 lb | — | — |
| Protein Source | Chicken | — | — |
| Life Stage | Adult | — | — |
| Grain-Free | No | — | — |
| Special Feature | Live probiotics, shredded blend texture | — | — |
| Material | — | Natural red rubber | 300D polyester with foam padding |
| Size | — | Large (dogs 30–65 lbs) | — |
| Chew Strength Rating | — | Power chewers | — |
| Best For | — | Stuffing, freezing, solo play | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | No (hand wash) | — |
| Weight | — | 8.8 oz | 5.6–9.5 oz depending on size |
| Size Range | — | — | XXS to XL (13–42 in chest) |
| Clip Type | — | — | Aluminum V-ring (front and back) |
| Closure | — | — | Two side-release buckles |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About the Shih Tzu
Origin & Build
- •Shih Tzus originated in Tibet and were refined in the Chinese imperial court, where they served as cherished
- •They weigh 9 to 16 pounds and stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall, making them a sturdy toy
- •Their luxurious double coat is long, dense, and flowing, often styled with a topknot to keep hair out
Temperament
- •Shih Tzus are affectionate, lively, and surprisingly confident for their size
- •They bond closely with their families and generally get along well with children, strangers, and other dogs —
- •Training can be a test of patience because they have a stubborn independent streak, but they respond well
- •They're adaptable enough for apartment living and don't tend toward excessive barking
Exercise Needs
- •Shih Tzus need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily, easily split between a short morning walk
- •They enjoy brief walks but overheat quickly due to their brachycephalic anatomy, so summer exercise should happen during
- •Without enough stimulation they can become bored and develop minor behavioral issues, but they're not a breed that
Health Watch
- •Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is the primary structural concern, causing breathing difficulty especially in heat
- •Eye issues including proptosis, dry eye, corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy are common due to their shallow
- •Chronic ear infections, dental crowding and periodontal disease, and patellar luxation round out the typical health concerns
- •Lifespan is 10 to 18 years, which is relatively long for a purebred dog
Gear Tips
- Use a step-in harness instead of a collar — Shih Tzus are prone to tracheal collapse, and any pulling pressure on
- A high-quality slicker brush and a stainless steel greyhound comb are your two essential grooming tools — brush daily to prevent mats,
- Get a cooling vest or bandana for any warm-weather walks — Shih Tzus overheat dangerously fast due to their flat faces,
- Use a tear stain comb and gentle eye wipes daily — their prominent eyes produce excess tears that stain the facial hair,
- A small, enclosed playpen works better than a full-sized crate for many Shih Tzus — they can be resistant to crate training,
- Invest in an ear cleaning solution formulated for floppy-eared dogs — their ear canals trap moisture and debris under all that hair,
Keep Them Happy
- Shih Tzus are brachycephalic — their flat faces mean they can overheat and struggle in high heat and humidity. Keep exercise
- Daily face cleaning is not optional: wipe around their eyes and mouth daily to prevent staining and skin fold infections, which are
- Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and trick training helps prevent the demanding, barky behavior that develops when Shih Tzus are bored. They
- Grooming is a non-negotiable time and money commitment. Whether you keep a long show coat (brushed daily) or a short puppy cut
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the best brush for a Shih Tzu's coat?
- A pin brush or slicker brush handles daily maintenance, but you also need a stainless steel greyhound comb for working through tangles close to the skin. If you keep a longer coat, a detangling spray makes sessions faster and less painful. Many owners find that
- Should a Shih Tzu wear a harness or collar?
- Always a harness. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic and prone to tracheal collapse, so any pressure on the throat from a collar can restrict their already-compromised airways. A step-in or vest-style harness distributes force across the chest instead. Look for a lightweight, breathable option since Shih
- How do you keep a Shih Tzu cool in summer?
- Limit outdoor time to early morning and evening, and use a cooling vest, cooling mat, or damp bandana during walks. Never exercise a Shih Tzu in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit — their flat faces make it extremely difficult to pant effectively, which is how
- How often should you groom a Shih Tzu?
- Daily brushing is essential if you keep a full-length coat — skipping even a couple of days leads to mats that are painful to remove. Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks keeps the coat manageable. Many pet owners opt for a shorter puppy cut,