Grooming
Bathing: Bathe your Shih Tzu every three weeks. This keeps their hair and skin healthy without stripping the natural oils.
Brushing: If you really want to do justice to the Shih Tzu’s crown jewel (that cascading, waterfall-like coat), keep their hair long and brush them every day. Even if you keep a short Shih Tzu haircut (about 1–2 inches all over), their coat still needs the same amount of care.
A pin brush is ideal so you can reach through all the layers of hair right down to their skin and keep them free of mats and tangles.
You’ll also want a fine-tooth comb for their mustache and topknot, which you can either tie up into a snazzy little bow or ask a groomer to trim to a more manageable length.
Since they barely shed, you’ll be able to catch most of those loose hairs when you brush them.
Dental care: Shih Tzu often have an underbite or an overbite, making them more prone to dental problems, so brush your dog’s teeth at home and get a yearly pro cleaning. A high-quality dental chew can also help keep their teeth pearly white.
Ear care: Because Shih Tzu have hair in their ear canals, their ears often become a host to infections—or even parasites. Trim that excess hair with rounded shears and check their ears for redness, swelling, and debris every week. Your vet may recommend cleaning their ears.
Nail care: Trim your Shih Tzu’s nails short and every three weeks, as too-long nails can bleed if they get snagged or break off. If you hear nails tapping on hard surfaces, a trim is overdue.
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Training
The lovable Shih Tzu is notoriously attention-hungry, so lay it on thick with praise and rewards—and they might just do what you want.
It’s important to keep practicing cues (like sit, stay, and come) as well as obedience training throughout your Shih Tzu’s life. Only use positive reinforcement methods, like dog treats, toys, and praise. Shih Tzu are prone to anxiety, so raising your voice even just a little can send mixed signals and set back all your hard work.
Because they have small bladders, housetraining can be challenging. Taking your Shih Tzu puppy out every few hours or immediately after having an accident helps them learn to associate going outside with potty time. Crating your pup for short periods when you’re not around to supervise can also help with potty training.
Puppy training and socialization classes are highly recommended; the earlier you start, the better. Though your Shih Tzu puppy naturally wants to please you, they still have a mind of their own and could make a mad dash across the street if they see another pup they’d like to get to know better.
So, keep your Shih Tzu on a leash when outdoors, and don’t hesitate to consider a certified dog trainer if you need one.
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Diet
The best dog food for a Shih Tzu tends to be a high-quality dog food that’s easy to grab and chew with their (very cute) underbite or overbite. For this reason, dry kibble is often preferred.
Whichever food you choose, pick a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s stage of life (puppy, adult, or senior). Some food brands, like Royal Canin, even make dog food specifically designed for Shih Tzu puppies and adults.
Shih Tzu dogs should be fed two or three times a day. You can nourish your pooch’s shiny coat from the inside out, as well as support muscle mass and joint health through a diet high in fat and protein with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Shih Tzu are not high-energy dogs, so they are prone to excessive weight gain. That means limited treats. Your vet can give you proper mealtime and snack portions.
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Exercise
Bred to be the lapdog of emperors, the Shih Tzu is more well-suited for your air-conditioned living room than rugged hiking trails. That said, they do need daily exercise to stay healthy and manage their moderate energy levels.
Two or three 20-minute daily walks will help keep their body fit and their mind entertained. Any longer may be difficult for this short-legged breed. Watch out for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or lying down on the ground and refusing to budge.
Being a brachycephalic, smoosh-faced breed, Shih Tzu dogs are sensitive to heat. Avoid taking your pup outside during the hottest times of the day and always have water available. In winter, you’ll want to dress them in a fleece or jacket and keep their exposure to the cold to no longer than 15 minutes.
Switch up your daily routes so your Shih Tzu gets a little variety—swap an open field for a sandy beach if the weather’s fine, and bring their favorite ball to chase.
Giving your Shih Tzu lots of opportunities for indoor and outdoor play will get them moving and also stimulate their mind. A bored Shih Tzu might decide to chew on stuff for fun or even bark a lot; these are signs that you can step up your pet parent game with more activities.
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Environment
Shih Tzu are in their element as long as they get to be with you. Whether that’s part of a large family with kids and four-legged companions, or just the two of you and a Netflix marathon, these companion dogs are happy by your side.
But take note: Shih Tzu puppies should be supervised when playing with small kids and babies, as this breed’s tiny stature can make them vulnerable to accidental injury.
Shih Tzu can be good for new pet parents who are consistent with training and are home often. A Shih Tzu might have separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so they’re great candidates for doggy daycare or neighborhood playdates.
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