The lion dogs from China, Shih Tzus, come with a regal attitude. They have all the reasons for that as they were the favorites of Chinese Royals. And so much so that the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. They come with a long and silky coat that, surprisingly, doesn’t shed much (probably the reason why they were adored by the Chinese royals was that their red carpets did not become fur farms) (2)
Shih Tzus are considered a low-shedding breed. They do shed like all other dogs, but you won’t see their hair lying around on all your furniture all the time. This is probably because they have hair instead of fur. You’ll see some shedding only when brushing or bathing them.
Shih Tzu pups don’t shed at all as they come with short, fine and thin coats. It is only when they start turning into adults that you’ll see some shedding. There will be a phase when you’ll see excessive shedding. It is when they are around 9-12 months old. This is called as the transitional phase when the pup is turning into an adult (which it will never look like one). (1)
Another time when you’ll see some heavy shedding is during warmer months. Shih Tzus have double coats. There is a dense, long and flowing outercoat with a thick, soft undercoat. The inner one helps regulate the body temperature and the outer one helps protect from dirt and debris. Just like most animals, these dogs also react to changing seasons by growing or shedding hair. During warmer months, they shed some hair to cool the body down. The shedding also allows them to grow new thicker coats in preparation for winter.
Pregnancy can also cause some female Shih Tzus to shed excessively. It is a process called ‘blowing’ when the female sheds due to the hormonal changes brought by the last stages of pregnancy.
Apart from the natural reasons mentioned above that can cause temporary excessive shedding in Shih Tzus, there are some other factors as well that can cause abnormal amounts of shedding in these dogs. These include – (1)
Poor Diet – Changes in diet, especially from a good one to a low nutritional one, can cause abnormal shedding. A diet that includes beef, pork, chicken, liver, or lamb, helps develop muscles. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids help maintain strong, thin, and silky hair.
Health conditions – Certain medical conditions can cause more than normal shedding in Shih Tzus. These include –
Cancer
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Bacterial infections
Skin conditions like fleas, dry skin and mange.
Allergies caused by medications, bathing soaps, shampoos, or certain foods.
Factors like stress and anxiety can also cause abnormal shedding. Excessive scratching, often caused by irritants, fleas, and skin diseases, can also cause patches on their coats.
Is a Shih Tzu a Low Maintenance Dog?
You can call Shih Tzu a low-maintenance breed as they do not have any special requirements that can cause a big dent in your pockets. However, you may need to invest a good amount of time in grooming their long and silky coats. These dogs also need a good amount of quality time every day as they do not do well when left alone for a long period.
Shih Tzu Grooming Tips
As a proud owner of a Shih Tzu, you must take care of their long and beautiful coats. Here are some tips to do so –
Brush them daily to prevent tangles and mats. Use a pin brush or a slicker brush to do so.
Bathe them once every month or more if they tend to get dirty often. Brush them before hopping in the bath to avoid making mats worse. Use a good quality vet-recommended shampoo and conditioner and rinse thoroughly.
You can go for a popular. Shih Tzu haircut occasionally. The teddy bear cut, and the summer cut or puppy cut
Apart from taking care of the coat, make sure you brush their teeth daily, clean their ears every 1-2 weeks and trim their nails every 2-3 weeks.
How To Manage Shedding in Shih Tzus
The grooming tips we’ve mentioned above should help maintain a healthy coat. To keep shedding to a minimum, here are some additional tips –
Brush your dog daily during shedding season.
Avoid bathing too frequently as it may wash out some natural oils that help maintain the shine of the coat.
Maintain a balanced diet
Keep your dog hydrated at all times
Avoid stressful environments and situations
Don’t leave them alone for a long time
Ensure regular vet visits to detect any medical issue at an early stage
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Shih Tzus are prone to multiple medical conditions during their lifetime. We’ve mentioned some of them above that can cause abnormal shedding in them. Apart from them, they are also prone to other medical issues that other dogs are prone to. They include hip dysplasia, patella luxation, eye problems, dental problems, etc.
While some of the conditions may be minor, others can be very severe. The treatment cost can go higher than a few thousand dollars as well in some cases. You can save up to 90% of them with pet insurance. With Spot Pet insurance, you can save that and many more costs like prescription diets, alternate therapies, etc.
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I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Do shih tzus shed? How to manage shedding. (2022, May 2). Wild Earth. https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/do-shih-tzus-shed
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 9). Shih Tzu. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shih_Tzu
