Shih Tzu

The amount of grooming your Shih Tzu requires depends on the haircut you choose. If you really want to do justice to their pièce de résistance (that cascading, waterfall-like coat), you will be brushing them every day. Even if you keep a short-haired pup (about one to two inches all over), their coat still needs care about every other day. A pin brush is ideal for both cuts, so you can reach through all the layers of hair right down to their skin and keep their coat free of mats and tangles.

You also want to pick up a fine-tooth comb for their mustache and topknot, which you can either tie up into a snazzy little bow or have trimmed to a more manageable length by a groomer. And since they barely shed at all, you’ll be able to catch most of those loose hairs when you brush them.

To keep them smelling good for all those cuddles you’ll be getting, bathe your Shih Tzu every three weeks. This keeps their hair and skin healthy without stripping the natural oils from their coats.

The Shih Tzu dog breed often has either an underbite or an overbite, which makes them more prone to periodontal disease and other dental problems. So, it’s important to keep their teeth healthy. While a yearly professional teeth cleaning by your vet is essential, don’t forget to brush their teeth at home. Start your pup with toothbrushing once or twice a week and work your way up to daily brushing. You can also consider giving them a high-quality dental chew to help keep their pearly whites in great condition.

It’s important to keep your Shih Tzu’s nails short and trimmed every three weeks, as overly long nails can affect their gait, bleed when they break off or cause pain by piercing the soft pads of their paws. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear that familiar tapity-tap on hard surfaces.

Because they have no shortage of hair growing in their ear canals, Shih Tzus’ ears often become a host to infections and parasites. Trim that excess hair (with rounded shears) and clear out any earwax every week with an ear cleaning solution. If you notice any debris in their ears that looks like coffee grounds or your pup scratches their head very intensely, go to the vet for a check-up. Both are signs of ear mites.

The lovable Shih Tzu dog breed is notoriously attention-hungry, so the key to getting them to do what you want is to lay it on thick with praise and rewards. With the right blend of consistency, gentleness and firmness, you can overcome your pet’s stubborn streak. It’s important to keep practicing commands (like sit, stay and come) and obedience throughout your Shih Tzu’s life. But remember to use only rewards and positive reinforcement methods. As this breed is prone to anxiety, raising your voice can backfire and cause your pet to misbehave even more.

Because they have small bladders, housetraining can be particularly challenging. Taking your Shih Tzu out every few hours or immediately after having an accident can help them learn to associate going outside with potty time. Crating your puppy for short periods when you’re not around to supervise them can also help. (Learn more about crate training here).

Puppy training and socialization classes are highly recommended; the earlier you start, the better. Though they naturally want to please you, they still have a mind of their own and could make a mad dash across the street if they see another dog. So, it’s important to keep your pup on a leash when outdoors. If you need assistance in any aspect of training, look for a certified dog trainer in your area.

Shih Tzus typically do well with any high-quality commercial dog food. It should be easy to pick up and chew since this breed usually has either an underbite or overbite. For this reason, dry kibble is often the preferred option, but with whatever you choose, be sure to factor in your dog’s age for a formula appropriate to their stage in life (puppy, adult, or senior). You may also choose to make your pup’s meals at home. If you do plan to go this route, run the meal plan by your vet to ensure your pup gets all the nutrition they need.

Like most small breeds, Shih Tzus should be fed two or three times a day. You can help nourish your pooch’s glamorous 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.

Because Shih Tzus are not high-energy dogs, they are prone to excessive weight gain, so it’s important to limit the treats you give them. Be sure to check with your vet for the proper mealtime and snack portions. Your vet is in the best position to make nutrition recommendations based on your dog’s unique needs.

And don’t forget to keep your pup’s bowl clean and filled with cool, fresh water throughout the day; they may be more thirsty than usual if they’re on a dry food diet.

Bred to be the lapdog of emperors, the Shih Tzu is more well-suited for your air-conditioned living room than the rugged hiking trails of the great outdoors. That said, they do need some daily exercise to manage their moderate energy levels and stay healthy, though much less than what is required for bigger breeds.

Taking your dog out for two to three 20-minute walks a day will help keep their bodies fit, and their minds entertained. Any longer may be difficult for this short-legged breed to endure. (Watch out for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or lying down on the ground and refusing to budge.) Because they’re moderately sensitive to heat, avoid the hottest times of the day for your walks and make sure to bring some water along, as well as a vessel for your pooch to drink from. Conversely, you’ll want to dress them up in a fleece or jacket in the wintertime and keep their exposure to the cold to no longer than 15 minutes.

Switch up your daily routes for your Shih Tzu to experience different environments, like an open field or a sandy beach, and bring their favorite rubber ball for them to chase. Giving your Shih Tzu lots of opportunities for indoor and outdoor play will stimulate their minds as well as their bodies. You don’t want this curious pup to get bored, as it can lead to behavioral problems like chewing on things around the house or even excessive barking.

Shih Tzus are really in their element as long as they get to be with you. Whether that’s part of a large family with lots of kids and four-legged pets, or just the two of you and a Netflix marathon, these companion dogs are happy just being by your side. But take note: Shih Tzu puppies should be supervised when playing with small kids and babies; this toy breed’s small stature can make them vulnerable to injuries.

They can be good for new pet parents who are consistent with training (that royal stubborn streak!) and are home often. A Shih Tzu will suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods; if you’re going to be gone for awhile, take your pup to doggy daycare or schedule a play date with a neighbor or friend.