Shih Tzus, the lion dogs of China, bring a little bit of the Orient to your home with their cute looks, perky personalities, and lush coats. But you may find yourself wondering if the incredible coat on your Shih Tzu comes with a heavy price – will you be spending hours cleaning up dog hair around your house?
Let’s dive straight into the heart of things. You might be asking, does Shih Tzu shed a lot? Here’s a fun fact for you, they don’t! As a Shih Tzu owner, you are one of the lucky few who don’t have to worry about furry tumbleweeds rolling through your living room. Shih Tzus are categorized as one of the few breeds that shed minimally.
These adorable pets, known for their distinctive hair which grows similar to human hair, spend their time growing their fabulous coat, not shedding it all over your new rug. Why? The Shih Tzu’s hair grows in a different pattern compared to most dog breeds. Instead of going through the usual rapid growth-and-shed, their hair keeps growing until it’s cut or breaks off.
Isn’t it a miracle? You can enjoy the companionship of these playful dogs without sneezing, sniffling, or dealing with masses of dog hair. As long as you are willing to maintain their grooming, these graceful little dogs can surprisingly remain shed-free!
However, no good thing comes easy! Although Shih Tzus don’t shed like other breeds, they do require consistent grooming due to their long hair. Their fancy coats will need the occasional trimming, regular brushing, and bathing routine to keep them looking sharp and feel comfortable.
Regular brushing is a necessity to keep any mats and tangles at bay. It also gives your Shih Tzu a fluffy appearance and maintains the health of their coat. The frequency of brushing your Shih Tzu will depend on the length of their coat, but typically the longer their coat, the more brushing will be required.
When it comes to bathing, unlike other breeds, you do not have to worry about the excess shedding. It’s simple – the more regularly your Shih Tzu is bathed (once a week is ideal), the healthier and more vibrant their coat will be. Using a dog-friendly conditioner post-bath would be a beneficial step to provide extra protection for their regal hair.
A regularly scheduled trip to a professional groomer can also be a great help in maintaining your Shih Tzu’s coat. In addition to trimming the hair, a professional groomer can provide deep cleaning baths and remove any mats that you may have missed.
While these grooming requirements might seem arduous, they go a long way in keeping your Shih Tzu’s coat shiny, healthy, and predominantly shed-free. Also, grooming time can serve as an excellent bonding experience between you and your Shih Tzu.
But what if your Shih Tzu is shedding more than usual? Stress, poor diet, or a lack of grooming can make them shed more hair. Skin conditions or even parasites can also lead to excessive shedding. If you notice any change, consult a vet.
On the finale note, if you’re yearning for a cuddly friend who won’t make you purchase a super-powered vacuum cleaner, a Shih Tzu could be the right fit for you. Not only will these dogs give you endless love, but they’ll also give you minimal dog hair to deal with. All you have to do is ensure a regular grooming routine and a healthy diet to keep their coat flowing and shiny.
Adopting a Shih Tzu, therefore, is like getting a cuddly toy that lives and breathes, but doesn’t leave a fluffy mess behind. You get to enjoy their adorable antics, without having to invest in lint rollers in bulk. So why wait? Let a Shih Tzu light up your home with their wonderful charm, and easy-on-your-furnishings coat!
