If you’ve ever watched a Shih Tzu owner trying to bathe their dog with a human shower head or brush a matted coat with a slicker meant for Labs, you know: size isn’t the only thing that makes this breed different. Shih Tzus are compact, yes, but their luxurious coat, flat face, and intense personality mean they have specific gear requirements that the general “small dog” aisle won’t solve. Get these six essentials right, and you’ll spend less time fighting with your dog and more time actually enjoying them.
A Bed That Keeps Them Cool and Contained
Shih Tzus are lap dogs—they want to be near you—but they still need their own anchored space. This breed can run hot because of their dense coat and flat faces, so skip the plush memory foam beds that trap heat. Look for an orthopedic bed with cooling gel or a raised mesh option instead. A 24–30 inch bed works best; they like to curl up, not sprawl, and a smaller designated space makes them feel secure.
The most important detail: raised sides. Shih Tzus aren’t escape artists, but they’re curious and independent. A bed with a low lip keeps them from wandering into the kitchen at 2 a.m. to investigate sounds only they can hear. Expect to pay $40–70 for something that’ll last through multiple washings. Brands like K&H and Petco’s own line make solid options—nothing fancy required.
Place the bed in a low-traffic area away from direct sun or heat vents. If your Shih Tzu spends time in a crate (which they should, for their own safety), make sure there’s a washable pad inside that fits snugly. A comfortable bed is preventive medicine against destructive behavior.
The Right Harness—Not a Collar
This is where I get opinionated, and I’m standing firm: never use a collar on a Shih Tzu. Their necks are delicate, their windpipes are already compromised by their flat faces, and a collar puts pressure exactly where you don’t want it. A harness distributes weight across their chest and shoulders, which is where they need support.
A step-in harness works best for this breed. It goes on quickly (crucial when they’re already annoyed), doesn’t tangle their coat, and you can tighten it so they can’t slip free if they panic. Look for adjustable harnesses with reflective trim, sized for 5–12 pounds. The Puppia or Ruffwear designs run $25–45 and come in patterns that don’t look like neon punishment gear.
Measure your Shih Tzu before ordering. The harness should fit snugly around the ribcage—you should fit two fingers between the strap and their body. Too loose and they’ll wiggle free; too tight and you’ll restrict their breathing. If your vet has flagged any tracheal concerns, talk to them before choosing a harness style; some dogs benefit from Y-shaped designs that avoid the chest entirely.
Replace your harness every 12–18 months or when you see fraying. A worn harness loses its give and can pinch.
Grooming Tools That Match Their Coat
Here’s the reality: a Shih Tzu’s show coat—that flowing, floor-length look—requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks and daily brushing. If you’re not doing that, you’re opting for a puppy cut every 6–8 weeks, which is totally fine and also what most pet owners do. But either way, you need to brush them.
Skip the slicker brush everyone recommends for “fluffy dogs.” Get a metal comb and a mat splitter instead. The metal comb ($8–15) is your workhorse—use it to check for mats before they become embedded problems. A mat splitter ($12–20) lets you gently separate knots without yanking hair out by the roots. Matted coats trap moisture and bacteria, so preventing them isn’t vanity; it’s health.
For bathing, invest in a dog-specific shampoo formulated for dry or sensitive skin—a Shih Tzu’s coat is prone to irritation. Oatmeal-based options work well. Skip the human shampoo; their pH is different, and it’ll dry their skin further. A good bathing option costs $10–20 per bottle and lasts for several baths.
A table-mounted grooming loop ($15–30) is your friend during brushing and nail trimming sessions. It keeps them still without requiring you to be an octopus. If you’re doing the grooming yourself, a high-velocity dryer ($100–200) will save you hours of towel drying and prevent fungal issues from retained moisture. If you’re using a groomer (the sane choice), ask them what you should maintain between visits—usually just a weekly brush-out to prevent matting.
Elevated, Shallow Bowls for Flat Faces
A Shih Tzu’s face is basically a pancake, so their eating and drinking setup matters more than you’d think. Regular bowls force them to bend their already-compromised airways at an angle that reduces airflow. Elevated feeders with shallow, wide bowls work much better. The bowl height should align with their chest, and the diameter should be wide enough that their muzzle doesn’t hit the rim.
Stainless steel beats ceramic or plastic—it’s easier to keep clean, doesn’t retain odors, and lasts forever. A good elevated feeder setup runs $25–50. Brands like Neater Pet Feeder make sturdy models with splash guards, which helps contain the inevitable water puddles Shih Tzus create while drinking. (They’re not graceful drinkers.)
Separate water and food bowls. Shih Tzus often dunk their faces in water, and you don’t want soggy kibble. Keep water bowls throughout your home—they should have access to fresh water everywhere they spend time. Change water daily; the bowl itself should be washed every few days.
Toys That Match Their Size and Mouth
Shih Tzus are companion dogs, not working dogs, so they don’t need complex enrichment toys or puzzle feeders. They want soft toys, usually small ones they can carry around, and access to you. That’s it. Most of the time, your Shih Tzu will prefer your socks to an expensive toy—but don’t let them have socks.
Buy toys sized for their mouth: 2–4 inch plush toys, small rubber balls, and rope toys with knotted ends. Avoid anything with loose threads, plastic eyes that can be chewed off, or squeakers that can be extracted and swallowed. Toys should be replaced every few months as they wear out. Your vet can tell you if any ingestion issues arise, but prevention is simpler than emergency surgery.
Rotate toys weekly. Having five toys available constantly is less interesting than having two toys available, then swapping in two others after a few days. Their brains are small but active.
Containment That Respects Their Independence
Shih Tzus are stubborn escape artists if bored, so a secure containment option prevents disasters. A crate is the gold standard—it should be sized so they can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For a Shih Tzu, a 24–30 inch crate is typical. A wire crate ($40–80) is better than plastic; it provides visibility and airflow, and it’s easier to clean.
Introduce the crate slowly as a positive space, not a punishment. Toss treats in, leave the door open, and let them explore on their terms. A crate trained Shih Tzu is safer during car rides, vet visits, and when contractors are in your home.
If you have a yard, a secure pen (not an invisible fence—they ignore them) gives them outdoor time without requiring constant supervision. A 6–8 foot portable pen ($50–120) works well for supervised outdoor time. Never leave a Shih Tzu unattended outside; they’re small enough to be prey for hawks, and they’re bold enough to chase anything that moves.
Getting the gear right means fewer grooming sessions where you’re fighting your dog, less stress for their joints and airways, and a better chance they’ll cooperate when you need to handle them. Invest in what matters—a good harness, proper grooming tools, and a secure bed—and skip the rest.
