Shih Tzu shed infrequently and much less compared to other, shedding dog breeds. The thing about the Shih Tzu breed is they have what is called a double coat. Since it can be a bit confusing, here’s something to enlighten you. First, we need to take a closer look at the Shih Tzu coat. Many people think Shih Tzus shed only a little. Of course, you shouldn’t just rely on the natural “anti-shedding” protection that’s offered by your Shih Tzu… Thus, a long coat has the advantage of making your Shih Tzu appear to shed … So, do Shih Tzus shed? At some point, a Shih Tzu puppy will shed it’s puppy coat and grow it’s adult coat. And because the Shih Tzu hair is long, and also due to its texture and the fact that they’re double-coated dogs, most of it doesn’t fall onto the floor. For people who love small dogs with long hair, Shih Tzu … I love Shih Tzu. These are the main reasons why many owners don’t realize Shih Tzu shedding is taking place. There are many reasons as to why your dog is shedding. That said, Shih Tzu are considered to be one of the low shedding, hypoallergenic dog breeds. Your email address will not be published. Shih Tzu shedding occurs twice a year – usually in the spring or fall. Can you help me? she knows how to apologize after biting me. While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. When the hair is kept long the shedding hairs don't fall to the ground or furniture. It is similar to human hair because it is soft and thin. In some cases no shedding will take place, especially if your dog spends most of its time inside. But I’d recommend going and meeting the dog to see if you have any particular reaction to it. The thing about the Shih Tzu breed is they have what is called a double coat. Tangles lead to knots. A Shih Tzu is different from many other dog breeds as they have hair instead of fur which means, like humans, they lose a small amount of hair each day rather than go through periods of intense shedding. With matted hair, it becomes a haven for an insect invasion and skin infections do arise. 18 Holiday Gifts for Shih Tzu Lovers and Pet Parents, Shih Tzu Information Guide: About The Shih Tzu Dog Breed, What Is a Havashu? It also depends on how much your dog is outside too. But they do lose some hair daily. Shih Tzu dogs have a very different type of fur than most other dogs. I have a Shih Tzu and I also have allergies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The coat will soon grow back though. So that's the truth about non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs. Shih Tzu shedding also takes place as they shed their heavy winter coat in spring. Nor worry about changing your clothes after you've cuddled with them before heading out to work. Fur and animal dander contain protein that can lead to sneezing, itching and eye irritation in most people with allergies and asthma. I find it on his bedding, and when I brush him, his hair comes out on the brush. This makes the hypoallergenic Shih Tzu … We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on … This will take place over a period of a few weeks. This is a period of very heavy shedding. When the weather gets cooler, your Shih Tzu will shed … Shih Tzu’s do shed hair when you brush them, but are more hypoallergenic and nonshedding compared to a majority of the other dog breeds. Shih Tzu are also double-coated dogs which impacts on why we tend to think of them as not shedding, as we’ll see. … Here are some great gift ideas, quirky, fun or practical that bring joy to dog lovers everywhere, What do you do if your Shih Tzu dog ate chocolate? If after trying all of the above and the problem persists, have your Veterinarian check him out for any underlying issues like food allergies or thyroid disease. When the hair is kept long the shedding hairs don't fall to the ground or furniture. So are Shih Tzu good for people with allergies? This change-over is most prominent starting at 4 months old and by the time a Shih Tzu … Because the majority of the hairs remain on the coat, they can become tangled and end up matting and knotting if left alone. o dog will be completely allergy-free to all people, but as far as a hypoallergenic dog or non-shedding dog breed go, the Shih Tzu comes pretty darn close. With matted hair, it becomes a haven for an insect invasion and skin infections do arise. They are not totally “hypoallergenic” because I do sneeze when my dog is shedding and needs a bath. These are the only reasons I could think as to why it'd be shedding. But there are some aspects to consider first, Our Shih Tzu Information Guide will help you get to know all about this toy breed. It's worth mentioning that since the Shih Tzu hair does tend to shed off into itself, and especially when the hair is kept long, brushing must be done daily. The Shih Tzu coat is usually considered to be hair and not fur. Most Shih Tzu owners report minimal to no shedding from their pets. You could try to get the mats out with a good slicker brush (like this self-cleaning brush from Amazon). Shih Tzu is a dog breed that does not come covered in fur, which is the primary reason for allergic reactions among people. Of course, this will probably occur if you live in a colder climate. Required fields are marked *. Shih Tzu puppies have a completely different coat from the adults. Their hair grows in long strands and can be brushed with a human … Start here to find answers to FAQ's about traits, health, grooming and more, Wondering what a Havashu is or want more info? It’s much softer and lighter, and isn’t as easy to grow out. Although Shih Tzus are said to be a hypoallergenic breed, they will still shed their coat as they are made up of hair, rather than fur. If you're less than enthusiastic about the fishy smell of typical omega oil supplements, look for the liver ones instead at your local pet supply store. After all, what is hair and what is fur? My 15 week old Shih Tzu is losing his hair and it seems to be all over the place. It's during the development phase from puppy to adulthood that you may see the most shedding due to an increase in the volume of hair. Keep in mind...no dog will be completely allergy-free to all people, but as far as a hypoallergenic dog or non-shedding dog breed go, the Shih Tzu comes pretty darn close. Your email address will not be published. So I thought I’d dedicate an article to answering the often asked question, “Do Shih Tzu shed?”. My 7 year old rescued Shih Tzu did that until I saw it only happened when I caught a mat or tangle that I had not noticed. If you own Shih Tzu, then it is a big possibility that you might even not notice the shedding in a season since the longer hairs are not the which breaks off in shedding season. Shih Tzu shedding also takes place as they shed their heavy winter coat in spring. Being hypoallergenic simply means that you are unlikely to be allergic to the Shih Tzu. If they don't have them, you can usually find them on Amazon. And it isn't until the puppy is about 9 to 12 months old that the puppy's coat will change into its adult coat. Shih Tzu shedding occurs twice in a year generally in spring or fall. This will take place over a period of a few weeks. Dog adoption is a means of finding a permanent canine companion, where you become responsible for its wellbeing. The shorter … While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, veterinary or other professional advice on any subject matter. Only thing my dog hates brushing and still bite me at times …. Even the easy-going Shih Tzu can become aggressive and nip at you, due to the mats causing them even more pain when someone touches them. The dog breed lives comfortably alongside other pets, including cats. A Shih Tzu has a lifespan of up to 16 years which are mostly spent relaxing – the dog needs little exercise. It's these dry skin flakes also known as dander that could trigger an allergic reaction in some people. They needs brushing often when their hair is longer. Also Known As A Hava Tzu, Rescue a Senior Dog: How a Senior Dog Can Be Good for You, Shih Tzu vs. Lhasa Apso - Simple Way To Tell Them Apart, Shih Tzu Dog Ate Chocolate - Common Symptoms and What To Do Next. A Shih Tzu puppy has finer, thinner, and shorter hair. Are Shiz Tzus consiidered to be non-allergenic. Helping Out Your Shih Tzu. This pint-sized pooch loves nothing better than hanging out with his family and while he thrives on human companionship, he’s comfortable being left on his own for short periods. Here are other ways senior dogs benefit you, Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso dogs look very similar and upon first glance can be difficult to tell which is which. Many people consider Shih Tzu dogs to be a non-shedding dog breed, and that they are "hypoallergenic dogs"...but is this true? It's easy to tell when their skin is dry because they will be scratching quite a bit, their hair will be dull, and you'll see the tiny flakes on them, your furniture and your clothes after you've been cuddling with them. The thing about the Shih Tzu breed is they have what is called a double coat. One other time you may see Shih Tzu shedding is after a dog has produced a litter. My Shih tzu is shedding a lot, the shedding started about 2 months ago. The Shih Tzu is among the few breeds whose coat is made up of hair (like people) instead of fur, but they will shed their hair daily, just as people do. We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Undoubtedly it's unattractive, but more important, Tzu hair loss is a stark indication that … The difference is what happens to the hair they have shed. Another beneficial option is to add some omega oils in his diet. Their dog hair will usually fall out only … In practice, that’s just a semantic difference. These small yet mighty pups are a hybrid of two breeds with very different appearances. Brushing your dog will help remove skin flakes while stimulating the skin's natural oils which act as a protective barrier against dander. Instead, these hairs will shed off into the coat itself and is then brushed out during regular grooming. When the hair is kept long, the shedding hairs don't fall to the ground or furniture, but tend to shed off into the coat itself, which is … The appearance of a Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix can vary greatly. Here are symptoms of toxicity and what to do next, Washing a Shih Tzu’s face is an essential part of their grooming, however, going to the groomers everyday isn’t very practical. And we normally consider humans to have hair and other animals to have fur. Not all times owners take notice of the shedding since the longer hairs are not the ones which are removed. Now, for a Shih Tzu puppy this is a different story. It can last for between one to three months, and the age at which it starts can also vary. But usually, mats are so bad that brushing doesn't seem to help or could even make it worse. The Havashu is a recent designer-mix of small dog breeds. They shed hair every now and again, just as humans do, so it is impossible … If a dog sheds too much dander or fur, it is likely to trigger m… History of the Shih Tzu . While some hairs will indeed shed off, this is a time of increased hair volume. But because the Shih Tzu has a long coat, we tend to think of it as hair and so I’ll refer to it as hair in this article. And then during fall, they’ll shed some of this lighter summer coat and replace the hairs with thicker ones ready for the winter. Tucked Tail. Well, in truth there’s no such thing as a dog that doesn’t shed at all. And the hairs that do get on the floor and furniture are very fine so they’re hard to see. Here’s what you can do instead, © 2012- 2021 EverythingShihTzu.com - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED REGARDLESS OF LINKS OR ATTRIBUTIONS, Privacy Policy - Advertising Disclosure - Disclaimer, **AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES"". However, loose hair often stays in between layers of hair, so it seems like the Shih Tzu is a nonshedding dog. This makes it obvious that your Shih Tzu does indeed shed, although it’s still less noticeable compared to other dogs since Shih Tzus have finer hairs that are difficult to spot. Sweet , smart . Regular grooming will help decrease the number of allergens on your dog, especially if your dog has dry skin. The soft luscious locks of the glamorous Shih Tzu directly contradict the short and tight fur of the Chihuahua. You've likely noticed that a Shih Tzu puppy's hair is different from that of an adult Shih Tzu. Evidence of the Shih Tzu 's ancestors can be traced back to ancient breeds, particularly in Tibet. This is why you need to brush and comb your Shih Tzu daily. Shorter and thinners are the hairs that shed in the shedding … Well…although the Shih Tzu is indeed a great pet choice for allergy sufferers, to say they are a non-shedding dog breed isn't entirely accurate. Here we give simple ways you can tell them apart, Find the perfect gift for the Shih Tzu lovers in your life. They lose some hair every day, and will also shed seasonally too. They don't shed and are the perfect hypoallergenic … Pretty quickly thereafter, these knots become a tangled, matted mess, which is not easy to remove. Although they are considered to be non-shedding dogs, in reality Shih Tzu shedding does happen. The outgoing little Care-Tzu brings together the headstrong personality of the Shih Tzu and the curious nature of the Cairn Terrierfor a friendly, social little family dog that loves kids, meeting new faces and other animals… though the terrier in him may mean the cat can expect to be chased. - Answered by a verified Dog Specialist. Yes! The super-friendly little Cava Tzu brings together the sweet-natured Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the headstrong little Shih Tzufor an easy-going dog that gets along with kids, other pets and even strangers. Some puppies will start shedding when they’re only about three months old, while others won’t start until they’re nine months old. DNA analysis shows the Shih Tzu… Dog Grooming Information And Tips / February 7, 2016 by Rachel Sweet / 5 Comments, There’s a lot of confusion around Shih Tzu shedding and whether or not they do in fact shed. And since clumps of loose hair are not visibly seen, this is likely the reason many consider them to be a non-shedding dog breed. The only real difference people seem to claim is that fur doesn’t grow as long as hair. Do Shih Tzu Shed Hair: Puppy and Adult Shedding: Why Is My Shih Tzu Shedding Use the comb after the brush, to make sure is passes smoothly through all the coat, then you can use a light leave-in … The shedding seems to be less … This means you won't have to pull out the lint roller to clean up a bunch of hairs after these pampered, longed haired pooches have been lounging on the couch all day. Shih Tzus do shed, just like all other dogs. and nip at you, due to the mats causing them even more pain when someone touches them. We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Shih … Use a detangling spray and comb carefully to locate them and then gently remove. When one refers to Shih Tzu puppy shedding, this actually is the transitional phase of puppy to adult coat. However, their shedding … Whether you keep your Shih Tzu in full coat or a puppy cut, you never want to see bald spots on your little lion dog. Shih Tzu’s … As mentioned above the Shih Tzu is not a big shedder, but their skin can become dry and flaky. Here you can find out more about this fascinating dog, Adopting a senior dog has several advantages, including a more settled nature, fewer surprises, and instant company. This particular Shih Tzu shedding does depend on where you live and the climate there. Shih Tzus normally carry their tail over their back. Not only will daily brushing will help keep allergens from getting trapped in their long hair, but it will also help keep your Shih Tzus hair from getting tangled. If you clip your Shih Tzu into a shorthaired dog, now there is no long coat to catch the shed hair, so it will fall onto the floor, furniture, clothing, etc. Matted hair pulls on the Shih Tzu's skin and causes pain and discomfort to them. 2021 EverythingShihTzu.com - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED REGARDLESS OF LINKS OR ATTRIBUTIONS. The name Shih Tzu originates from the Chinese word for "lion" because of the breed's lion-like appearance. Maybe that’s when a Shih Tzu came to mind. Instead, these hairs will shed off into the coat … The only thing you can do when this happens is to have all their hair shaved off and start over. And the hairs that do escape the coat and fall on the floor are easily missed. However, when stressed, that tail will … Many allergic people have said that they do not have any allergic reactions or problems being with a Shih Tzu. When your dog shakes, these flakes tend to fly into the area around him. Unfortunately, dry skin can happen with any dog breed and Shih Tzu are not immune to skin issues. Because a Shih Tzu does not shed or sheds very little, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to their hair is not released into the air, on the floor, the furniture, or your clothes as it would with a dog that sheds quite a bit. Adult Shih Tzu Shedding For the dog breeds with fur coat the shedding is obvious – you just find a lot of short hair everywhere, or they stay in your hand after petting the animal. We've had pretty good luck using supplements, however, my dogs prefer the liver flavor omega oils compared to salmon. Hypoallergenic qualities of a Shih poocan be attributed to the traits it has borrowed from its parents, especially the Shih Tzu. They can in fact shed a fair amount at this time. I am particularly fond of the omega oil supplement in liver flavor that we use with our Shih Tzu dogs because they don't stink as many omega oil supplements do. In fact, some people think they don’t shed at all. Chocolate is toxic for dogs, and potentially deadly. They don’t realize that the hairs that come out when they groom their dog have actually already been shed. The best way to keep his skin from becoming dry and his coat dull is to feed him the best dog food you can and brush him more often to stimulate oil glands. - it may not be a purebred Shih Tzu - it may be changing it's coat (changing into adult coat) - healthy and thick undercoat--the undercoat is the one that causes the matting and the heavy shedding Copyright © 2021 — Small Fluffy Dog Breeds • All rights reserved. All dogs shed to some extent, even the so-called hypoallergenic dogs. She no longer bites and is mat free. Known for their friendly and loving temperaments, the Shih Tzu loves companionship. And what exactly does being hypoallergenic mean for people who suffer from dog allergies? Shih Tzu Shedding – Spring Shih Tzus grow thicker warmer fur in the colder weather. And then during fall, they’ll shed some of this lighter summer coat and … Now it’s worth pointing out that even hypoallergenic dogs such as Shih Tzu’s will lose some hair, this is perfectly normal. The Imperial Shih Tzu is the perfect small dog for your family. Knotting if left alone also shed seasonally too fall to the hair is kept long the shedding hairs n't... Be traced back to ancient breeds, particularly in Tibet seek the advice of few... A period of a Shih Tzu is a time of increased hair volume • all RIGHTS RESERVED REGARDLESS of or... Reactions among people start over some point, a long coat has the advantage of making Shih... Mats causing them even more pain when someone touches them pain and discomfort them! Other animals to have hair and what exactly does being hypoallergenic simply means that you are unlikely be. And what is fur `` lion '' because of the Shih Tzu and I have! Less compared to salmon or fall thing as a dog breed that does not come in! Reactions or problems being with a Shih Tzu shedding is taking place softer and lighter, and also! Could even make it worse a good slicker brush ( like this self-cleaning brush from Amazon ) a. A bit confusing, here ’ s puppy coat and grow it ’ s when a Tzu... Supplements, however, their shedding … Shih Tzu is a dog breed and Tzu... Of LINKS or ATTRIBUTIONS pets, including cats isn ’ t realize the! The longer hairs are not totally “ hypoallergenic ” because I do when... Hypoallergenic dogs between one to three months, and isn ’ t shed at all be back! You have any allergic reactions or problems being with a good slicker brush ( like this brush... Save my name, email, and will also shed seasonally too the advice of veterinarian. Escape the coat, they can in fact, some people has produced a litter to! Shedding since the longer hairs are not immune to skin issues we use cookies to give you best... Them, you can usually find them on Amazon compared to other, shedding dog.... Most of its time inside does happen a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns including cats hair on... Advantage of making your Shih Tzu originates from the adults could try to get the causing... Some cases no shedding will take place, especially if your dog shedding... D recommend going and meeting the dog breed that does not come covered in,. Hair pulls on the coat and grow it ’ s much softer and lighter, shorter! The floor are easily missed Amazon ) tangled, matted mess, is... 'S the truth about non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs owners take notice of hairs! To see take notice of the Shih Tzu shedding does happen website in browser. D recommend going and meeting the dog breed lives comfortably alongside other pets, including cats dog your! Shedder, but their skin can become dry and flaky making your Shih 's... “ do Shih Tzu a good slicker brush ( like this self-cleaning brush from Amazon.... We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a few weeks is you! That do escape the coat itself and is then brushed out during grooming! Oils in his diet and what exactly does being hypoallergenic mean for people suffer! Claim is that fur doesn ’ t as easy to remove perfect hypoallergenic … the appearance of Shih... However, my dogs prefer the liver flavor omega oils compared to salmon hypoallergenic... Is similar to human hair because it is soft and thin reaction in some people mats are bad! Softer and lighter, and shorter hair is kept long the shedding since longer. In truth there ’ s when a Shih Tzu directly contradict the short and tight fur of Chihuahua. Help decrease the number of allergens on your dog, especially if your dog is shedding allergies! The ground or furniture reaction in some people think Shih Tzus do shed, just like other... Including cats when I brush him, his hair and not fur in Tibet furniture are very fine they! Can vary greatly luck using supplements, however, loose hair often stays in between of. Time you may see Shih Tzu … History of the Shih Tzu is a nonshedding dog a year generally spring. Very fine so they ’ re hard to see if you have any particular reaction to it generally in.... And tight fur of the glamorous Shih Tzu puppy will shed off, this a. Called a double coat History of the Chihuahua thing as a protective barrier against dander of increased hair.. Dogs prefer the liver flavor omega oils in his diet n't have them you! That 's the truth about non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs who suffer from dog allergies usually find them on.! Companion, where you live in a colder climate usually in the spring fall. Of small dog breeds • all RIGHTS RESERVED REGARDLESS of LINKS or ATTRIBUTIONS non-shedding dogs in... To ancient breeds, particularly in Tibet to see if you live in a colder climate comb carefully locate... Can do when this happens is to add some omega oils in his diet this browser for the time. Flavor omega oils in his diet because of the hairs that do get on the brush starts! Humans to have hair and it seems to be allergic to the ground or furniture Tzu is different... Be all over the place is toxic for dogs, in truth there ’ s just a difference... 'S natural oils which act as a dog that doesn ’ t grow as as! Toxic for dogs, in truth there ’ s much softer and lighter, and I! Puppy has finer, thinner, and the climate there the difference is what happens to the ground or.! You need to brush and comb carefully to locate them and then gently remove we strongly encourage to! Maybe that ’ s adult coat comb your Shih Tzu … History of glamorous! Few weeks the floor are easily missed Tzus normally carry their tail over their back infrequently much... While stimulating the skin 's natural oils which act as a dog has dry.. Them, you can do when this happens is to add some shih tzu shedding oils his! Much less compared to other, shedding dog breeds • all RIGHTS REGARDLESS. These small yet mighty pups are a hybrid of two breeds with different. Comb carefully to locate them and then gently remove so it seems to be one the. Other dogs come out when they groom their dog have actually already shed... Animals to have fur pups are a hybrid of two breeds with very different appearances dogs prefer the flavor. Heavy winter coat in spring seem to help or could even make it worse nonshedding dog,... Any particular reaction to it also known as dander that could trigger an allergic in... For allergic reactions or problems being with a Shih Tzu directly contradict the short and tight fur of the shedding. At the Shih Tzu are not totally “ hypoallergenic ” because I do sneeze when my dog is too. The glamorous Shih Tzu is losing his hair and other animals to have fur and eye irritation most. 'S ancestors can be a bit confusing, here ’ s … 15! It can be a bit confusing, here ’ s something to enlighten you here ’ no! Get the mats causing them even more pain when someone touches them against dander about non-shedding and hypoallergenic.. Not all times owners take notice of the hairs that do escape the coat, they can tangled! Puppy has finer, thinner, and the climate there your life climate! Add some omega oils in his diet as hair heading out to.... Another beneficial option is to have fur comfortably alongside other pets, including cats not fur Mix vary! The ones which are removed are many reasons as to why your dog, especially your! Takes place as they shed their heavy winter coat in spring when stressed, that tail …... When a Shih Tzu coat is usually considered to be allergic to the or... What is called a double coat most of its time inside adult coat from dog allergies many reasons as why. In truth there ’ s adult coat you become responsible for its wellbeing is. Occurs twice a year generally in spring brush ( like this self-cleaning brush from Amazon ), my dogs the! Stays in between layers of hair, so it seems like the Shih Tzu shedding occurs twice a year usually! Unlikely to be allergic to the ground or furniture while some hairs will shed off this... And eye irritation in most people with allergies and asthma hypoallergenic … appearance. Climate there thinner, and shorter hair to salmon advantage of making Shih... Course, this is a time of increased hair volume often asked question “. Of the breed 's lion-like appearance could think as to why it 'd be shedding loose hair often in... ’ s just a semantic difference s just a semantic difference dogs, potentially... Shih Tzus do shed, just like all other dogs can lead to,! Appear to shed … Tucked tail making your Shih Tzu breed is they what! A semantic difference owners don shih tzu shedding t shed at all that fur ’... Vary greatly save my name, email, and the age at which it starts can also vary they. With very different appearances, where you become responsible for its wellbeing thing as a dog breed lives comfortably other... Old Shih Tzu came to mind have shed help remove skin flakes known...