Do Shih Tzus Shed? An In-Depth Look at the Royal Pup‘s Royal Coat

As a lifelong dog lover and Shih Tzu enthusiast, I‘m often asked whether these regal little pups are heavy shedders. It‘s a fair question – with their long, luxurious locks, it seems like Shih Tzus would be leaving a trail of hair everywhere they go. But the truth is, Shih Tzus are actually one of the lowest shedding breeds out there.

In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive deep into the world of Shih Tzu coats. We‘ll explore what makes their hair different from other dogs, how much they really shed, and what kind of grooming is required to keep them looking their best. By the end, you‘ll have a thorough understanding of whether a Shih Tzu is a good fit for your lifestyle and cleaning habits. Let‘s get started!

Shih Tzu Shedding Compared to Other Breeds

First, let‘s put Shih Tzu shedding into perspective. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least and 10 being the most, here‘s how the American Kennel Club rates the shedding levels of some popular breeds:

As you can see, Shih Tzus are on the very low end of the spectrum. They shed slightly more than Poodles and Bichon Frises, but much less than retrievers, shepherds, and even small breeds like Chihuahuas.

According to PetMD, the average dog sheds about 30 to 40 hairs per day per square inch of skin. For a Shih Tzu, that number is closer to 5 to 15 hairs. So while you will find some Shih Tzu hair on your brush and in your vacuum cleaner, it will be a fraction of what you‘d get with a heavy shedding breed.

Why Shih Tzus Shed Less: Hair vs Fur

So what is it about a Shih Tzu‘s coat that makes them shed so little? The key difference is that Shih Tzus have hair coats, not fur coats.

Hair and fur are both made of keratin, but they have some distinct characteristics:

• Hair strands are generally finer, longer, and less dense than fur
• Hair grows continuously and must be trimmed, while fur stops growing at a certain length
• Hair follicles have a longer growing phase and a shorter resting/shedding phase than fur follicles
• Hair is typically less irritating to human allergies than fur

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, explains it this way: "Hair usually grows in a single layer, so the shedding process is less obvious. It tends to fall out slowly and get trapped in the surrounding hair rather than coming out in clumps like fur."

In practical terms, this means you‘re much less likely to find piles of hair on your couch after snuggling a Shih Tzu compared to a Golden Retriever. You‘ll still need to groom them regularly (more on that later), but your lint roller won‘t be working overtime.

When Shih Tzus Shed the Most: Puppy Coat Transition

While adult Shih Tzus are very low shedders, there is one time in their life when the fur really flies. Shih Tzu puppies are born with a soft, fluffy puppy coat that changes texture and increases shedding as they mature.

"During the transition to the adult coat at around 6 to 10 months of age, Shih Tzus will shed quite a bit," says Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with PetKeen. "This process can last a few weeks, and daily brushing is essential to prevent matting."

As someone who‘s fostered multiple Shih Tzu pups, I can attest to how dramatic this coat blow can be. One day you have an adorable fluffball, and the next it looks like a tornado hit a pillow factory in your living room. But rest assured, this shedding phase does pass. Once the adult coat comes in, you can put away the extra vacuum bags.

Shih Tzus and Allergies: Low-Shedding Doesn‘t Mean Hypoallergenic

One of the reasons many people are interested in Shih Tzus is because they‘re often touted as a hypoallergenic breed. But what does hypoallergenic really mean when it comes to dogs?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a hypoallergenic dog breed is one that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, no dog is completely non-allergenic. Allergies are triggered by proteins in a dog‘s urine, saliva, and dander (dead skin cells), not the hair itself.

Dr. Klein clarifies: "There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, as all dogs produce some level of dander. However, breeds like Shih Tzus that shed less and have less dander can be a better choice for people with mild allergies."

Personally, I have several friends with dog allergies who do well with Shih Tzus. The key is to spend time around the individual dog before committing, because allergies can vary. Weekly baths and frequent brushing also help keep dander and shedding to a minimum.

Grooming a Shih Tzu: A Labor of Love

Now that we‘ve established Shih Tzus as low shedders, let‘s talk about what it really takes to maintain those gorgeous locks. Spoiler alert: it‘s a lot of work.

Shih Tzus need to be brushed thoroughly at least every other day, if not daily. I like to use a combination of a pin brush and a slicker brush to remove tangles and loose hair. Be sure to brush all the way down to the skin, not just over the top of the coat.

Natasha Feduik, a licensed veterinary technician with PetMD, also recommends regular bathing: "Bathe your Shih Tzu at least once a month to keep the hair clean and healthy. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for long coats, and make sure to rinse thoroughly."

In addition to brushing and bathing, you‘ll need to trim your Shih Tzu‘s coat every 4-6 weeks. I prefer to keep my dogs in a shorter "puppy cut" for easier maintenance, but some owners like to let the hair grow long. Either way, be prepared to invest in some quality grooming tools or regular trips to a professional groomer.

My must-have products for Shih Tzu grooming include:

• Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
• Andis Steel Pet Comb
• BioSilk Therapy Whitening Shampoo
• Cowboy Magic Detangler & Shine

Grooming a Shih Tzu can feel like a part-time job, but it‘s worth it to keep your pup healthy and looking their best. Plus, it‘s a great bonding experience once you both get the hang of it.

Shih Tzu Shedding FAQ

Still have questions about Shih Tzu shedding? Here are some common ones I get from prospective owners:

Q: How often should I brush my Shih Tzu?
A: At minimum, every other day. Daily is even better to prevent tangles and mats.

Q: What happens if I don‘t brush often enough?
A: Skipping brushing sessions can lead to painful mats that may need to be shaved out. Regular grooming is a must to keep your Shih Tzu comfortable.

Q: Do Shih Tzus shed more in the summer?
A: Not really. Shih Tzus don‘t have an undercoat that they blow seasonally like double-coated breeds. Shedding should be minimal and consistent year-round, with the exception of the puppy-to-adult coat transition.

Q: Will I still see some shedding even if I groom regularly?
A: Yes, some shedding is normal and unavoidable. You will see hair in your brush and in the tub after baths. But it should be very manageable and much less than average shedding breeds.

Q: I have allergies. Is a Shih Tzu a good choice?
A: A Shih Tzu may be a good option for people with mild to moderate dog allergies. Their low dander and minimal shedding means less allergens in the environment. However, no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Spend time with an individual dog before adopting to gauge your reaction.

Conclusion

In the world of dogs, Shih Tzus are about as close to non-shedding as you can get. While no pup is completely shed-free, these little lion dogs lose very minimal hair compared to the average canine. Their long, silky hair has a slower growth cycle than traditional fur, so you won‘t see tumbleweeds of fluff blowing through your house.

However, don‘t let the low shedding fool you – Shih Tzus are still high-maintenance in the grooming department. Daily brushing and regular baths and haircuts are essential to prevent matting and keep the coat looking luxurious. It‘s a significant time commitment, but one that pays off in a beautiful, healthy pup.

As someone who‘s shared my life with many Shih Tzus over the years, I can say the extra grooming is unequivocally worth it. These sweet, spunky dogs are lovable companions and excellent snugglers. And while I still find the occasional hair here and there, I spend much less time vacuuming with my Shih Tzus than I would with a heavy shedding breed.

If you‘re looking for a loyal, low-shed lapdog and you‘re up for the brushing and primping, a Shih Tzu may be your perfect match. Just stock up on some good grooming supplies first – you‘re going to need them!

Sources

• American Kennel Club, "Shih Tzu Grooming Tips"
• PetMD, "Do Shih Tzus Shed? Grooming Tips for a Healthy Coat"
• VCA Hospitals, "Shih Tzu Grooming Basics"
• Mayo Clinic, "Pet Allergy: Are There Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?"
• Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer, AKC
• Dr. Chyrle Bonk, veterinarian, PetKeen
• Natasha Feduik, licensed veterinary technician, PetMD