Shih Tzu: Equipment and travel
Choose Shih Tzu's travel equipment for fit, comfort, and the actual journey, then condition each part before combining them. Watch Shih Tzu's response closely and change one variable at a time. Condition the harness, crate, car, surfaces, and handling separately; check fit and comfort before adding distance or duration. Condition fit, movement, and duration separately before combining them in a real journey.
What the dog's body and routine require
Shih Tzu's height is recorded as 9-10.5 inches. Here, that matters because it is useful context, but the individual dog's response still decides the next step.
Condition equipment in stages
- Condition the harness, crate, car, surfaces, and handling separately; check fit and comfort before adding distance or duration.
- Keep the height in view (9-10.5 inches) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
- Condition fit, movement, and duration separately before combining them in a real journey.
Stop using it if
Stop if equipment causes rubbing, restricted breathing, panic, limping, or escape risk.
References
Height: 9-10.5 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 9-16 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: A Shih Tzu with a long coat requires daily brushing. Use a good-quality wire brush with flexible pins, and layer the hair to be sure you reach to the skin. A bath about every three or four weeks will help to keep the coat clean and at its best. Remember to comb the mustache and topknot daily, and gently clean the corner of the eyes with a damp cloth.…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Shih Tzu was bred to be a house companion. As such, they require minimal exercise. Short daily walks with their owner and indoor playtime will satisfy the activity needs of this small, short-legged companion.
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Training a Shih Tzu can be both an amusing and a frustrating experience. The breed tends to charm his owner into letting him have his own way, which can result in a chubby, less-than-completely-housebroken pet who is difficult to groom. Because Shih Tzu are such people dogs, training methods based on praise and rewards work best. Harsh corrections should…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: That face! Those big dark eyes looking up at you with that sweet expression! It's no surprise that Shih Tzu owners have been so delighted with this little 'Lion Dog' for a thousand years. Where Shih Tzu go, giggles and mischief follow.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['No recommended health tests']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShihTzu.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools