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Does Shih Tzu Shed a Lot (and How Do I Stop It)?

Despite their thick coat of hair, Shih Tzu shed less than most breeds. They are known to be light shedders as the shedding occurs in a slow process. Shih Tzu with shorter hair appear to lose more hair than those with longer hair. Even if this is not overwhelming, there are still ways to lessen it.
Does Shih Tzu Shed a Lot?

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Health and other issues aside, a Shih Tzu with a healthy coat molts minimally. They appear to shed even less because the hair gets trapped within their coat. Daily brushing and regular baths help. Removing any loose hair within the pelt will ensure proper airflow to their skin.

Do Shih Tzu Have Hair or Fur?

Shih Tzu have a coat of hair. Two elements set fur and hair apart:

  • Length: Hair can grow longer than fur can. Most breeds can only grow up to three inches of fur. A Shih Tzu can have floor-length hair.
  • Textures: Fur is thicker than generally thinner hair strands.

What Type of Hair Do Shih Tzu Have?

Shih Tzu have long, dense, and flowing hair. Like human hair, theirs can be wavy or straight. Their hair can come in many colors, shades, markings, and patterns.

How Long Will My Shih Tzu’s Hair Grow?

Hair grows longer than fur. Most Shih Tzu can produce a long coat. Whether the coat will reach the floor in length will depend on its upkeep and their genetics. A Rough estimate is 1/2 inch per month.

What Type of Coat Does a Shih Tzu Have?

The Shih Tzu’s coat is dense, long, and flowing as described by breed standards. It comes in two layers, or what is termed a double coat. Their soft and puffy double coat gives them a fluffy appearance if their hair is short or voluminous and flowing and long.

Does a Shih Tzu Have a Double Coat?

The Shih Tzu is a double-coated breed. This means that their coat consists of two layers:

  • Topcoat: Fine and silky, this layer can grow to more than three inches. These are often called guard hairs since they are tough and can tolerate a lot of handling.
  • Undercoat: The layer that is soft and feathery.

Do Shih Tzu Have an Undercoat?

The second layer of Shih Tzu’s double coat is called the undercoat. This dense layer of short hair makes the Shih Tzu look fluffy.

When Do Shih Tzu Lose Their Puppy Coat?

Shih Tzu puppies’ hair is different than that of the adults. They have more refined, thinner, and shorter hair. The puppy’s coat will turn into the adult coat from nine to twelve months. During this time, you will notice most of your puppy’s shedding.

Are Shih Tzu Hypoallergenic?

Allergy-causing particles often stick to your pet’s hair or fur. These are the ones you tend to breathe in when they are left on the couch, clothes, and other areas in the house. But because Shih Tzu has hair, they appear to shed less. Most people consider them to be hypoallergenic.

But the truth is, their skin can become dry and flaky. When your Shih Tzu shakes, bits of dander fly around the area, waiting to be breathed in. These dry skin flakes or dander can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

How Much Do Shih Tzu Shed?

A Shih Tzu with a coat in tip-top shape will only molt 10 to 15%. Shih Tzu shed hair daily, but you will not see it often.

These strands get stuck in the double coat. You will only notice clumps of hair only when you bathe or brush your pet. Seldom will you need a lint roller or change clothes after you cuddled with your dog.

Do Shih Tzu Puppies Shed a Lot?

You will see the most shedding from your Shih Tzu puppy when it is in the development phase into adulthood. As its coat turns into the adult type of hair, there is an increased volume of strands, making the puppy hair fall off.

When Do Shih Tzu Shed?

When you do regular grooming, you will notice how much hair your pet has shed. Like humans shed hair, Shih Tzu shed hair all the time. But because of their double coat, the shedding hair doesn’t fall to the ground. These get trapped in the pelt.

How Often Do Shih Tzu Shed?

Hairy breeds such as the Shih Tzu undergo a slow but constant process of coat renewal. This process occurs every one to two weeks.  It has three stages:

  • Anagen Phase: Around 85% of the coat is growing. This is when your Shih Tzu will be able to grow floor-length hair. Hair strands will seldom break.
  • Telogen Phase: Also called the resting stage, the hair will remain at the same length during this time.
  • Catagen Phase: The Shih Tzu’s hair follicles shrink, cutting off the blood supply to the hair shaft. The hair then detaches. It is only during this stage that hair sheds.

Do Shih Tzu Get a Winter Coat?

Toy breeds like the Shih Tzu do not possess large reserves of insulating body fat. Instead, they have a water-resistant and thick coat of hair to protect themselves from the cold of winter.

A winter coat will add a layer of warmth during the cold months. It will also offer a shield against snow and icy winds.

Why Is My Shih Tzu Shedding So Much?

Being a light-shedding breed, seeking help is vital if you find your Shih Tzu shedding so much. Other than the continuous coat renewal process, your dog may demonstrate increased molting in:

  • As a Puppy Going Into Adulthood: Puppy hair is different than adult Shih Tzu hair. As the puppy goes into adulthood, it will shed its puppy hair to grow adult hair.
  • Seasonal Shedding: In the winter, cold air can dry your dog’s skin. Dry skin causes more molting than usual. In the summer, hair follicles weaken due to sun exposure. This results in more hair fall.
  • Pregnancy Shed: “Blowing the coat” refers to the heavy shed right after giving birth. Hormonal changes cause this to occur.
  • Health Conditions: Bring your pet to the veterinarian if you notice heavy shedding or bald patches. There might be an underlying health condition that needs to be treated.

How Do I Stop My Shih Tzu From Shedding?

To maintain your Shih Tzu’s healthy coat, minimize the shed by:

  • Daily Brushing: Brushing will release the loose hairs from your pet’s coat. Brush every day if your Shih Tzu has a long coat. Every two days of brushing is suitable for those with a moderate coat. Twice a week for short coats is enough.
  • Regular Baths: Giving baths every three weeks will remove dead hairs and those about to fall off. Bathing will also keep its skin healthy and keep your pet smelling good.
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