Yes, the Shih Tzu breed is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog. Their bodies do not produce enough dander to trigger a person’s allergies.
They have a lot of fur, and itis different from other dog’s fur in composition, and they do shed often.
Are Shih Tzu Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Fans of cuddly little dogs will be happy to know that the Shih Tzu breed is hypoallergenic. This breed does not produce a lot of dander, so someone who suffers from severe allergies will be able to have this dog as a pet. Since they are so cute, it is recommended that Shih Tzus could be a great starter dog for children. They can also be a companion to people who work at home or attend an online school.
Characteristics of a Shih Tzu Dog
The name Shih Tzu is a Chinese word which means little lion, as the fur can be easily designed to me make a lion’s mane. These small dogs are excellent companions and love to be with their owners. They are extremely sociable and enjoy playing with other dogs.
Do They Shed a Lot?
Shih Tzus dogs have a lot of fur, and consequently, they shed a good amount of their fur every day. They may not shed more than other dogs that have the same amount of fur, but many people who own Shih Tzus must pick up after them every day.
Shih Tzu dogs have a very different type of fur than most other dogs. It is similar to human hair because it is soft and thin. Their hair grows in long strands and can be brushed with a human hairbrush.
Like most other dogs, Shih Tzu dogs shed even more fur during the Spring and Summer. This is the time when they grow in their summer coat. They will also shed more during the fall as they are developing their winter coat.
Why Is the Shih Tzu Hypoallergenic?
It may be surprising to a few people when they learned that the shit Tzu is a hypoallergenic dog. A common trait of hypoallergenic dogs is that they do not shed fur very much. However, Shih Tzus do not share this trait. Although they do not shed as much as hairy dogs, they still shed more than a hypoallergenic dog normally would. They shed more than other hypoallergenic dogs because they have two different types of coats – an undercoat and a regular coat.
This dog breed is hypoallergenic is because it does not produce a lot of dander. Dander is a protein that exists in the bodies of most animals that humans come into contact with. All animals produce dander, but the hypoallergenic animals are those that do not produce very much.
The more dander an animal produces from their body; the less likely a person with allergies is able to be in their presence. There is no way to lessen the amount of dander and animal produces. It is part of the composition of their body. But brushing and bathing them often can have some positive results.
How to Care for a Shih Tzu’s Fur
The level of care a Shih Tzu dogs fur requires on the length. Since this dog is a show dog, many people grow out their fur and allow it to touch the floor. But if you are not planning on entering your dog into any beauty contests, then it does not need to be so long.
First, a Shih Tzu dog’s fur must be brushed every day. Brushing their hair will catch any first friends that are weak and about to fall off. Brushing also reduces shedding, so your furniture is not covered in fur. Since their hair is similar to human hair, brushing also helps remove tangles before they knot up.
In addition to brushing, this breed of dog must be bathed often. It is recommended that they be bathed once a week. But if they spend a lot of time outside, then they may need to be bathed multiple times a week. Keeping their fur clean and tangle-free is the biggest part of caring for a Shih Tzu.
If styling their fur is not a task you wish to uphold, the further Shih Tzu dog can be trimmed back. Their fur does not need to grow to a long length. But we do not recommend that you shave a Shih Tzu dog. They are not hairless dogs, and their fur keeps them from developing sunburns.
How to Care for a Shih Tzu
Caring for a Shih Tzu is easy if you’re used to taking care of small toy dogs. This breed requires a light amount of exercise and a healthy diet.
Shih Tzu is a low energy dog, so they are not ideal for active adults. They cannot exercise intensely for long periods of time. They are mostly house dogs, but they do like to play in parks and go for walks.
Like other dogs, they can eat a mixture of vegetables and meat. In fact, vegetables are requirements in their diet. Feeding them too much meat and not enough vegetables could lead to constipation.
As Shih Tzu dogs rise in age, they will develop issues with their eyes or their eyesight. But they deal with different eye problems than cataracts and eye infections. Shih Tzu dogs often experience proptosis, which means that their eyeball pops out of its socket, and their eyelid falls behind the eyeball. If it is not treated correctly, they can end up blind. Another eye-related disease that they experience is the loss of night vision. This disease can appear at any time, not just when they are older.
Conclusion
- Shih Tzu dogs are hypoallergenic, so they are good dogs so people who suffer from allergies
- Unlike many other hypoallergenic dogs, Shih Tzu dogs shed a good deal of fur
- They like going on walks and spending time in the park, but they are not high energy dogs.
- Their fur is closer to human hair than to dog fur
- Their fur develops tangles easily, so they must be brushed often
- They suffer from hip problems are they get older.
