The Complete Shih Tzu Shopping List: Everything Your New Dog Actually Needs

Stainless steel is the only material worth using for a Shih Tzu’s bowls. Plastic scratches over time and harbors bacteria in those grooves, which is a real concern for a breed already prone to skin and coat sensitivities. A non-skid rubber base keeps the bowl from sliding around while they eat.

Shih Tzus have short legs and a low center of gravity, which means they spend a lot of time in contact with whatever surface they are resting on. A machine-washable bed with a non-slip base and decent cushioning is non-negotiable for the breed. Calming donut beds are particularly popular with Shih Tzus because they love to curl up against a bolstered edge.

Shih Tzus have delicate tracheas. Attaching a leash to a collar and using it for walks puts direct pressure on the neck with every pull, and even a well-behaved Shih Tzu will lunge occasionally. The collar’s only job is to hold an ID tag. For actual walks, use a harness (covered below). A lightweight, adjustable nylon collar in a small size is all that is needed here.

A harness distributes leash pressure across the chest and shoulders rather than the neck, which is exactly right for a brachycephalic breed like the Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus have compact, barrel-shaped chests, so fit matters more than it does for longer-limbed breeds. Look for a soft, breathable mesh with multiple adjustment points and a back-clip attachment for everyday walks.

A 4-foot leash gives enough control for a small dog on city streets and neighborhood walks without the excess that a 6-foot leash creates for a breed this compact. Padded handles and reflective threading are worth paying for. Retractable leashes are not recommended for Shih Tzus, as the thin cord is a trip hazard and the lack of consistent tension makes leash training harder.

A wire crate with a divider panel is the most practical option for a Shih Tzu. The divider lets you start with a smaller space during potty training (dogs are less likely to soil a space they sleep in), and remove it as the dog grows or becomes fully housetrained. Most adult Shih Tzus are comfortable in a 24-inch crate, though a 30-inch gives more room if the dog likes to stretch out. Amazon specifically lists the Shih Tzu as a suitable breed for their 30-inch double-door model.

Shih Tzus are notoriously difficult to housetrain, and it often takes longer than other breeds. Pee pads give the dog a designated indoor spot during the early weeks and are also useful for apartment dwellers, senior dogs, or rainy day situations when outdoor access is limited. The Amazon Basics version is one of the most-reviewed pet products on the entire platform.

This is one category where the Amazon Basics version is genuinely hard to beat on value. The bags are thick, reliably leak-proof when tied correctly, and come with a dispenser and leash clip so they are always within reach on a walk. At 300 bags per pack, most owners will not need to reorder for four to six months.

Grooming is not optional for a Shih Tzu. The breed has a long double coat that mats quickly if not brushed regularly, and Shih Tzus are prone to tangles forming behind the ears, under the legs, and at the collar line. Two tools are required: a slicker brush to work through the coat and remove loose hair, and a steel comb to follow up and catch any remaining small tangles the brush misses. Used together every two to three days, these two tools prevent the mats that require a groomer to shave the dog down.

Slicker Brush

Steel Comb

Human shampoo should never be used on a Shih Tzu. Dogs have a different skin pH and human formulas disrupt the coat’s natural protective barrier. Shih Tzus are prone to dry skin and allergies, so a shampoo formulated for sensitive skin with natural, soothing ingredients is the right starting point. Burt’s Bees consistently tops the Amazon dog shampoo bestseller lists and is also recommended by veterinarians for its gentle, pH-balanced formula.

Shih Tzu nails grow quickly and need trimming every three to four weeks on average. Long nails change how the dog places its feet, which puts strain on joints over time. At-home trimming is very achievable with the right small-breed clippers and a safety stop to prevent cutting the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail). Introducing nail trimming slowly and positively from puppyhood makes a significant difference to how well the dog tolerates it later.

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in Shih Tzus. The breed’s flat face means teeth are often crowded together, which creates more plaque buildup than in longer-muzzled breeds. Studies suggest that up to 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three, and for Shih Tzus the risk is even higher. Daily brushing is the single most effective thing an owner can do to reduce the risk of painful extractions and associated health complications. The key is to always use a toothpaste formulated for dogs, because human toothpaste contains xylitol and fluoride, which are toxic to dogs.

Even the best-trained Shih Tzu can bolt through an open door or slip off a lead. An engraved ID tag with the dog’s name and the owner’s phone number is the fastest route home if that happens. Stainless steel tags last far longer than aluminum, which fades and becomes unreadable within months. GoTags is one of the most trusted and highest-rated personalized tag brands on Amazon, made in the USA with laser-engraved text that does not wear off.