Clothing for Shih Tzu Dogs
Overview
Clothing for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs go much further than just a way to increase the cuteness factor. A few key pieces serve several important functions. Here, we'll take a look at why having some clothes for your Shih Tzu may be a good idea, see a few beautiful models, and then show some of our favorite recommendations.
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This section contains:
Valid Reasons for Putting Clothes on a Shih Tzu - Top 5 reasons.
AllShihTzu's Members' Models - Some adorable Shih Tzu modeling their outfits; submitted by our site members.
Recommended Clothing for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs - Includes cold weather coats, sporty jackets, cute pajamas and more.
Tucker, at 2 years old. He gets chilled during Texas winters
and loves to wear soft pajamas. Photo courtesy of Libby Buie
Valid Reasons for Putting Clothes on a Shih Tzu
#1 It helps prevent chills.
Being a toy breed means there is not much body fat, so it's easy for little puppies and dogs to feel chilled. And this does not just refer to being outside; lots of Shih Tzu are sensitive to slightly lower temps in the house during the fall or winter or if you like to crank up the AC during the summer.
#2 To help a Shih Tzu tolerate walks.
Daily exercise is super important. It allows a dog release pent-up energy for calmer behavior later and it plays a huge role in long-term health. On chilly, rainy, or snowy days, putting a warm coat or water-proof jacket on your Shih Tzu can really help your little guy or gal tolerate being brought for their walks.
#3 To help with potty needs on days with inclement weather. If you live in an area with rain, snow in the winter, or cold, a warm sweater or coat can help your Shih Tzu comfortably complete their outdoor bathroom routine without rushing.
#4 To help after a close clip.
Some Shih Tzu dogs are just fine getting their coat clipped but others can have a hard time with haircut, especially if it's cut much shorter than usual. It can make them feel vulnerable and less comfortable. A soft shirt can help a Shih Tzu feel a bit more secure.
#5 The extra attention.
Though this may fall under the category of spoiling your Shih Tzu
just a bit, it's also valid that paying lots of attention to your little guy or gal and/or doing things that will garner them attention from others is all part of having and loving a canine family member. Some Shih Tzu absolutely soak up every second of being pampered and enjoy all the looks, compliments, and admiration from others.
AllShihTzu's Members' Models:
Here are some cute examples of Shih Tzu puppies and dogs modeling some adorable clothing, courtesy of our site members.
photo courtesy of Carolyn Morris
Lily, at 14 years old, in a warm and pretty green and pink sweater,
photo courtesy of Kathy McIntyre
Bailey, at 6 years old, wearing an adorable harness clothes outfit
(there is an o-ring right on the back of the clothes to connect the leash)
photo courtesy of Taylor B.
Photo courtesy of Johana Vasquez
Nugget, at 22 months old, photo courtesy of C. Veasey
These are Zoey and Zeus, who are 5-year old sister and brother,
nice and warm their cozy vests
photo courtesy of Tanya Pyne-Barger
Molly at 8 months old, photo courtesy of Sarah Sue
Mia Karma, at 2 yrs old, photo courtesy of Tomi Clements
Dakota, at 3 years old, wearing his winter coat, photo courtesy of Sheri-Dawn Furlong
Cindy Lou Who, at 5 years old,
photo courtesy of Willetta and Eric Lee
Recommended Clothing to Keep a Shih Tzu Warm and Looking Cute
#1 This Kuoger warm, water-proof winter coat.
Out of all the types of clothes you might put on your Shih Tzu puppy or dog, this Kuoser Cozy Reversible British Style Plaid Winter Jacket
is one of the most functional. It can make outdoor time with your Shih Tzu easier and more comfortable. It's reversible, with a waterproof shell and a cozy flannel lining, suitable for cold, snowy, or windy days. It's available in 6 colors and features a quick belly closure.
is one of the most functional. It can make outdoor time with your Shih Tzu easier and more comfortable. It's reversible, with a waterproof shell and a cozy flannel lining, suitable for cold, snowy, or windy days. It's available in 6 colors and features a quick belly closure. Note:
The eyehole in this is designed for harnesses that have its O-ring up high near the shoulder blades. For a different design, see the Mountaineer coat below.
#2 This Mountaineer winter dog coat.
The Puppia Mountaineer Winter Dog Coat combines style and functionality, making it a fantastic choice for your Shih Tzu. It features a built-in, integrated harness with a secure buckle and d-rings for easy leash attachment. Designed for comfort and warmth, it has a soft fleece lining and a waterproof outer layer, ensuring your little guy or gal stays cozy and dry.
This comes in an array of colors including green, beige, pink, red, blue, and black, allowing you to choose the perfect one to match your dog's personality and style. This coat is not just practical; it's a fashion statement.
#3 This coat by JoyDaog that's ideal for really bad winter weather.
If there's lots of snow outside, wintry precipitation, or frigid winds, this JoyDaog Fleece Lined Winter Coat for Small Dogs
is the sort of coat you may want to grab before heading outside with your Shih Tzu. The elastic that's built into the arm openings and the belly opening keeps cold air out for super-warmth.
is the sort of coat you may want to grab before heading outside with your Shih Tzu. The elastic that's built into the arm openings and the belly opening keeps cold air out for super-warmth. The inner fleece liner is exceptionally comfortable. And, there's a cut-out in the back for the leash to connect to your Shih Tzu's harness. As you can see, this closes with just 3 metal buttons so it's very easy to put on and take off. Though this only comes in blue and red (as of the time of this writing), being protected from really bad winter weather is often worth not having a wide selection of colors.
#4 This way-too-cute faded jean jacket.
This Jean Jacket from MissPet starts at size extra-small and goes up from there (be sure to size up if your Shih Tzu is in between sizes). This has a handy D-ring on the back, so there's no need for a harness, you just clip the leash to the ring. This is perfect for crisp fall days or mild spring days when you want your Shih Tzu to be walking down the neighborhood in style.
#5 This V-neck knit sweater by Pet Craft Supply.
The Pet Craft Supply brand has been coming out with some really cute clothes for Shih Tzu dogs and other toy breeds lately, and this unisex Pet Craft Supply's V-neck Knit Sweater
is one of their most popular items.
is one of their most popular items. This comes either with a burgundy stripe or a khaki one, it's extra-soft, has good-sized arm openings, and is cut to help ensure urine splashes don't reach the belly portion. It's is machine washable, but we recommend hand-washing it. And it needs to be air-dried flat.
#6 These ridiculously cute CuteBone doggie pajamas.
These CuteBone Soft Dog Pajamas
are, by far, the absolute cutest dog clothes that exist for a Shih Tzu puppy or dog of any age. These will automatically turn any Shih Tzu, even a grumpy one, into a cuddle-muffin. And, if your dog is already a snuggly type, you may be in trouble because the cutest factor is off the charts.
are, by far, the absolute cutest dog clothes that exist for a Shih Tzu puppy or dog of any age. These will automatically turn any Shih Tzu, even a grumpy one, into a cuddle-muffin. And, if your dog is already a snuggly type, you may be in trouble because the cutest factor is off the charts.Though these are indeed pj's they are also referred to as a jumpsuit, and since only the paws will be touching the ground, feel free to let your Shih Tzu wear this both inside and outside. The belly part on the flip side has elastic for a good fit and it's cut pretty high which lets your dog go to the bathroom without any issues while wearing this.
There are 5 prints to choose from and it starts at size extra-small.
#7 This trendy raincoat by Ethical Pet.
A rain jacket for your Shih Tzu can be very useful. It eases potty breaks and walks, especially if your dog dislikes the rain. It also keeps them warm and prevents their coat from getting wet and smelly, which can happen when water mixes with body oils or yeast on their skin. Additionally, it helps keep them clean on wet days.
This Raincoat with a Hood by Ethical Pet
is our top pick since it's 100% water-proof (not just resistant), has a good-sized hole along the back for the leash-to-harness connection, and has Velcro on both the chest and belly for a good fit.
is our top pick since it's 100% water-proof (not just resistant), has a good-sized hole along the back for the leash-to-harness connection, and has Velcro on both the chest and belly for a good fit.The size 'small' is usually good for Shih Tzu in the 8 to 12-pound range. The 'medium' usually is best for dogs 13+ lbs.
#8 These lightweight and comfortable DroolingDog cotton t-shirts.
If you're looking for a simple yet cute and stylish shirt for your Shih Tzu puppy or dog, this DroolingDog Striped Cotton T-Shirt for Small Dogs
is it. This comes in a 2-pack with color options for both girls and boys. These are cotton, so they're super breathable and lightweight; it's often just enough to help prevent a puppy from getting chilled or to keep an adult feeling comfortable.
is it. This comes in a 2-pack with color options for both girls and boys. These are cotton, so they're super breathable and lightweight; it's often just enough to help prevent a puppy from getting chilled or to keep an adult feeling comfortable. This is truly designed just for toy breeds like the Shih Tzu; the x-small is for tiny puppies under 3.3 lbs., the small is for pups 3.3 to 5.5 lbs., the medium fits puppies 5.5 to 8.8 lbs., and the large is for dogs between 8.8 and 13.2 lbs.
