🧰Accessories for a Shih Tzu: harness, bowls and essentials

Shih Tzu : Its typical kit includes a size-S harness, a pin brush, a metal comb, eye lotion and bands or a clip to keep the topknot out of its eyes. A slow-feeder bowl can help dogs that eat too fast.

In short: A small dog of 4.5 to 8 kg with a long, continuously growing coat, a short muzzle and moderate energy. An affectionate, fairly calm flat companion, not very sporty but always close to its people. Its continuously growing coat and short muzzle add up to two budgets: grooming every six to eight weeks and constant heat vigilance, with a harness rather than a collar.

Harness and lead sized for the Shih Tzu

For its 4.5 to 8 kg, pick a Y-fit harness in size S to M, two-point adjustable and ideally tried on: a good fit lets two fingers slide everywhere without slack. A 2-metre lead in town and a longer one for strolls match its steady pace.

Bowls and daily kit

A wide, shallow bowl for its short muzzle — slow-feed version if it inhales its food. The basics remain: continuous fresh water, a mat under the bowls, an airtight container to keep the kibble fresh.

The extras that genuinely matter for this breed

a cooling mat and an outing water bottle: heat is its number-one enemy — each under €40. The detailed picks are on the full Shih Tzu profile.

Frequently asked questions

What harness size for a Shih Tzu?

Size S to M for an adult of 4.5 to 8 kg, in an adjustable Y-cut — measure the girth behind the elbows to decide between two sizes.

What starter budget for a Shih Tzu?

Expect €120 to 250 for the full kit (bed, harness and lead, bowls, crate, toys, brush), food excluded.

The guides that apply to you

The rest of the Shih Tzu’s gear

Accessories for related breeds and species