Toys for a Shih Tzu: durability, exercise and enrichment
Shih Tzu : Not very athletic, the Shih Tzu prefers calm play: soft plush toys, small chew toys and lick mats suit it better than intense ball games. Simple treat dispensers keep its mind sharp without leaving it breathless.
See it in the Planète Pets shop: 5-knot cotton rope tug toy for dogs (€22.90) · the whole shop
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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.
Toys that survive a Shih Tzu
Its soft mouth suits plush and soft toys, which it carries more than it destroys — perfect for retrieving toys and comforters. Bin any split or gutted toy: swallowed pieces are a classic veterinary emergency.
How much daily activity?
An adult Shih Tzu demands 45 to 60 minutes of real activity each day — and count the sniffy walks: ten minutes of nose-down work equals half an hour of marching.
Mental work: the real boredom-buster
On days without outings, the Shih Tzu spends itself differently: snuffle mats, kibble dispensers and canine puzzles — always starting easy, since success feeds motivation where failure kills it. Two or three ten-minute sessions beat an hour on Sunday.
Frequently asked questions
Which toys should I pick for a Shih Tzu?
Its soft mouth suits plush and soft toys, which it carries more than it destroys — perfect for retrieving toys and comforters.
How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need daily?
A fit adult calls for 45 to 60 minutes of genuine daily exertion — a figure adjusted to age, health and the day’s weather.
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