🧳Travelling with a Shih Tzu: car, crate and rules

Shih Tzu : Use a harness rather than a collar, as its breathing is already limited by its short muzzle. Avoid travelling in the heat of the day: like all brachycephalic dogs, it is highly vulnerable to heatstroke, and many airlines refuse these breeds in the hold.

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.

In the car with a Shih Tzu

At 4.5 to 8 kg, the Shih Tzu travels in a rigid crate of about 55 cm placed in the rear footwell or strapped in, or an approved carrier bag for the lightest. An unrestrained dog of this weight becomes a projectile under braking — and a possible fine for distracted driving.

Trains, planes, holidays

Too big for the cabin, the Shih Tzu flies in the pressurised hold in an IATA-approved crate — an ordeal to reserve for unavoidable trips, and one many airlines refuse for brachycephalic breeds, vulnerable to heat and respiratory stress. On trains, a muzzle and lead meet the rules. Get it used to the crate weeks before departure: left open at home with treats inside, it becomes a den rather than a trap.

Identification and good habits

A Shih Tzu travels chipped and vaccinated — EU passport and rabies shot whenever a border or boarding kennel is involved. And in summer, the absolute rule: never alone in the car, where temperatures turn lethal within minutes.

Frequently asked questions

What crate size for a Shih Tzu?

Aim for 55 cm long for an adult: it must stand head-up and turn around freely — and for flying, only the model’s IATA dimensions count.

Can a Shih Tzu fly in the cabin?

No, it exceeds the cabin limit (8 kg including the bag): it travels in the pressurised hold in an IATA crate — avoid it when you can.

The guides that apply to you

The rest of the Shih Tzu’s gear

Travel & safety for related breeds and species