A Bed Fit for a King: Picking Out the Perfect Bed for Your Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are popular toy dog breeds roaming and rolling around on this Earth for more than 1000 years. These small yet hardy dogs, even for their size, were first found in Tibet and later on were popular among royalties in China. This breed practically lived with emperors. These little furballs are glamorous yet very active dogs. Though even if they are small breeds, they still require lots of care and attention.

Getting to know the Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus weigh from about 9 to 11 pounds and stand from 8 to 11 inches. These dogs come in a variety of colours and combinations, from black, white, tan, and grey. Shih Tzus were first mainly treated as lap dogs because they make a good companion. While some dogs enjoy roughhousing most of the time or running around the yard, Shih Tzus have a unique talent for sitting with you as you watch your favourite shows or as you take a nap. However, people have started taking this breed out to more high-energy activities, and surprisingly, Shih Tzus were a natural-born champ. 

This breed is highly affectionate, which makes them great family dogs. Often, space would be an issue when picking out your dog. With a Shih Tzu, even a tiny apartment is big enough. With the proper care and the right lifestyle, these dogs could go up to 10-16 years old. That’s more than 100 years old in dog years!

Proper Care 

Shih Tzus are high maintenance. Looking at their long coat, you can quickly tell that Shih Tzus cannot tolerate extreme hot weather. A responsible Shih Tzu paw-rent will know to keep their dog’s hair short during hot summer days. Also, wiping the area around their eyes should become a practice as Shih Tzus are prone to eye irritation and anomalies. Make it a habit to use a clean damp cloth to wipe dirt and tears from their face. This glamorous breed has a constantly growing long coat that requires daily brushing. When brushing their hair, be sure to section them out to reach up to the skin. Unbrushed Shih Tzus will give you the difficult task of detangling matted fur. When you bring a Shih Tzu home, remember that this breed is difficult to housebreak. Getting them inside the house without the proper training will mean a ton of mess for you to clean up constantly. For this aspect, crate training can be helpful. 

Shih Tzus are not picky when it comes to their home as long as you keep them company. This breed is not like other dogs that you have to give time to exercise with constantly. However, they do tend to gain weight fast. Short daily walks should do the trick in making sure that they still get their exercise. 

Even though Shih Tzus make great family dogs, this is not advised for families with toddlers around the house. Their small size makes them prone to accidentally being injured unknowingly by active toddlers. 

Space and Beddings

Like any dog, this breed finds comfort in specific things and specific spots. It is good to have these things prepared when you bring home your pup. When doing your welcome home shopping for your Shih Tzu, consider what will affect their overall health and wellbeing. 

As puppies, these dogs can be rambunctious. Combined with their thick long hair, it won’t be a surprise if you see them all muddy and covered in dirt. Imagine if they jump into their bed and roll around. You will be left with a muddy dog and a dirty dog bed. This is why when you purchase a dog bed and other accessories like blankets and cushions, make sure that it will not be difficult to clean. Go for something washable and, if possible, waterproof. This way, whatever dirt the little furball brings in would be on the surface. 

Another thing is, like babies, puppies also go through a teething stage. This means that everything is a chew toy: your tables, your pillows, your shoes, and their bed. You wouldn’t want to keep buying these things over and over. Get your hands on a pet bed built to be with your dog from puppy years onto senior years. 

Our Recommendation

Knowing how much you love your fur babies, Ambient Lounge designed a line of luxury pet beds that fits your every need. It won’t be a problem if your dog decides to mark their bed as their territory. You can easily hose it down as if you were washing your car. Knowing how sensitive your Shih Tzu can be to the weather, you can always count on Ambient Lounge pet beds to provide a comfortable and relaxed sleeping experience for your doggos. 

During the winter season, you can always let them enjoy the comfort of having the faux fur top. When the temperature rises, you can simply detach the top part. Let your pup dog sleep comfortably on a soft and cozy pet bed that has that breathable technology to keep the bed and your pet cool. 

With Ambient Lounge luxury dog beds, it is without a doubt that Shih Tzus, who loves sleep more than most dogs, will snore their way into doggy dreamland.