Are Shih Tzus Hypoallergenic?

Are you currently thinking of adopting a dog? Dogs are a lot of responsibility, and although they are a lot of work, they are worth the effort! Not everyone though, can live with a dog without constantly sneezing or breaking out with a rash. About 10 to 20% of the world’s population is allergic to pets. However, most people suffering from dog allergies have mild symptoms and can still live with dogs. Some dog breeds are also more allergy-friendly than others. So, what about Shih Tzus? Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic, and if they aren’t, can you still adopt one?

Are Shih Tzus Hypoallergenic?

Shih Tzus are low-shedding dogs, but they aren’t 100% hypoallergenic. However, they are more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds like pit bulls and Siberian huskies. Contrary to popular belief, people allergic to pets aren’t allergic to the fur, but the dander or saliva, and for the unlucky, sometimes both! Shih Tzus have fine hair-like fur and a double coat. This means that dander and allergens get trapped in their fur instead of falling out and spreading.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

A hypoallergenic dog breed isn’t a dog breed that doesn’t cause allergic reactions, but a dog that is less likely compared to other dog breeds. Usually, when someone’s allergic to a dog, they are allergic to the pet’s proteins found in their skin, saliva, or urine. So, how can you tell if you’re allergic to dogs?

The most common symptoms of pet allergies include sneezing, runny nose, rashes, watery and red eyes, and shortness of breath. Interestingly, sometimes those allergic to pets won’t react until days later if the allergen levels are low. If you suspect you’re allergic to pets, talk with your doctor! Severe reactions are rare.

Hypoallergenic dog Breeds

Shih Tzus aren’t the only dogs considered hypoallergenic. There are many others you can choose from if you want to limit your reactions. For example, according to the American Kennel Club, the Bichon Frise is a hypoallergenic dog, despite its fluffiness. This playful and energetic dog breed has a plush and velvety coat. Despite having so much fur, they don’t shed often. The hair that they do shed gets stuck in their undercoat. To minimize reactions and pet allergy symptoms, you can brush your pet’s fur every day and dispose of the released fur and dander.

Another hypoallergenic dog breed is the Chinese crested dog breed. These nearly hairless dogs are allergy-friendly. The fur they do grow is silky and soft. Although this dog breed is hypoallergenic, they require a lot of grooming since their pink spotted skin is exposed. They require sunscreen, lotion, and brushing frequently.

About Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic and one of the most well-known small dog breeds in the world. These tiny dogs also have a long and rich history. They are playful, caring, affectionate, and true lap dogs. They also vary quite a bit in looks. Some, for instance, are born with nearly pin-straight hair-like fur, while others have curly fur that shrinks as it dries. If you’re looking into bringing a Shih Tzu into your family, follow along to learn more about this sweet dog breed.

History

There are a few theories as to how the modern shih tzu developed. Some experts believe this dog breed is a mix of the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. These lovely small and elegant dogs have been depicted in Chinese art for thousands of years, with some differences. Although we don’t know a lot about this dog breed’s origins, experts are almost completely sure the modern Shih Tzu was developed by Tibetan Monks.

Shih Tzus were brought to Europe as gifts during the 1930s. It didn’t take long for this beautiful dog breed to spread. By 1934, the Shih Tzu Club of England was founded. The Kennel Club (UK) officially recognized this small dog breed on May 7, 1940. Now, shih tzus are highly sought after and can cost anywhere from 500 to 10,000, sometimes less if you’re adopting from a shelter.

Temperament

Shih Tzu puppies are spunky, goofy, and friendly. They love affection and seek it out. Along with dachshunds, shih tzus are known for their clinginess. They aren’t dogs that can be left alone for hours. There’s no place a shih tzu would rather be than on its owner’s lap.

Shih Tzus aren’t just happy and friendly dogs, they are also highly intelligent and clever. These dogs can solve puzzles in minutes and are little escape artists, finding unique ways to run. Although calm and needy, shih tzus are also independent and hard-headed. They take time to train and teach.

Size and Appearance

No two Shih Tzus are exactly alike. It’s so surprising how they vary in size and color. Although this is true, on average, shih tzus are about 7.9 to 11 inches tall. There is minimal to no difference between genders. They also weigh between 8.8 to 16.5 pounds. These small dogs have short and flat nuzzles and large deep eyes. The contrast between their light coats and their dark eyes reminds some people of owls. This dog breed has been previously described as owls. Shih Tzus also have small mouths and floppy ears. They also have a noticeable underbite.

Their ears and most of their face tend to be covered with dangling fur unless it’s trimmed. These dogs come in all types of colors and are usually bi-colored or tri-colored. Most dog organizations recognize black, blue, red, brindle, silver, and gold coats. Many shih tzus also have grey ‘highlights’ and patterns on their coats. Regardless of what your hypoallergenic shih tzu looks like, they are cute!

Health

Sadly, shih tzus are one of those dog breeds with many health issues. One of the most common health problems is brachycephaly, which is a skull face malformation. This health problem is also common in English bulldogs, Frenchies, and pugs. When overbred, their faces appear to look ‘squished’. As cute as this feature is, it can cause difficulty breathing. Skin rashes are also common because of this malformation.

Some shih tzus also struggle with eye problems. Cataracts are common, especially in older shih tzus. Since they have large eyes, it’s also easier for them to accidentally scratch or hurt them, causing excessive tears, redness, and eye infections. This is also a reason why it’s so important to groom your shih tzu frequently. Their fur can scratch and irritate their eye.

Grooming

Adopting and taking care of a shih tzu is a lot of work and responsibility. If you don’t brush their fur often, it can lead to mats and hurt their eyes. Shih Tzus are short dogs with long hair that grows quickly. This quick-growing long hair can not only scratch your dog’s eye but leave them blind or temporarily unable to see. Without their full vision, they can struggle to move around or accidentally hurt themselves.

You should groom your shih tzus fur every day, which can also decrease allergens. Brushing is just a small part of the equation. You should also trim your shih tzus fur once every four to six weeks. You can also hire a professional dog groomer if you don’t feel comfortable. Shih Tzus also need a bath every two to three weeks, sometimes sooner if they drag their fur on the ground.