Best Harness a Shih Tzu

 Why it’s Important to Choose the Right Harness for a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, with their adorable appearance and affectionate nature, have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. These small and charming dogs originated in Tibet and were treasured companions of Chinese royalty for centuries. Tibetan monks selectively bred small-sized dogs with a lion-like appearance, which were believed to bring good fortune and luck. The Shih Tzu (which means “lion dog”) served as esteemed companions and lap dogs, pampered and cared for by the ruling class.

In the 1930s, the first Shih Tzus were imported to England, and the breed's popularity gradually spread. Today, Shih Tzus continue to be popular pets due to their lovable personality, low-shedding coat, and suitability for various living environments, including apartments and houses. This breed thrives on companionship and enjoys being a loving and loyal companion to its human family.

A harness is a great way to keep your regal companion happy and healthy. Unlike larger breeds, Shih Tzus have delicate necks that can be prone to injury if pulled or jerked during walks. A well-fitting harness distributes the pressure more evenly across their chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of strain on their neck and throat. 

Understanding Shih Tzu's Energy and Exercise Needs

While Shih Tzus may be small, they still require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Understanding their energy and exercise needs is crucial for providing them with a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Shih Tzus are generally considered a low-to-moderate energy breed, but their exercise requirements may vary based on their age, health, and individual personality.

Daily walks are an excellent form of exercise for Shih Tzus. Aim for two short walks of about 15 to 20 minutes each day, providing them opportunities to explore the environment, socialize, and engage their senses. Regular exercise helps prevent weight gain, keeps their muscles toned, and provides mental stimulation.

In addition to walks, interactive play sessions indoors or in a secure backyard can benefit Shih Tzus. Engage them with interactive toys, gentle tug-of-war games, or hide-and-seek activities to keep them mentally stimulated and active. While they may not require as much physical exercise as larger breeds, it is important to remember that Shih Tzus still need regular activity to prevent obesity and promote overall health and wellness!

The Importance of Training Shih Tzu

Training is an essential aspect of owning a Shih Tzu. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus have big personalities and can be strong-willed at times. Establishing clear boundaries, teaching basic commands, and providing consistent positive reinforcement training will help shape their behavior and ensure they become well-behaved companions.

Training sessions should be kept short and fun, as Shih Tzus can have a shorter attention span. Use reward-based training methods, such as treats and praise, to motivate and encourage them. It is essential to socialize Shih Tzus from a young age, exposing them to different people, animals, and environments to ensure they grow up to be confident and well-adjusted dogs.

A harness can be a valuable tool during training sessions, allowing for better control and preventing pulling or choking. Choosing the right harness that fits comfortably and securely is key to creating a positive training experience for both you and your Shih Tzu.

What is the Best Shih Tzu Harness?

When choosing the best harness for a Shih Tzu, size and fit are very important. Shih Tzu comes in different sizes, so a harness that fits them well is essential for their comfort and safety. Look for a highly adjustable harness that accommodates your Shih Tzu’s size, shape, and even grooming preferences. This is particularly important for small dogs, as an ill-fitting harness can cause discomfort, chafing, or even restrict movement.

We created our Joyride Harness with spunky little dogs like Shih Tzus in mind. Our harnesses fit a wide range of dogs and keep them both safe and comfortable. Our highly-adjustable straps give you a custom fit, no matter your dog’s proportions. And if your pup goes from long, luscious locks in the winter to a buzz cut in the summer, you can rest assured knowing their Joyride Harness is fully adjustable to fit them year-round–even over sweaters! 

With a Joyride Harness, you never have to worry about adding pressure to your baby’s sensitive neck. Our harness design goes around the chest, so any pressure is distributed equally. And if you’re working on training your little lion not to pull, a Joyride Harness can help!  Our revolutionary three-ring design will help train your dog not to pull by preventing them from pulling forward, no matter their size or strength. 

The other perk of Joyride Harness for Shih Tzu owners is our wide range of stylish colors and designs. You can now match your harness to the season or your favorite accessories. We believe that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for safety and comfort, so you can continue to accessorize your dog without having to wonder if they’re really safe.

What Size Harness Should I Buy for a Shih Tzu? 

Most adult Shih Tzu will fit in our small harnesses, which are suitable for dogs between 10 and 19 pounds. For growing puppies or larger Shih Tzu/Shih Tzu mixes, we recommend you utilize our size chart to find the best harness fit.

Joyride Reviews From Shih Tzu Owners

Looking for the best Shih Tzu harness? Here are some reviews from real pet parents who love Joyride Harness for their Shih Tzus!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Melissa P.

More Enjoyable Walks

My 11-pound Shih Tzu was not exactly a pleasure to walk. She pulled and walked almost at a run. Her new harness from JoyRide has made our walks so much more fun because it slows her down. The fit is perfect and it is so easy to put on and take off. Thank you!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Rebekah S.

Great harness for my little Shih Tzu!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Mary D.

Mei Mei, our Shih Tzu pup, loves her harness. She always fought her other one, but we just put this one on over her head and she's ready to go before we can get it buckled! It's lightweight and non binding so she hardly knows it's on. Excellent Product!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Tricia P.

Love this harness. Have bought 3 now. One for a German Shepherd and two for my shih tzu’s. They work well on all size dogs. Very sturdy and so easy to get on and off.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ D K. 

We purchased the Joyride Harness recently and could not be happier. We have two small dogs, a Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua mix. We struggled getting their old harnesses on. But the Joyride Harness slips on quickly and is easy to use. We recommend it highly!