How to care for Shih Tzu
Chó ông già
Quick facts
- Size
- Nhỏ
- Weight
- 2.5-4kg
- Price at Mật Pet Family
- 20.000.000 VND (~$800) – 50.000.000 VND (~$2000)
About Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, aristocratic breed with an undeniably charming presence. Its compact body is draped in a long, silky coat that flows like a luxurious robe, while the round face — framed by a short muzzle and large, dark, luminous eyes — gives it a perpetually sweet and approachable expression.
Long ears fall softly on either side, blending into the fluffy coat to create the impression of a living, animated cotton ball. The Shih Tzu moves with a light yet confident stride, and its plumed tail curls gracefully over its back — a signature flourish that gives the breed its distinctive regal air.
Temperamentally, the Shih Tzu is deeply affectionate and people-oriented. It loves being stroked, curling up beside its owner, and has a natural talent for pulling funny faces that never fail to draw a smile. Small in stature but lively in spirit, this breed thrives on attention and is far more alert and energetic than its pampered appearance might suggest.
Personality + Who it's for
An excellent choice for expats living in apartments or compact homes in HCMC, Hanoi, or Da Nang. The Shih Tzu's small size and relatively low exercise needs make it well-suited to high-rise and condo living. It is also a reliably gentle and patient breed around children, making it a great fit for families. As a short-muzzled (brachycephalic) breed, it can be sensitive to Vietnam's heat and humidity — keep it in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous outdoor activity in temperatures above 32°C.
Detailed care notes
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Shih Tzu care process
Standard 6-step care process based on 15 years of experience + 10,000+ pets cared for at Mật Pet Family. Initial setup ~45 minutes — most is gear + long-term care schedule.
- 1
Bringing Shih Tzu home — the first 24 hours
Prepare a quiet space for your Shih Tzu to adjust to the new environment. Essentials: separate crate/bed, individual food + water bowls, the same food brand Mật Pet was feeding (avoid sudden changes for the first 7-10 days), species-appropriate litter or potty area. On the first night, your puppy may whine — wrap a warm blanket, leave a familiar-scented toy. Every pet from Mật Pet has a Pet Care Portal profile — log in at matpet.vn/my-pet via phone for lifetime tracking.
- 2
Vaccination schedule + routine health checks for Shih Tzu
Your Shih Tzu from Mật Pet comes with 2 basic vaccinations. Booster schedule: 3rd shot (DHPPI + leptospirosis for dog) 3-4 weeks after the 2nd, then rabies after 12 weeks of age. Routine vet check every 6 months even if healthy — catches early signs of heart, kidney, liver issues common in purebreds. Mật Pet has 3-tier health warranty (Standard 30 days free / Gold 6 months / Premium 1 year). Consultation hotline: 0939863696 (English support available).
- 3
Nutrition by life stage
Puppy/Kitten stage (2-12 months): 3-4 meals/day, food formulated for young pets (high protein, soft kibble). Adult (1-7 years): 2 meals/day, maintenance food (target around 2.5-4kg). Senior (7+ years): 2 meals/day, easy-digest + low fat + glucosamine for joint support. Small dogs are prone to hypoglycemia — don't skip meals beyond 6 hours. Avoid human food (spices, onions, chocolate, grapes, cooked fish bones). Fresh water always available, refill 1-2x daily.
- 4
Bathing, grooming, and hygiene for Shih Tzu
Bath frequency: every 3-4 weeks (short coat sheds less). Use dog-specific shampoo (NOT human shampoo — pH differs and harms skin). Process: thorough brushing pre-bath → warm water 37-39°C → rinse shampoo completely → fully dry (pay attention to ear and belly areas). Nail trim every 2-3 weeks. Ear cleaning with specialized solution weekly (especially folded-ear breeds). Brush teeth 2-3x/week to prevent tartar. Mật Pet showroom offers professional Spa & Hotel service with internationally-ranked groomers.
- 5
Daily exercise and social interaction
Exercise duration: 20-30 min/day — indoor play + short outings. Shih Tzu typically displays siêu thân thiện, quấn chủ traits — suitable for an excellent choice for expats living in apartments or compact homes in hcmc, hanoi, or da nang. the shih tzu's small size and relatively low exercise needs make it well-suited to high-rise and condo living. it is also a reliably gentle and patient breed around children, making it a great fit for families. as a short-muzzled (brachycephalic) breed, it can be sensitive to vietnam's heat and humidity — keep it in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous outdoor activity in temperatures above 32°c.. Suitable activities for Shih Tzu: walking + fetch + basic training (sit, down, name recall). Avoid exercise right after meals (wait 1-2 hours to prevent gastric torsion). Daily social interaction is critical — your Shih Tzu isolated >8 hours/day risks stress and destructive behavior. The Mật Pet Family 8.7M follower community shares experience daily at facebook.com/matpetfamily.
- 6
Disease prevention + emergency warning signs
Warning signs requiring IMMEDIATE veterinary attention: refusing food >24 hours, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, breathing difficulty, unusual lethargy, high fever (>39.5°C/103°F for dog), seizures, urinary issues. Common purebred conditions: parvovirus (incomplete vaccination), distemper, kennel cough, hip dysplasia (large breeds). Prevention: deworming every 3 months, complete vaccinations, clean environment, 6-month vet check. Basic emergency: pet choking → DO NOT extract by hand, go to vet immediately. Mật Pet 24/7 hotline for consultation: 0939863696 (English support).
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