Shih Tzu Shedding

Shih Tzu do shed. Though they are not considered as heavy shedders, their hair still undergo changes and get replaced once in a while. This may not be a major problem for Shih Tzu owners but there are certain differences in Shih Tzu shedding that owners must know. Apart from their cute little faces, this breed doesn’t have fur. Instead, they have hair – just the same as humans. Hair is thinner and longer than fur which has a seemingly fluffier look and only grows at a maximum of 2 inches and then breaks off. Whether it’s hair or fur, these structures are being shed once in a way to facilitate growth of new hair or fur. This happens during the catagen phase of hair growth where a transition between active growth and rest phase happens. If a hair cannot bear this stress in this phase, it breaks off.

Shih Tzu shedding occurs twice a year – usually in the spring or fall. Not all times owners take notice of the shedding since the longer hairs are not the ones which are removed. The shorter thinner hairs are broken off during shedding season. This is the reason why Shih Tzu need regular combing and grooming – not majorly for beautification purposes but to remove these shorter thinner hairs. If these were to remain on the coat, they get entangled with the longer hairs and eventually form mats and knots. If air circulation is compromised, the skin can get dry or infected. Also, if a dog scratches this area of tangled hair, it may be removed together with the uppermost covering of the skin leading to pus formation.
Puppies, on the other hand shed their baby coat that is lighter and fluffier than adult coat starting 3 months and as a late as 9 months old. This period is observed for a month to 3 months; so if ever you have a puppy around this age, expect some fallen hair attached to your clothes, carpet, bed sheets, and doormats. Furthermore, pregnant bitches can also shed a lot of hair due to some hormonal changes; but no need to worry since eventually after parturition and during the milking stage of the puppies, hair grows back normally.