Do Shih Tzus like water? Some do and some don’t. Like with all things it depends on the personality of the dog. Even so, you can train your Shih Tzu to enjoy the water at bath time and at the beach.
Do Shih Tzus Like Water?
If your Shih Tzu has never been near or in the water before, chances are they will be afraid of it and not want anything to do with it.
This is especially true if you are at the beach. The sound of the waves and the crashing on the shore can be a bit overwhelming to a little dog.
However, once you have introduced your Shih Tzu to the water, chances are, they will start to enjoy it.
If you find that your Shih Tzu doesn’t like water, you’re not alone. Here are 9 dog breeds that just say no to water.
Are Shih Tzus and the Water a Good Fit?
Because Shih Tzus are part of the brachycephalic bred of dogs, they have a hard time breading in general, and being in the water makes it even more difficult.
A brachycephalic dog has been bred to have a short snout and a squished in face. They are certainly cute, but they do have breathing issues because of it.
When a Shih Tzu is in the water, say in a pool or at the beach, it is even more difficult for it to breathe because it has to hold its head up and back. With the head in this position, it causes further difficulty for them.
Not to mention, Shih Tzus have very short legs. It takes a lot of energy for them to paddle around. They can get tired quickly, so don’t expect them to swim for long.
Finally, with their long hair, they take a long time to dry once they are wet. This can cause additional issues if it is chilly outside.
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Can a Shih Tzu Swim?
Shih Tzus like most other breeds of dogs swim naturally. Once in the water, you will see their little legs start to paddle.
Even so, Shih Tzus tend to be poor swimmers in general. As mentioned, with their short legs and breathing issues, they can’t swim for long.
Also, Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of exercise, so they get tired pretty quickly. You should always be near them when they are in the pool or at the beach so you can watch for signs of fatigue.
To make things a little easier for your Shih Tzu, consider using a doggie life jacket. This will help your little guy keep his head up above the water if he becomes too tired.
A life jacket will also make your Shih Tuz’s first time in the water a little less scary and more comfortable.
This is the one I use for both Truman and Sammy. (You can learn more about Truman and Sammy here.)
Both of my Shih Tzus were a little scared of the water the first time I took them to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.
There was some foam on the waves as it hit the beach which they were really unsure of. They found it interesting but I think they also thought it was out of some space alien movie.
Once they got past the foam, they were okay with getting their paws wet. Over the week we were there, they finally made it all the way in. Their life vests certainly helped.
Just one word of caution, you need to be extra careful when you take your Shih Tzu into a major body of water. One big wave out of the blue and they can be swept underwater and out to sea before you even know it.
So, stay close and certainly within arm’s length, so you can grab them and keep them safe.
Do Shih Tzus Like Baths?
Of course, not all water comes in pools or oceans, there is that other dreaded water that comes in a sink or bathtub.
Like most dogs, Shih Tzus are not big fans of taking baths.
I take both Truman and Sammy to the groomers but when I have to give them a bath I do it in the sink. That’s an advantage having a small dog that will fit in the sink. It makes it a lot easier to give them a bath.
Even so, I spend most of the time trying to keep them in the sink. They want out and they want out now.
One way to help your Shih Tzu like or at least tolerate a bath is to start early when they are a puppy.
Make bathtime fun and give them praise and even a treat when they are getting a bath. That way they will associate good things with bathtime.
Related Questions:
Why Do Shih Tzus Hate Water?
Sometimes a Shih Tzu will hate the water because they don’t like their hair to get wet. Once their ears are wet they can slap against their face which is uncomfortable. Also, Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections, so having wet ears can be an issue.
Not to mention all that wet hair gets heavy to carry around.
To Sum it All Up:
While Shih Tzus can certainly swim and be in the water, they aren’t natural water dogs. Honestly, they are much better suited to sitting on a pillow next to you watching TV. But if you really want to take your Shih Tzu to the beach or pool just keep in mind they will get tired out very quickly in the water and it is best to use a life vest to help keep their head above water.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s behavior. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
