Shih Tzu No Hair: The Complete Story of Shih Tzus and Their Hair

Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats, but did you know that some Shih Tzus are born with little to no hair? This is a relatively rare condition.

Shih Tzus have a unique genetic makeup that affects their hair growth, and in some cases, it can result in a condition called hypotrichosis. This means that the dog has a reduced amount of hair or no hair at all.

Some Shih Tzus may inherit this condition from their parents, while others may develop it due to environmental factors. In either case, it's essential to understand the condition and how to care for a Shih Tzu with no hair.

Shih Tzus with no hair require special care to protect their skin from the sun and wind.

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The Shih Tzu has a unique hair coat that's made up of two layers: a dense undercoat and a silky outer coat. This double coat provides some water resistance and helps keep the undercoat dry in the rain.

The Shih Tzu's outer coat sheds moderately all year-round, but its undercoat sheds more in the spring and fall. However, unlike most double coat breeds, the Shih Tzu is an extremely rare breed that almost never sheds.

Their adult coat is made up of hair instead of fur, which means it takes much longer for individual strands of hair to die and fall out, resulting in much less shedding. Hair is also typically finer than fur, so it may carry less dander and fewer dead skin cells when it falls out.

Shih Tzus are often referred to as "hypoallergenic" dogs because they shed very little. However, it's essential to note that even low-shedding dogs like the Shih Tzu can still cause allergies in some people.

The Shih Tzu's hair coat can grow very long, so regular grooming is necessary to keep them looking their best. This also helps to remove loose hair and prevent it from floating around the house.

Here are the two instances when you'll notice your Shih Tzu's hair coming out more than usual:

Shih Tzus are known to shed minimally, but not completely. In fact, they're often considered hypoallergenic due to their low shedding.

As a Shih Tzu owner, you might notice some loose hair around the house, but it's usually just a few stray strands. This is because the act of brushing dislodges loose hair trapped in the topcoat.

Shih Tzus typically go through a stage of heavy shedding around 10 months to one year of age when their coat changes from the puppy coat to the adult coat. This is a normal process and should only last a few weeks.

If you're allergic to dogs, a Shih Tzu might be a good choice, but keep in mind that even low-shedding dogs can still cause allergies due to pet dander.

Here are some common symptoms of hair loss in dogs:

Treatment for hair loss in dogs depends on the underlying cause, but common options include antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, and immunosuppressive drugs. Your veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment for your Shih Tzu's specific needs.

Regular grooming is essential for Shih Tzus to prevent matting and tangling, and to reduce shedding. Brushing your Shih Tzu regularly can help prevent hair loss and keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.

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As a Shih Tzu owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can lead to hair loss in your furry friend. Skin issues can be a common cause of hair loss in Shih Tzus, so it's crucial to keep an eye out for dry skin, redness, or flakiness, especially around the ears, paws, and tail.

Regular grooming sessions can help you detect any skin problems early on. If you notice any unusual changes in your Shih Tzu's coat, such as coarse or dry patches, it's best to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Some possible causes of hair loss in Shih Tzus include pressure sores, friction from collars, nervous chewing or licking, and infections like ringworm or mange. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to more serious health issues.

A veterinarian will typically examine your Shih Tzu to determine the underlying cause of hair loss, which may involve a physical examination, blood tests, or skin biopsies. They may also consider factors like the pattern of hair loss, skin condition, and whether your Shih Tzu is itching or uncomfortable.

Here are some potential causes of hair loss in Shih Tzus, grouped by category:

Treatment for hair loss in Shih Tzus will depend on the underlying cause, but may involve antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, or behavioral medications. In some cases, dietary changes or flea preventatives may be necessary to alleviate hair loss associated with food allergies or flea allergies.

Symptoms of hair loss in Shih Tzus can be quite noticeable. Overall thinning of the hair is a common symptom, and it can occur at any age.

Hair loss around the eyes and mouth is another common symptom, and it can be quite distressing for pet owners. Patches of complete hair loss may also develop, which can be alarming.

Symmetrical patterns of hair loss in the same place on both sides of the body can be a sign of an underlying condition. A foul odor may accompany hair loss, especially if it's caused by skin infections.

Itchiness is a common symptom of hair loss in Shih Tzus, and it can lead to further skin problems if left untreated. Black or dark grey skin under hair loss can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Dry, scaly skin around the area of hair loss is a common symptom, and it can be uncomfortable for the dog. Red, inflamed skin around the area of hair loss can be a sign of infection or irritation.

Here are some common symptoms of hair loss in Shih Tzus:

Treatment for hair loss in Shih Tzus may need to be repeated more than once, depending on their predisposition to skin infections.

Follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure the problem is resolving and any infection is clearing.

Monitor your Shih Tzu's skin and hair regrowth closely, and communicate any changes or concerns to your veterinarian so they can adjust treatment accordingly.

It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your Shih Tzu receives the best possible care during the recovery process.

Shih Tzus are often considered hypoallergenic dogs because they shed very little. Their double coat is made up of a dense undercoat and a silky outer coat, which is rare among double-coated breeds.

The American Kennel Club ranks the shih tzu's shedding as a one on a scale of one-to-five, making it a low-to-no shedding breed. This is because their adult coat is made up of hair instead of fur, which grows for a long time and falls out less often.

Shih Tzus do shed, but minimally, and it's mostly when they're brushing them or transitioning from their puppy coat to their adult coat. During this time, they'll shed quite a bit, but it should only last a few weeks.

The key to owning a shih tzu if you have allergies is regular grooming and hair care. You should brush them regularly to maintain a clean and healthy coat, and consider professional grooming to keep loose hair under control.

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Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a shih tzu is right for you:

Keep in mind that there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, but shih tzu's unique coat makes them a good option for those with allergies.