Shih Tzu Puppy Checklist

Before They Arrive

What to Have Ready Before Your Shih Tzu Comes Home

Shih Tzu puppies are small (usually 3–5 lbs at 8 weeks), adaptable, and surprisingly confident for their size. The setup for a Shih Tzu is less about physical containment challenges and more about starting the routines that determine whether you'll have a well-groomed, comfortable dog or a matted, frustrated one in six months.

This checklist has more grooming items than a typical breed guide — because grooming is genuinely the central commitment of Shih Tzu ownership. The grooming tools and eye care supplies need to be in your hands before the puppy arrives so the routine starts immediately, not after the first mat problem.

The Full List

Supplies Checklist

Containment & Sleep

• Small/medium crate with divider — Shih Tzus max out at 9–16 lbs; a medium crate is the right lifetime size; use the divider to reduce the space for housetraining
• Soft, comfortable dog bed — Shih Tzus are not heavy chewers; you can invest in comfort from day one; a cushioned bed they can sink into suits the breed
• X-pen or baby gate — for managing puppy access during housetraining; check gate spacing — Shih Tzu puppies at 8 weeks can fit through some gaps that look too small

Feeding

• Small stainless steel bowls (2) — flat-bottomed; avoid bowls deep enough for the facial hair and beard to trail in the water and food
• Small-breed puppy food — ask the breeder what they've been feeding; transition slowly over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset
• Small, soft training treats — Shih Tzus respond well to food rewards; have training treats immediately available; break larger treats into tiny pieces to avoid overfeeding

Collar, Leash & ID

• Lightweight flat collar — sized for a puppy neck (7–9 inches); you'll replace this quickly as they grow
• 4–6 foot leash — for training; Shih Tzus are not strong pullers
• ID tag with your phone number — have this ready before the puppy arrives
• Harness (for later) — some owners prefer a harness over a collar; useful once they're leash-pulling consistently

Grooming (Essential — Start Day One)

• Pin brush — the correct brush for a Shih Tzu double coat; start using it from arrival so brushing becomes a normal, accepted routine before the adult coat grows in
• Fine-toothed metal comb — run through the coat after brushing to verify you've reached the skin and caught any developing tangles
• Detangling spray — mist before brushing; prevents hair breakage and makes the routine faster and more comfortable for the dog
• Small topknot bands — silicone hair bands or latex-free small bands; to keep facial hair out of the eyes between grooming visits; start using these early
• Gentle dog shampoo — moisturizing formula; for baths every 3–4 weeks; always brush before bathing
• Nail clippers (small breed) — handle the paws from day one to build tolerance; nail trims every 3–4 weeks

Eye and Face Care

• Eye wipes or soft damp cloths — for daily eye cleaning from day one; use a fresh cloth or wipe for each eye; this is the most important breed-specific daily routine for a Shih Tzu
• Tear stain remover (optional initially) — for managing existing staining once it develops; daily wiping is the prevention, tear stain remover is the correction

Toys

• Small Kong — fill with soft food for crate settling; size-appropriate for a small breed
• Soft plush toy — Shih Tzus enjoy carrying and playing with soft toys; expect it to get loved to destruction
• Small rope toy — for gentle tug and chewing; avoid anything small enough to be swallowed

Health & Safety

• Pet insurance — applied for before the first vet visit — brachycephalic conditions, eye conditions, and renal issues are the key coverage priorities for this breed
• Vet appointment booked — within 3 days of arrival; bring all health records and the breeder's health test documentation
• Enzyme cleaner — for accidents; Shih Tzus typically take 4–6 months to housetrain reliably; you'll use this product a lot in year one
• Puppy-proofed space — at 8 weeks they're tiny and fast; secure electrical cords and keep small items off the floor

First Week

First Week Plan and Common Mistakes

Day 1–2: Calm and Consistent

Shih Tzu puppies are sociable and will want to meet everyone. Resist the urge to immediately host everyone who wants to meet the new puppy. Keep the first 48 hours quiet — limited visitors, limited room access, and establishing the basics: where the sleeping spot is, where the bathroom is, and what the feeding schedule looks like. Start the crate routine from night one.

Day 3: First Vet Visit

Bring all health records. For a Shih Tzu specifically, discuss with your vet:

• Baseline eye exam — check for any signs of early dry eye or irritation from the prominent eyes
• Breathing assessment — a mild level of brachycephalic noise is normal; what to watch for as the puppy grows
• Vaccine schedule and flea/tick/heartworm prevention appropriate to their age
• The renal dysplasia background — discuss the breeder's family health history and what signs to monitor for

Week 1: Start the Grooming Routine

The single most important thing you can do in week one is establish the grooming habit with treats and positive reinforcement. Daily eye wipes, brief brush sessions, and ear handling sessions need to become as unremarkable as feeding. A Shih Tzu that fights grooming as an adult is uncomfortable to maintain and makes vet exams harder. A Shih Tzu that accepts it calmly makes the whole ownership experience dramatically easier. Week one is when this is shaped.

The Most Common Mistakes New Shih Tzu Owners Make

• Skipping brushing for a few days "because the puppy coat looks fine" — the puppy coat is soft and mats faster than the adult coat. By the time you see a mat problem, several are already tight against the skin. Brush every 2 days from week one, regardless of whether it seems necessary.
• Not wiping the eyes daily — tear staining that sets into the hair is far harder to remove than fresh daily discharge. The daily wipe takes 30 seconds. Removing set staining takes weeks of treatment. Start immediately.
• Assuming housetraining will go quickly — toy breeds have small bladders and most take 4–6 months to housetrain reliably. Set realistic expectations, commit to a consistent schedule, and don't punish accidents — it slows the process. Patience and schedule consistency are the tools that work.