Travelling with a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are natural companions who want nothing more than to be with their people - making them ideal candidates for holidays together. These affectionate little dogs adapt well to travel, though their flat faces and luxurious coats require consideration. With appropriate planning, Shih Tzus make delightful travel companions.

Understanding Shih Tzu Travel Needs

Breed Characteristics

What Makes Them Great Travellers:

• Compact size (easy transport)
• Adaptable nature
• People-focused (happy where you are)
• Generally friendly
• Moderate exercise needs
• Content with gentle adventures
• Good in accommodation

Important Considerations:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) - heat sensitivity
• Coat requires maintenance
• Can overheat easily
• Low exercise tolerance in heat
• Eye vulnerability
• May struggle with long walks

The Brachycephalic Factor

Understanding: Shih Tzus have shortened muzzles affecting breathing and temperature regulation.

Travel Implications:

• Heat is dangerous
• Air travel often restricted
• Exercise limitations in warm weather
• Climate-controlled environments important

Similar considerations apply to French Bulldogs and Boxers.

Best Destinations

Ideal Shih Tzu Destinations

Gentle Terrain: Shih Tzus don't need challenging hikes - comfortable walks suit them perfectly.

Cotswolds offers gentle village-to-village walks at Shih Tzu pace. Norfolk provides flat terrain and moderate climate. Suffolk Coast delivers easy walking with character.

Cooler Climates: Important for flat-faced breeds.

Scottish Borders offers cooler temperatures. Northumberland provides coastal breezes. Lake District (lower-level walks) in cooler months.

City Breaks: Shih Tzus suit urban environments well.

York, Bath, and Edinburgh offer walkable cities with dog-friendly culture.

Destinations to Approach Carefully

Hot Weather Anywhere: Avoid peak summer in southern destinations. See our Summer guide.

Challenging Terrain: Mountain destinations like Snowdonia or Scottish Highlands - stick to very gentle walks if visiting.

Exercise Needs

Daily Requirements

Moderate to Low:

• 30-45 minutes daily
• Gentle walks
• Multiple shorter walks often better
• Mental stimulation through interaction

On Holiday: Don't push too hard. Shih Tzus will try to keep up but shouldn't be over-exercised.

Activity Ideas

Perfect Shih Tzu Activities:

Village Exploring: Gentle wandering through pretty places. Perfect pace. Cotswolds villages ideal.

Café Culture: Shih Tzus excel at dog-friendly cafes. Sociable and content.

Short Beach Walks: Gentle beach strolls (not marathon runs). Paddling optional. See our Beach Holidays guide.

Garden Visiting: Dog-friendly gardens suit Shih Tzu pace perfectly.

Pub Stops: Natural pub dogs. Settle beautifully. See our Pub Walks guide.

Activities to Avoid:

• Long challenging hikes
• Hot weather activity
• Excessive exercise
• Very rough terrain

Heat Management

Critical for Shih Tzus

Understanding the Risk: Flat-faced breeds cannot cool themselves efficiently. Overheating can be fatal.

Warning Signs:

• Excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Bright red tongue
• Lethargy
• Collapse (emergency)

Prevention:

• Avoid exercise in heat
• Early morning/late evening only in summer
• Air-conditioned accommodation
• Always have water
• Shade essential
• Never leave in vehicles

Summer Strategies

Hot Weather Routine:

• Brief early morning outing
• Rest during day (cool indoors)
• Brief late evening walk
• Skip walks if too hot

Accommodation Needs:

• Good ventilation or air conditioning
• Cool areas available
• Not a hot conservatory

See our Summer guide for comprehensive heat management.

Best Travel Seasons

Ideal: Spring and autumn - warm enough for comfort, cool enough for safety.

Winter: Fine for Shih Tzus (may need coat). See our Winter guide.

Summer: Possible but requires careful management. Northern/coastal destinations better.

Grooming on Holiday

The Shih Tzu Coat

Characteristics:

• Long, flowing coat (if kept long)
• Or practical shorter clip
• Requires daily attention
• Mats easily

Holiday Grooming

Daily Needs:

• Brush/comb (essential if long coat)
• Face cleaning (eyes, beard)
• Check for tangles
• Eye care

What to Pack:

• Brush and comb
• Eye wipes
• Coat spray
• Scissors (minor tangles)
• Face cleaning supplies

Include grooming supplies in your packing list.

Practical Tip

Holiday Haircut: Consider shorter clip before holiday. Reduces maintenance. Helps with heat.

Accommodation

Shih Tzus Are Easy Guests

Benefits:

• Small size suits any accommodation
• Generally quiet
• Clean and well-mannered
• Settle well indoors

What Works:

• Cottages with gardens
• Hotels - size very manageable
• Pubs with rooms
• B&Bs

For booking tips, Shih Tzus are generally very welcome.

Travel

Car Journeys

Usually Good: Most Shih Tzus travel well. May sleep throughout.

Essential:

• Temperature control (critical)
• Secure restraint
• Water available
• Never leave in car

See our Travelling with Dogs guide.

Train Travel

Excellent: Small size makes train travel easy. Can sit on lap. Usually calm.

Air Travel

Challenging: Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds due to breathing risks. UK holidays by car/train safer.

Social Aspects

With People

Generally Excellent: Shih Tzus typically love people. Friendly and sociable.

With Other Dogs

Usually Good: Generally sociable. Friendly nature.

In Public

Well-Suited: Good pub and cafe dogs. Settle nicely. Attract positive attention.

Health Considerations

Brachycephalic Awareness

Always Monitor:

• Breathing sounds
• Signs of overheating
• Eye health
• Energy levels

Eye Care

Shih Tzu Eyes: Prominent eyes vulnerable to injury and irritation. Keep face clean. Watch for problems.

On Holiday

Watch For:

• Heat distress
• Eye irritation (wind, sand, debris)
• Breathing difficulties
• Over-tiredness

Know emergency vet locations - see our Emergency Vet guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shih Tzus good travel dogs?

Excellent - adaptable, portable, content to be with their people. Heat management essential.

How much exercise do Shih Tzus need on holiday?

30-45 minutes of gentle walking daily. Less in hot weather. Quality over quantity.

Can Shih Tzus handle long walks?

Not really their thing. Gentle, shorter walks suit them better. They're companions, not athletes.

Best type of holiday for Shih Tzus?

Gentle countryside, city breaks, anywhere with comfortable pace and good company.

What about hot weather?

Dangerous. Avoid heat. Cool destinations, cool seasons, or very careful management.

Do they need much grooming on holiday?

Daily brushing if long coat. Face cleaning. Consider shorter clip for easier holiday maintenance.

Gentle Adventures Await

Shih Tzus are delightful travel companions who want simply to be with their people. Choose gentle destinations, respect their limitations, and enjoy their affectionate company. They'll bring warmth to every adventure.

Luke appreciates the companionable nature of Shih Tzus. These devoted little dogs remind us that the best adventures are about being together.